1994 BMW 318IS Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 91,001miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1994 BMW 318IS (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1994 BMW 318IS. The part named most often is electrical system, with 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by engine cooling (2) and fuel system (1). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 91,001 miles. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign 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%
- Engine cooling2 40%
- Fuel system1 20%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “The profile gasket failure is apparently a common problem on this model engine...and while Bmw acknowledges it is because of ba materials used for this gasket, no recall nor offer to repair free of charge has apparently been made.”
NHTSA complaint #701777, filed 1999-01Transmission and drivetrain: “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 1999-04Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 91,001 and 91,001 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 98V178000Aug 4, 1998Engine and engine cooling › Cooling systemCovers: BMW 318IS 1992–1995, 735I 1988–1995, 735ILA 1988–1995 +28 more
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…
- 97V131000Aug 19, 1997Vehicle speed controlCovers: BMW 318IS 1992–1997, 525I 1989–1995, 318I 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 1994 BMW 318IS → · 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, 2024Electrical system, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Other model years of the BMW 318IS
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 5 | 91,001 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1993 | 13 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 6 | — | 1 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1994 BMW 318IS have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1994 BMW 318IS as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1994 BMW 318IS is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 2.
Has the 1994 BMW 318IS been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1994 BMW 318IS reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 91,001 miles and the middle half falls between 91,001 and 91,001 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 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
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.