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Engine coolingPart report

1994 BMW 318I Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
36%of 14 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1994 BMW 318I, 36% of the 14 complaints for this model year. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Temperature guage rises and a large amount of coolant spill engine overheats engine stalls I really don't expect this on a Bmw why don't help us with the problem I'm really disapointed they just ignore the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #749542, filed 2001-08

“Dt: the contact stated vehicle overheated randomly. The engine head was replaced twice and needed to be replaced again. The repairs were costly. However, the dealership reimbursed the consumer for one repair, but will not do it again. Consumer state while driving on the highway vehicle overheated. The entire head of the engine had to be replaced. The service dealer did not state the reason for the vehicle overheating.”

NHTSA complaint #10132605, filed 2005-08

“While driving the over-heating light came on, dealer found head gasket to be cracked, consumer says there was a design flaw to the profile gasket which can leak and over a period of time cause severe damage to the engine.”

NHTSA complaint #556440, filed 2000-10

“While driving on expressway, vehicle began to overheat and red light came on, consumer had vehicle inspected and was advised that head gasket contained a crack which caused coolant to leak and caused severe damage to the engine head, consumer was also advised by reputable Bmw dealers that vehicle was designed with a faulty part called the profile gasket and it is well known, but manufacturer does not want to recognize it as a problem, consumer has also experienced cooling system problems twice, the first requiring the replacement of the entire radiator and also there was a recall on radiator…”

NHTSA complaint #560955, filed 2001-04

Related recalls

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
1998113%
1997120%
199517%
1994536%
19931091%
1992563%
1991450%
1985114%
1984360%

Other parts of the 1994 BMW 318I

Electrical system
3 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Body and structure
2 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1994 BMW 318I

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology