Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your BMW 318i
BMW 318i Models:
BMW 318i Problems
Loss of Power Steering Fluid Due to Leaking Hoses
A fluid leak may develop from one or more power steering hose. When a leak is being repaired, it is not uncommon for multiple hoses to be replaced.
spinning ignition barrel
If you can spin your key freely in the ignition you need to get the barrel replaced asap, if you wait cuz it still works (is what I did) you will end up unable to turn it to start or shut off the car. The worst part is once this happens if you cannot turn the ign. the entire steering column must be replaced, if you can still turn the key it is a simple fix so do it!!
BMW 318i Recalls (Recent)
BMW 318i Recall 96V110000
Summary: THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING.
Learn more »BMW 740i Recall 97V131000
Summary: 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 BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.
Learn more »BMW 318i Recall 98V178000
Summary: 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 OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
Learn more »BMW 318i Recall 94V066000
Summary: FEED FUEL HOSES CAN HARDEN AND "SET" OVER TIME, ALLOWING A SEEPAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING. THE CLAMP USED TO HOLD THE HOSE TO THE FITTING IS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE HARDENING OF THE FEED FUEL HOSE.
Learn more »BMW 318i Recall 94V037000
Summary: THE ADHESIVE MATERIAL OF THE TWO PIECE THROTTLE BODY HEATER MIGRATES INTO THE CIRCULATION CHAMBER CAUSING BUILD UP OF IMPURITIES AND RESTRICTION OF FLOW WITHIN THE CHAMBER. THIS CONDITION AND WATER VAPORS FROM THE CRANK THAT FREEZES AT LOW AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURES PREVENTS THE THROTTLE PLATE FROM CLOSING AS THE DRIVER RELEASES THE GAS PEDAL, CAUSING LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
Learn more »BMW 318i Questions and Answers
I am looking for the location of the blower motor in a 1991 BMW 318. Also, any information on how to repair the blower motor would be helpful.
fuel pump has nopower what could be wrong
Can anybody please tell be where the cabin air filter is on a 1991 bmw 318I or a wed site that can give me a diagram.
I ran out of gas so I added fuel from a can so I could make it to the gas station.now the car wont start and it sounds like it is'nt getting any fuel. do I need to prime it?
My fule filter was blocked so I replaced it.
The car still did not start so I pulled out the fule pump and tested it and it ran but the sock was bad.
BMW 318i Stories
well i hit the curb just the other night and after that my car started to overheat check the oil pan thats fine have x brace so cant hit that it started leaking antifreez after that from the rear and smoking and now its not leaking anymore but smokes from he heater valve area but still cat tell if its the heater valve just smokes from the rear by the heater valve cant figure it out ?
Its a good car and tends to be reliable, unfortunately when it breaks it really can cost you a pretty penny to fix it. It's not because the fixing is hard...it's because mechanics see BMW and charge you an arm and a leg for repairs. If you want to own one, I recommend getting a carassistants.com subscription. Saved like $2K in repairs during the last 3 years thanks to them.
Great lil' "Beeemer"! :)
I'm having fun fixing it up.. .thinking about lowering it and placing sway bars to stabilize the suspension..
Why does the rpm's, speedometer, gas, oil and temp. guages flip on and off while driving? When they flick back on it makes a dinging sound as though you've left door open with keys still in the ignition. Someone help, its driving me crazy. The car does not shut off it still drives but when the gauges go out you can't tell how fast you're going or how much gas you have. It stays off 10 to 15 mins at a time sometimes longer before the gauges pop back on.
This car deals well with good and bad Bahamian roads, hurtles round corners and gives great gas mileage. The styling is timeless and people always assume that the car cost way more than it actually did. Once you stay on top of the common problems you have yourself a top ride for not many dollars.