1996 BMW 318TI Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 25%of 8 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 BMW 318TI, 25% of the 8 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Ignition switch failure. When attempting to turn off car, key moved to off position without resistance but did not turn off car. Switch locked in off position but key would move and car continued to run. Key could be removed and reinserted but could not turn off car. Had to pull fuse on the fuel injection system to stall engine and disconnect battery to turn off power to car. This problem appears to be common in a large number of bmws. Inability to turn off engine could pose hazard if situation required driver to cut power to engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #770538, filed 2002-12Related service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 2 | 25% |
Other parts of the 1996 BMW 318TI
3 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 BMW 318TI
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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