VehicleVerdict

1997 BMW 318i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1997 BMW 318i — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other 318i years?

318i NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted19 complaints1984: 6 complaints1985: 9 complaints1991: 9 complaints1992: 8 complaints1993: 15 complaints1994: 19 complaints1995: 19 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 6 complaints1998: 12 complaints2001: 4 complaints2003: 3 complaints
318i NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 318i years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 BMW 318i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System233%
Tires & Wheels233%
Engine117%
Visibility & Wipers117%

Does the 1997 BMW 318i have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

97V131000Speed ControlAugust 19, 1997 · 410,000 units

Defect

THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON A 1998, BMW, 318I WITH 30283 MILES. DRIVING 65 MPH CONSUMER HEARD NOISE COMING FROM PASSENGER'S REAR OF VEHICLE. TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED, CAUSING $ 4000.00 DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.*AK CONTINENTAL TOURING 205/60R15 91H CH95”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 14, 2002

“CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENED SHE COULD NOT TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND TO CALL THIS AGENCY AND REPORT IT. *PH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 30, 2003

“WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT REMAINED ON, AND EXHAUST FUMES WERE COMING INTO THE VEHICLE WHILE THE WINDOWS WERE CLOSED. CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON WEBSITE CONCERNING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OXYGEN SENSOR . NOT ABLE TO LOCATE THAT INFORMATION IN OUR DATA BASE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 12, 2004

1997 BMW 318i — common questions

Is the 1997 BMW 318i reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 BMW 318i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 BMW 318i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.