VehicleVerdict

1995 BMW 318iS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1995 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.

6

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other 318iS years?

318iS NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted13 complaints1991: 7 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 13 complaints1994: 6 complaints1995: 6 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 2 complaints
318iS NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 318iS years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 BMW 318iS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure233%
Airbags117%
Engine117%
Seat Belts117%
Visibility & Wipers117%

Does the 1995 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.

“THE FIRST PROBLEM IS THE CLIPS THAT HOLD THE INTERIOR DOOR PANELS FAIL CAUSING THE DOOR PANELS TO COME LOSE AND FALL OR CRACK. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS THE HEAT SHIELD RATTLES CAUSING A RATTLING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 5 MPH. THANK YOU”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 16, 1997

“PASSENGER WINDOW FALLS OFF THE TRACKS - RESULTS IN HIGH BILLS TO GET IT FIXED. NUMEROUS INCIDENTS. I AM UNABLE TO SELECT WINDOW OR ANYTHING RELATED TO IT IN THE DROP DOWN MENUS. TO PROCEED I HAVE HAD TO MAKE SELECTIONS THAT HAVE NO RELEVANCE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 27, 2008

“DURING FRONTAL COLLISION INTO REAR OF LEADING CAR AT 35MPH, MY BMW FAILED TO DEPLOY AIRBAGS AND DRIVER SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, CAUSING DRIVER TO COME VIOLENTLY FORWARD TO WITHIN 1 INCH OF STEERING WHEEL, THEN THROWN HARD BACK INTO SEAT CAUSING NECK AND BACK INJURIES AND A SEVERE CONCUSSION TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 4, 1999 · crash

“DURING FRONTAL COLLISION INTO REAR OF LEADING CAR AT 35MPH, MY BMW FAILED TO DEPLOY AIRBAGS AND DRIVER SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, CAUSING DRIVER TO COME VIOLENTLY FORWARD TO WITHIN 1 INCH OF STEERING WHEEL, THEN THROWN HARD BACK INTO SEAT CAUSING NECK AND BACK INJURIES AND A SEVERE CONCUSSION TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 4, 1999 · crash

“THE FIRST PROBLEM IS THE CLIPS THAT HOLD THE INTERIOR DOOR PANELS FAIL CAUSING THE DOOR PANELS TO COME LOSE AND FALL OR CRACK. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS THE HEAT SHIELD RATTLES CAUSING A RATTLING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 5 MPH. THANK YOU”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 16, 1997

1995 BMW 318iS — common questions

Is the 1995 BMW 318iS reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1995 BMW 318iS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 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.