1996 BMW 318TI Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 38%of 8 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 BMW 318TI, 38% of the 8 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 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.
“My 1996 Bmw 318TI - driver side front window has 3 times in last 5 years fallen into the door interior while driving. I have had this repaired now 3 times in 5 years at a total cost to be of $1300. This is a systemic design and safety problem that occurs not most of the 3 series Bmw from 1995 to 2002. …”
NHTSA complaint #10273026, filed 2009-06, 110,000 miles“The windows fall off track on my 1996 Bmw e36 318TI. This has been happening to both windows on my car regularly for the past 2.5 years I have owned the car and has ruined the tint on both windows. I have spoken with other 318TI owners about this problem and have found that this a highly common failure and normally costs several hundred dollars to repair, only to break again shortly thereafter. I feel as though the windows could shatter when they fall into the door or possibly harm passengers by falling into the car while in the off-track position. This could be a serious problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10162024, filed 2006-07, 85,000 miles“This is the 8th time passenger side window of my 1996 bmw318ti is in need of repair. Motor replaced once, than regulator, followed by numerous repairs for slides or clips to be fixed. When putting up window there is a loud crack and the window goes off track, so it can neither go up or down. This is a costly complaint from many owners of this car so there has to be some sort of problem or defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10324431, filed 2010-04, 150,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 4 | 36% |
| 1996 | 3 | 38% |
Other parts of the 1996 BMW 318TI
2 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