VehicleVerdict

1993 BMW 318iS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 1993 BMW 318iS — 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.

13

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other 318iS years?

318iS NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted13 complaints1991: 7 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 13 complaints1994: 6 complaints1995: 6 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 2 complaints
318iS NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 318iS years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 BMW 318iS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine969%
Electrical System215%
Speed Control18%
Suspension18%

Does the 1993 BMW 318iS have recalls?

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

98V178000EngineAugust 4, 1998 · 340,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.

Consequence

IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.

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.

“THERE IS A COOLANT LEAK IN ENGINE BECAUSE AN INFERIOR FORM OF RUBBER SEALANT IS USED ON ENGINE. COOLANT GOES BACK INTO ENGINE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THEY KNEW ABOUT LEAK AND ITS A FREQUENT PROBLEM, BUT NOT UNDER WARRANTY.*AK THE HEAD HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, THE PROBLEM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 17, 2001

“THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC COMMAND CONTROL BOX WAS FLOODED DUE TO WATER ENTERING THE BOX. DEALER CONTACTED AND AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER HAD REPAIR WORK DONE AT OWNER'S EXSPENSE. TSB 410393 (3914). *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 7, 1998

“WHILE DRIVING CAR ACCELERATES BY ITSELF. MADE SURE CARPET WASN'T ON PEDAL. HAPPENED FEW TIMES DURING WINTER. RPM'S GOING VERY HIGH. VERY HARD TO STOP THE CAR. VERY UNSAFE. BMW TOLD ME THERE IS RECALL BUT MY CAR WAS NOT AFFECTED. DIDN'T EVEN LOOK AT CAR. TOLD ME TO CALL BACK WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 15, 2003

“BOTH FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. EHICLE ALSO SLIDES AND FISHTAILS ON OTHER THAN DRY ROAD. CONSUMER HAS HAD 3 ACCIDENTS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 1, 2001 · crash

1993 BMW 318iS — common questions

Is the 1993 BMW 318iS reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1993 318iS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), suspension (1 complaints).

Does the 1993 BMW 318iS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 BMW 318iS. 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.