BMW 318IS Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 24 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the BMW 318IS (1991–1994) that have at least 5 complaints. 1993 has the most, with 13. Across all years, the part named most often is engine cooling (17 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All 318IS model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 5 | 91,001 | 2 | 1 | — | Not enough data |
| 1993 | 13 | — | 2 | 1 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 6 | — | 1 | 1 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Engine cooling17 65%
- Electrical system4 15%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)1 3.8%
- Vehicle speed control1 3.8%
- Transmission and drivetrain1 3.8%
- Suspension1 3.8%
- Fuel system1 3.8%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1991: “While driving at high speed, 65mph, the profile gasket in my engine failed. Large amounts of steam came out of the engine compartment and resulted in a condition of almost zero visibility. My windshield was covered with antifreeze and I could not see throught he steam. I believe this failure to be a serious safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #719415, filed 2000-021994: “I purchased the car in nov. 1994 from gearhart Bmw in denville, new jersey. Four months after the purchased date, I discovered a noise that was coming from behind me while I was driving approximately 50 MPH. I went back to the dealer to complain the situation and they said the noise you heard was probably the tire noise. I stopped at one of the nearest tire's dealer and had them checked my vehicle. They said that the noise was coming from the drive train. I requested the tire's dealer to type up a summary for my record. I showed it to the gearhart dealer then they denied it. …”
NHTSA complaint #706073, filed 1999-041993: “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. The head had to be replaced due to this problem, the problem is a rubberized gasket, known as the timing case profile gasket.”
NHTSA complaint #897407, filed 2001-10Other BMW models
3,165 complaintsBMW 328I
2,576 complaintsBMW X3
2,016 complaintsBMW 325I
1,377 complaintsBMW Z4
1,271 complaintsBMW 3 Series
832 complaintsBMW 528I
830 complaintsBMW 330I
813 complaints
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. Methodology