VehicleVerdict

1985 BMW 318 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1985 BMW 318 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other 318 years?

318 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted47 complaints1984: 4 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 47 complaints1992: 17 complaints1993: 17 complaints1994: 26 complaints1995: 28 complaints1996: 11 complaints1997: 6 complaints1998: 3 complaints2001: 6 complaints
318 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 318 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 BMW 318 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine150%
Seat Belts150%

Does the 1985 BMW 318 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

93V015000Visibility & WipersFebruary 1, 1993 · 375,000 units

Defect

THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.

Consequence

VEHICLES OPERATED UNDER THIS INCREASED COOLING SYSTEMPRESSURE CONDITION CAN SUFFER DAMAGE OR FAILURE OF PARTS OF THE COOLING SYSTEMSUCH AS (1) LEAKAGE FROM A COOLANT HOSE, (2) LEAKAGE OF THE RADIATOR OREXPANSION TANK, (3) DISCONNECTION OF A HOSE FROM A PIPE OR A FITTING, AND (4)CRACKS IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE RESULTING IN COOLANT LEAKAGE. IN SOME CASES,BOILING COOLANT CAN CONTACT THE LOWER RIGHT LEG OF THE DRIVER RESULTING INBURNS. ALSO, ESCAPING COOLANT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE VAPORFOGGING OF THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE WINDOWS, REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CONTROL COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE HEATER CORE. ALSO, A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP WILL BE INSTALLED, TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.

86V138000SteeringOctober 20, 1986 · 120,261 units

Defect

THE TWO PARTS OF THE STEERING COLUMN DISENGAGEMENT ELEMENT COULD COMPLETELY DISCONNECT IF THE CAR CONTACTS AN OBJECT IN THE ROADWAY OR ELSEWHERE OF SUFFICIENT MASS TO APPLY A SIGNIFICANT FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE STEERING GEARBOX. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: STEERING CONTROL WOULD BE LOST.

Remedy

BOLT TWO SPECIALLY FORMED PLATES TO THE DISENGAGEMENT ELEMENT SO THAT STEERING CAPABILITY WILL BE RETAINED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE FEMALE PART OF THE BUCKLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATES. BOTH PLASTIC SIDES FALL OFF WHICH CAUSED THE BUCKLE NOT TO LATCH. THE OWNER REPLACED THE PORTION OF BUCKLE WITH A USED PART IN MAY OF 97. THE PART NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · May 5, 1997

1985 BMW 318 — common questions

Is the 1985 BMW 318 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1985 BMW 318 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 BMW 318. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 BMW 318 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW 318 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 318 years to avoid are 1991. The cleanest record among 318 years belongs to 1989.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.