1997 BMW 318I Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 40%of 5 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 BMW 318I, 40% of the 5 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,400 miles.
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.
“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 BMW 318I
← All problems reported for the 1997 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