1997 BMW 318I Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 89,002miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 1.9L 4-cyl RWD · 20 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 BMW 318I (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1997 BMW 318I. The part named most often is electrical system, with 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by tires (2) and engine cooling (1). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 89,002 miles. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system2 40%
- Tires2 40%
- Engine cooling1 20%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10032370, filed 2003-08, 96,800 milesTires: “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. Continental touring 205/60r15 91h ch95”
NHTSA complaint #8017880, filed 2002-09Engine cooling: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10090217, filed 2004-09, 89,002 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 78,000 and 96,800 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1997 BMW 318I version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 318i Convertible RWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,550 |
| 318i Convertible RWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,550 |
| 318i Convertible RWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,750 |
| 318i/318is RWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 29 | 24 | $3,400 |
| 318i/318is RWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,550 |
| 318i/318is RWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 28 | 23 | $3,550 |
| 318i/318is RWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,750 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 97V131000Aug 19, 1997Vehicle speed controlCovers: BMW 318I 1992–1997, 525I 1989–1995, 318IS 1992–1997 +12 more
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…
Recall details for the 1997 BMW 318I → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Electrical system. The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Other model years of the BMW 318I
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 8 | 84,750 | 0 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 5 | 89,002 | 1 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 14 | 129,500 | 2 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 14 | 120,000 | 2 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1993 | 11 | — | 2 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 8 | 57,484 | 3 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 8 | 69,999 | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 7 | 145,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 BMW 318I have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1997 BMW 318I as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 BMW 318I is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by tires with 2.
Has the 1997 BMW 318I been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1997 BMW 318I get?
The EPA rates the 1997 BMW 318I (318i Convertible, 1.9L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1997 BMW 318I reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 89,002 miles and the middle half falls between 78,000 and 96,800 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.