Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003 | 3 | 0 |
| 2001 | 4 | 0 |
| 1998 | 8 | 0 |
| 1997 318i | 5 | 1 |
| 1996 | 3 | 1 |
| 1995 318i | 14 | 2 |
| 1994 318i | 14 | 2 |
| 1993 318i | 11 | 2 |
| 1992 318i | 8 | 3 |
| 1991 318i | 8 | 1 |
| 1985 | 7 | 0 |
| 1984 | 5 | 0 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Engine and engine cooling33
- Electrical system17
- Air bags11
- Vehicle speed control9
- Visibility6
- Power train6
- Fuel system, gasoline5
- Unknown or other4
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Fuel consumption by year
Official Canadian test results for 5 model years, best variant per year. Combined consumption ranges from 10.0–10.3 L/100 km.
| Year | Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 318i Convertible · Minicompact · Premium gasoline | 11.9 | 8.3 | 10.3 |
| 1998 | 318i/is · Subcompact · Premium gasoline | 11.6 | 8.0 | 10.0 |
| 1997 | 318i/is · Subcompact · Premium gasoline | 11.6 | 8.0 | 10.0 |
| 1996 | 318i/is · Subcompact · Premium gasoline | 11.7 | 8.2 | 10.1 |
| 1995 | 318i/318is · Subcompact · Premium gasoline | 12.0 | 8.1 | 10.3 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
4 campaigns cover the 318i.
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.
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.
THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING.
DURING TESTING, INCORRECTLY INSTALLED DRIVER-SIDE KNEE BOLSTER PREVENTED STEERING COLUMN FROM MOVING FORWARD AS DESIGNED TO ABSORB IMPACT ENERGY FROM DRIVER DUMMY.
NHTSA recalls