U.S. public vehicle records

Bmw 318I problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

90 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

84,501 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1984 to 2003 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 18 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 17 of 90 complaints (18.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	8	8.9%
Electrical and battery issues	5	5.6%
Transmission and shifting	4	4.4%
Engine operation	3	3.3%
Steering behavior	2	2.2%
Fuel system concerns	2	2.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System

Air Bags

Vehicle Speed Control

Air Bags:Frontal

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch

Unknown Or Other

Electrical System

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	17
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	10
Air Bags	6
Vehicle Speed Control	6
Air Bags:Frontal	5
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	5
Unknown Or Other	4
Electrical System	3

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 17; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System: 10; Air Bags: 6; Vehicle Speed Control: 6; Air Bags:Frontal: 5; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 5; Unknown Or Other: 4; Electrical System: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 1

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 72 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2007

2012

2016

2017

1996: 2; 1997: 4; 1998: 12; 1999: 15; 2000: 11; 2001: 9; 2002: 11; 2003: 10; 2004: 7; 2005: 3; 2007: 2; 2012: 2; 2016: 1; 2017: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10088308 · 2004-08-21 (August 21, 2004)

1/12/04 BRAKE REPLACEMENT. 3/16/04 -ENGINE SMOKING. 3/17/04 RADIATOR HOSE,CLAMPS ANTIFREEZE,NEW RADIATOR $368.17 - 7/28/04 VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND EXPLODED. MY DAUGHTER WAS SECONDS FROM BEING BURNED ALIVE. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 145,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10088308 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10489268 · 2012-12-19 (December 19, 2012)

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT HILL AND THE HAND BRAKE WAS PULLED UP TO ITS FULL CAPACITY. MY BROTHER SAT IN THE CAR AND SMOKED A CIGARETTE BEFORE GOING TO HIS APPOINTMENT. AFTER HE RETURNED FROM HIS APPOINTMENT, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE FOUND. AFTER LOOKING AROUND, HE REALIZED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED DOWN THE HILL, ACROSS A BUSY TWO-WAY MAIN ROAD IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA OF THE CITY AND HIT THE WALL OF THE AT&T BUILDING. THANK GOD NO PEDESTRIAN WAS WALKING DURING THIS TIME AND NO CAR WAS PASSING BY. MY INSURANCE PAID $12,000 IN DAMAGES…

Owner-reported narrative. 120,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10489268 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 704562 · 1999-03-17 (March 17, 1999)

ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH REGULATOR. POWER WINDOWS AND SUNROOF STOPPED WORKING SHORTLY AFTER THAT. IS THERE SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE ALTERNATOR TO SHORT OUT.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 704562 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10063218 · 2004-03-15 (March 15, 2004)

CONSUMER HAS TROUBLE STARTING VEHICLE. IT TAKES HER ABOUT 5-6 TIMES TURNING THE KEY BEFORE VEHICLE WILL START. IT SOUNDS AS IF THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10063218 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 761632 · 2002-05-07 (May 7, 2002)

I WAS TOLD A FEW YEARS BACK BY C.S.A.A. ABOUT A TSB ON THE BMW318I WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THIS HAD TO DO WITH THE HIGH SPEED IDLE TEST WHEN DOING THE SMOG TEST. I QUESTION THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM THAT I JUST NOTICED ABOUT THE COOLENT SYSTEM FAILURE TSB. MY CAR HAS QUIT RUNNING TWICE ON ME AND RESULTED ME HAVING TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY AND FULE PUMP. CAN THIS BE A RESULT OF THE FUEL PUMP OVERHEATING?*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 761632 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 890050 · 2001-06-08 (June 8, 2001)

WOULD BE DRIVING AND VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT FROM FIRST INTO 2ND GEAR. WOULD GET HUNG UP IN FIRST. THEN, IT WOULD SUDDENLY JERK AND SHIFT INTO 2ND. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, MECHANIC INDICATED PROBLEM OF SHIFTING WAS REPAIRABLE.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 890050 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 712774 · 1999-10-04 (October 4, 1999)

THE CAR KEEPS STALLING OUT WHEN I AM AT A STOP, STARTS RIGHT UP AGAIN AND IS FINE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, THEN STALLS AGAIN (MAY BE DAYS LATER). DEALER IS CLAIMING IT'S THE ALTERNATOR.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 712774 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 749542 · 2001-08-01 (August 1, 2001)

TEMPERATURE GUAGE RISES AND A LARGE AMOUNT OF COOLANT SPILL ENGINE OVERHEATS ENGINE STALLS I REALLY DON'T EXPECT THIS ON A BMW WHY DON'T HELP US WITH THE PROBLEM I'M REALLY DISAPOINTED THEY JUST IGNORE THE PROBLEM.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 749542 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10189353 · 2007-05-01 (May 1, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 98V178000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. HE STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HE FIRST NOTICED THE FAILURE APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. AS A RESULT, HIS VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY , AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AGO THE FA…

Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10189353 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10476000 · 2012-09-19 (September 19, 2012)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW 318I. WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT BECAME INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS THE CONTACT WAS CRASHING INTO THE SECOND VEHICLE, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE HORN JUST AS THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAG STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE LEFT ARM, CAUSING HIS LEFT SHOULDER TO BECOME DISLODGED. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE AIR BAG WAS LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHERE THE HORN WAS ALSO LOCATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. TH…

Owner-reported narrative. 91,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10476000 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 863739 · 2000-06-16 (June 16, 2000)

CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO A CAR WASH WHEN CONTROL BOX GOT WET, THEN THE FUEL INJECTOR FROZE OPEN, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE. CAR SPILLED GASOLINE ALL OVER THE GROUND. CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO START VEHICLE WHEN THE CAR WHEN A CAR WASH ATTENDANT CAME OUT AND TOLD HER NOT TO START VEHICLE BECAUSE IT MIGHT BLOW UP. PRIOR CARS OF 1994 BMW HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 863739 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

2001

2003

1991: 1; 1992: 3; 1993: 2; 1994: 2; 1995: 2; 1996: 1; 1997: 1; 1998: 0; 2001: 0; 2003: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Bmw 318I model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1984	5	0	Not available
1985	7	0	0
1991	8	1	Not available
1992	8	3	+2
1993	11	2	-1
1994	14	2	0
1995	14	2	0
1996	3	1	-1
1997	5	1	0
1998	8	0	-1
2001	4	0	Not available
2003	3	0	Not available

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

90 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

20.0%Usable mileage18 / 90 records

90.0%Valid incident date81 / 90 records

100.0%Valid filing date90 / 90 records

90.0%Ordered incident and filing dates81 / 90 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	2001	2003
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	337.5% ODI 10067830 · 71,117 mi ENGINE PROFILE GASKET FOR M42 ENGINE 4CYL, 16 VALVE HAS FAILED ALLOWING ALL COOLANT FLUID TO LEAK FROM ENGINE.*AK Look up ODI 10067830 at NHTSA ↗	450.0% ODI 537617 I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH OVER THE INTERNET FOR THIS PROBLEM AND IT APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON ONE. I AM COMPLETELY AMAZED THAT BMW IS NOT COVERING THIS REPAIR OF THIS, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. Look up ODI 537617 at NHTSA ↗	763.6% ODI 529596 WATER LEAKS OUT OF THE ENGINE GASKET RIGHT ABOVE THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. IT LEAKS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF AND WILL DRAIN THE RADIATOR DOWN TO THE LEVEL OF THE GASKET. Look up ODI 529596 at NHTSA ↗	214.3% ODI 556440 WHILE DRIVING THE OVER-HEATING LIGHT CAME ON, DEALER FOUND HEAD GASKET TO BE CRACKED, CONSUMER SAYS THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW TO THE PROFILE GASKET WHICH CAN LEAK AND OVER A PERIOD OF TIME CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. *SLC Look up ODI 556440 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10024648 · 2,900 mi CONSUMER STATES WHEN VEHICLE IDLES IT SHUTS OFF. DEALER STATES THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK Look up ODI 10024648 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	112.5% ODI 10032495 · 68,881 mi THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COOLANT LEAK. JB THE COOLANT LEAKED FROM A FAULTY PROFILE GASKET. THE FAULTY GASKET WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL BUT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AND REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER REVIEWED THE CASE AND DECIDED NOT TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONSUMER HAS THE OLD PART IN HER POSSESSION. TS *NLM Look up ODI 10032495 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 10080772 · 57,484 mi FAULTY PROFILE GASKET ON 1992 BMW 318I ENGINE. *AK Look up ODI 10080772 at NHTSA ↗	327.3% ODI 710621 WELL KNOWN M42 ENGINE PROFILE GASKET FAILURE ALLOWS COOLANT TO SPILL AND RENDERS VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE WITHOUT WARNING. Look up ODI 710621 at NHTSA ↗	214.3% ODI 560955 WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY, VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND RED LIGHT CAME ON, CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED AND WAS ADVISED THAT HEAD GASKET CONTAINED A CRACK WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE HEAD, CONSUMER WAS ALSO ADVISED BY REPUTABLE BMW DEALERS THAT VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED WITH A FAULTY PART CALLED THE PROFILE GASKET AND IT IS WELL KNOWN, BUT MANUFACTURER DOES NOT WANT TO RECOGNIZE IT AS A PROBLEM, CONSUMER HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS TWICE, THE FIRST REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE … Look up ODI 560955 at NHTSA ↗	17.1% ODI 10189353 · 80,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 98V178000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. HE STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HE FIRST NOTICED THE FAILURE APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. AS A RESULT, HIS VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY , AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AGO THE FA… Look up ODI 10189353 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	535.7% ODI 10063442 · 124,000 mi ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR ABS AND AIRBAGS FAILED AT 124,000 MILES. LA JB Look up ODI 10063442 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 10476000 · 91,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW 318I. WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT BECAME INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS THE CONTACT WAS CRASHING INTO THE SECOND VEHICLE, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE HORN JUST AS THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAG STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE LEFT ARM, CAUSING HIS LEFT SHOULDER TO BECOME DISLODGED. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE AIR BAG WAS LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHERE THE HORN WAS ALSO LOCATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. TH… Look up ODI 10476000 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 812463 WHEN DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE SURGES, THE ENGINE RACES TO HIGH RPM AND THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. CONTACTED THE DEALER, CAUSE OF PROBLEM WAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. *AK Look up ODI 812463 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 758915 INITIAL THROTTLE RECALL (NHTSE #97V131000) PERFORMED 5-13-98. PROBLEMS RELATING TO CRUISE CONTROL/BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUE. (PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE IRREGULARITIES IN SEVERAL FIELDS OF THE QUESTIONAIRE THAT SHOW UP INCORRECTLY ON THE FINAL CHART.) Look up ODI 758915 at NHTSA ↗	17.1% ODI 10936301 · 358,000 mi THE GAS PEDAL IS STUCK AND CANNOT STOP AND RPM ARE RED LINING. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY I WAS PULLING INTO WORK TO PARK AND THAT'S WHEN THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK AND THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP HIGH TO 500 RPM. *TR Look up ODI 10936301 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	337.5% ODI 10138097 · 78,500 mi CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT DISENGAGE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND OBVIOUSLY DOES NOT DECELERATE WHEN EXPECTED. I WOULD LIKE TO REFER TO NHTSA RECALL NO.: 97V131. *NM Look up ODI 10138097 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags:Frontal	112.5% ODI 876191 WHEN STRIKING A WALL HEAD-ON AT 40 MPH DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK Look up ODI 876191 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 855407 AIR BAG CONTACT RING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE. WHEN THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE RING WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 96V110000 BMW/INTERIOR; PASSIVE RESTRAINT: AIR BAG:DRIVER. AK ML Look up ODI 855407 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 835637 VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ACCIDENT ON ICY ROAD CONDITIONS. UPON IMPACT OF APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH HEAD-ON COLLISION, BOTH AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED AND SENT A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT AIR BAGS SHOULD NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER WILL HAVE VEHICLE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IF NEEDED. *AK Look up ODI 835637 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	266.7% ODI 8010793 CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40MPH, SHE HIT A CEMENT WALL AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.JB VEHICLE TOTALLED AND CONSUMER WAS INJURED.. TT Look up ODI 8010793 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	112.5% ODI 865697 CONSUMER PUT KEY INTO IGNITION AND IT WOULDN'T TURN AT ALL. *AK Look up ODI 865697 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 846685 WHEN ONSUMER'S SON GOT INSIDE OF VEHICLE AND LOCKED DOORS MANUALLY. THEN TRIED TO TURN ON ENGINE, BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT START. DRIVER TRIED TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE, AND HE COULDN'T BECAUSE THE DOOR WON'T UNLOCK. SOMEHOW HE OPENED THE SUN ROOF AND GOT OUT. THEN UNLOCKED DOOR WITH KEY. *AK Look up ODI 846685 at NHTSA ↗	17.1% ODI 10063218 CONSUMER HAS TROUBLE STARTING VEHICLE. IT TAKES HER ABOUT 5-6 TIMES TURNING THE KEY BEFORE VEHICLE WILL START. IT SOUNDS AS IF THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH.*AK Look up ODI 10063218 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	225.0% ODI 10046916 IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE KEY STARTED ROTATING IN IGNITION WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF ROAD AND REMOVED KEY. ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. ONLY WAY TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE WAS TO DISCONNECT BATTERY. EMAIL: [email removed] *LA Look up ODI 10046916 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	112.5% ODI 730570 I HAVE RECENTLY DISCOVERED HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE (BMW E30 M42) HAVE BEEN PLAQUED WITH THIS EXACT FAILURE. WITH SO MANY VEHICLES AFFECTED ISN'T A RECALL IN ORDER? THIS REPAIR/FIX COST ME $1258.43 AND BMW KNEW THE PROBLEM EXISTED! Look up ODI 730570 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	19.1% ODI 832725 VEHICLE HAD BLOWN AN ENGINE HEAD GASKET AT 46,000 MILES.ALSO, IGNITION WAS NOT WORKING. HAD NO WARNING PRIOR TO SEEING STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SHUT VEHICLE DOWN & THEN RESTARTED. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STILL CAME BACK ON. *AK Look up ODI 832725 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 818655 WHILE DRIVING ALL THE LIGHTS WILLL GO OFF AND THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF. DRIVER WOULD HAVE TO START THE VEHICLE UP AGAIN. DEALER SAID SOMETIMES THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT WOULD HIT THE GAS PEDAL, AND THAT WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. *AK Look up ODI 818655 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 851785 THERE ISN'T ANY COVER FOR THE LUGGAGE THAT GOES OVER THE TRUNK LID WHICH VAPORS ARE GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE, AND MAKING THE CONSUMER SICK. *AK Look up ODI 851785 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	214.3% ODI 10032514 CONSUMER STATED UNDER RAINY CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE'S FLOOR BOARDS FILL WITH WATER. THIS SHORTED OUT THE COMPUTER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH Look up ODI 10032514 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 10017115 · 78,000 mi BOARD LEVEL FAILURE ON AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL UNIT. FAILURE SO WIDESPREAD THAT NO OEM OR RENEWED PARTS DEALER HAS INVENTORY. *NLM Look up ODI 10017115 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Too few reports for a range	37,009 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10067830 · 71,117 mi ENGINE PROFILE GASKET FOR M42 ENGINE 4CYL, 16 VALVE HAS FAILED ALLOWING ALL COOLANT FLUID TO LEAK FROM ENGINE.AK Look up ODI 10067830 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10024648 · 2,900 mi CONSUMER STATES WHEN VEHICLE IDLES IT SHUTS OFF. DEALER STATES THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.AK Look up ODI 10024648 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	Too few reports for a range	68,881 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10032495 · 68,881 mi THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COOLANT LEAK. JB THE COOLANT LEAKED FROM A FAULTY PROFILE GASKET. THE FAULTY GASKET WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL BUT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AND REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER REVIEWED THE CASE AND DECIDED NOT TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONSUMER HAS THE OLD PART IN HER POSSESSION. TS NLM Look up ODI 10032495 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10080772 · 57,484 mi FAULTY PROFILE GASKET ON 1992 BMW 318I ENGINE. AK Look up ODI 10080772 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10189353 · 80,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 98V178000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. HE STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HE FIRST NOTICED THE FAILURE APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. AS A RESULT, HIS VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY , AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AGO THE FA… Look up ODI 10189353 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	107,500 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10063442 · 124,000 mi ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR ABS AND AIRBAGS FAILED AT 124,000 MILES. LA JB Look up ODI 10063442 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10185315 · 144,500 mi AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED. THE CAR, HOWEVER, CAN BE DRIVEN WITHOUT AN ISSUE. THE ABS LIGHT THEN DISAPPEARS AFTER ABOUT THREE MINUTES. THE DEALER HAS TWICE TURNED-OFF THE LIGHT BY RESETTING THE VEHICLE COMPUTER. BOTH TIMES AFTER THE THE DEALER "FIXED" THE PROBLEM AND A PERSON SEATS ON THE BACK SEAT THE LIGHT WILL AUTOMATICALLY COME ON AGAIN. FOR CLARIFICATION: I JUST IMPORTED MY (U.S. SPECIFICATIONS) VEHICLE FROM GERMANY BOTH OF THESE OCCURENCES TOOK PLACE IN THE COUNTRY OF GERMANY, HOWEVER THE PREVIOUS OWNER WARNED ME … Look up ODI 10185315 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10189353 · 80,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 98V178000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. HE STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HE FIRST NOTICED THE FAILURE APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. AS A RESULT, HIS VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY , AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AGO THE FA… Look up ODI 10189353 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	Too few reports for a range	218,250 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10936301 · 358,000 mi THE GAS PEDAL IS STUCK AND CANNOT STOP AND RPM ARE RED LINING. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY I WAS PULLING INTO WORK TO PARK AND THAT'S WHEN THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK AND THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP HIGH TO 500 RPM. TR Look up ODI 10936301 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10138097 · 78,500 mi CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT DISENGAGE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND OBVIOUSLY DOES NOT DECELERATE WHEN EXPECTED. I WOULD LIKE TO REFER TO NHTSA RECALL NO.: 97V131. NM Look up ODI 10138097 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	218,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10936301 · 358,000 mi THE GAS PEDAL IS STUCK AND CANNOT STOP AND RPM ARE RED LINING. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY I WAS PULLING INTO WORK TO PARK AND THAT'S WHEN THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK AND THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP HIGH TO 500 RPM. TR Look up ODI 10936301 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10017115 · 78,000 mi BOARD LEVEL FAILURE ON AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL UNIT. FAILURE SO WIDESPREAD THAT NO OEM OR RENEWED PARTS DEALER HAS INVENTORY. NLM Look up ODI 10017115 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2001: 4 complaints · 2003: 3 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2001	3	4	4
2003	3	3	3

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2001	2	2	0
2003	3	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	Air Bags	Vehicle Speed Control	Air Bags:Frontal	Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	Unknown Or Other	Electrical System
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	—	1 ODI 560955 WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY, VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND RED LIGHT CAME ON, CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED AND WAS ADVISED THAT HEAD GASKET CONTAINED A CRACK WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE HEAD, CONSUMER WAS ALSO ADVISED BY REPUTABLE BMW DEALERS THAT VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED WITH A FAULTY PART CALLED THE PROFILE GASKET AND IT IS WELL KNOWN, BUT MANUFACTURER DOES NOT WANT TO RECOGNIZE IT AS A PROBLEM, CONSUMER HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS TWICE, THE FIRST REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE … Look up ODI 560955 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 832725 VEHICLE HAD BLOWN AN ENGINE HEAD GASKET AT 46,000 MILES.ALSO, IGNITION WAS NOT WORKING. HAD NO WARNING PRIOR TO SEEING STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SHUT VEHICLE DOWN & THEN RESTARTED. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STILL CAME BACK ON. *AK Look up ODI 832725 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	1 ODI 560955 WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY, VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND RED LIGHT CAME ON, CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED AND WAS ADVISED THAT HEAD GASKET CONTAINED A CRACK WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE HEAD, CONSUMER WAS ALSO ADVISED BY REPUTABLE BMW DEALERS THAT VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED WITH A FAULTY PART CALLED THE PROFILE GASKET AND IT IS WELL KNOWN, BUT MANUFACTURER DOES NOT WANT TO RECOGNIZE IT AS A PROBLEM, CONSUMER HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS TWICE, THE FIRST REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE … Look up ODI 560955 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10189353 · 80,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 98V178000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. HE STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HE FIRST NOTICED THE FAILURE APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. AS A RESULT, HIS VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY , AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AGO THE FA… Look up ODI 10189353 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0
Air Bags	0	1 ODI 10189353 · 80,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 98V178000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. HE STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HE FIRST NOTICED THE FAILURE APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. AS A RESULT, HIS VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY , AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AGO THE FA… Look up ODI 10189353 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0
Vehicle Speed Control	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 10936301 · 358,000 mi THE GAS PEDAL IS STUCK AND CANNOT STOP AND RPM ARE RED LINING. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY I WAS PULLING INTO WORK TO PARK AND THAT'S WHEN THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK AND THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP HIGH TO 500 RPM. *TR Look up ODI 10936301 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Unknown Or Other	1 ODI 832725 VEHICLE HAD BLOWN AN ENGINE HEAD GASKET AT 46,000 MILES.ALSO, IGNITION WAS NOT WORKING. HAD NO WARNING PRIOR TO SEEING STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SHUT VEHICLE DOWN & THEN RESTARTED. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STILL CAME BACK ON. *AK Look up ODI 832725 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Electrical System	0	0	0	1 ODI 10936301 · 358,000 mi THE GAS PEDAL IS STUCK AND CANNOT STOP AND RPM ARE RED LINING. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY I WAS PULLING INTO WORK TO PARK AND THAT'S WHEN THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK AND THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP HIGH TO 500 RPM. *TR Look up ODI 10936301 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

4 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 712774

THE CAR KEEPS STALLING OUT WHEN I AM AT A STOP, STARTS RIGHT UP AGAIN AND IS FINE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, THEN STALLS AGAIN (MAY BE DAYS LATER). DEALER IS CLAIMING IT'S THE ALTERNATOR.

Look up ODI 712774 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 749542

Look up ODI 749542 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10189353 · 80,000 mi

Look up ODI 10189353 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 2.2% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 558183

CONSUMER SMELLED FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE, UPON INSPECTION THE CONUSMER FOUND A SIX INCH PIECE OF RUBBER HOSE LEAKING. NLM

Look up ODI 558183 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8009807

FUEL LEAKAGES FROM THE UPPER RETURN LINES. DEALER MAKING REPAIRS. *AK DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS NEXT TO THE STARTER. ALSO CLAIMS IT WAS FIXED, HOWEVER IT IS NOT. *JG

Look up ODI 8009807 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 2.2% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 890050

Look up ODI 890050 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 752720

2001 BMW 3 SERIES ENGINES HAVE AN ELECTRONIC DRIVE-BY-WIRE THROTTLE MECHANISHM. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS AN ELECTRONIC SENSOR, WITHOUT A DIRECT MECHANICAL LINKAGE TO THE ENGINE. THIS PEDAL HAS A STICKY, JERKY MECHANISM THAT IS MUCH WORSE IN HOT WEATHER. THIS RESULTS IN SURGES OF ACCELERATION AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO FINELY CONTROL THE CAR'S SPEED. BMW IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE, BUT STATES THAT IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE IN ORDER TO DEFLECT ANY CRITICISM OR URGENCY. THEY WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF THE OWNER INSISTS, BUT THE REP…

Look up ODI 752720 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 855407

AIR BAG CONTACT RING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE. WHEN THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE RING WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 96V110000 BMW/INTERIOR; PASSIVE RESTRAINT: AIR BAG:DRIVER. *AK *ML

Look up ODI 855407 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b