1997 BMW 318I — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
6
Owner Complaints
1
Recall
0
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 1997 BMW 318I
The 1997 BMW 318I has received a total of 6 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (1 complaint), Electrical Systemignition (1 complaint), and Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 1997 BMW 318I
NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 1997 BMW 318I, potentially affecting up to 410,000 vehicles.
Recall 97V131000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
| 410,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 1997 BMW 318I
6 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 BMW 318I. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemignition | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tirestreadbelt | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT REMAINED ON, AND EXHAUST FUMES WERE COMING INTO THE VEHICLE WHILE THE WINDOWS WERE CLOSED. CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON WEBSITE CONCERNING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OXYGEN SENSOR . NOT ABLE TO LOCATE THAT INFORMATION IN OUR DATA BASE. *AK
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENED SHE COULD NOT TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND TO CALL THIS AGENCY AND REPORT IT. *PH
BOARD LEVEL FAILURE ON AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL UNIT. FAILURE SO WIDESPREAD THAT NO OEM OR RENEWED PARTS DEALER HAS INVENTORY. *NLM
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON A 1998, BMW, 318I WITH 30283 MILES. DRIVING 65 MPH CONSUMER HEARD NOISE COMING FROM PASSENGER'S REAR OF VEHICLE. TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED, CAUSING $ 4000.00 DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.*AK CONTINENTAL TOURING 205/60R15 91H CH95
POSSIBLE DESIGN OF ALL FOUR TIRES EXPERIENCED FAILURE (MICHELIN 185/65R15). *YC
Safety Rating for the 1997 BMW 318I
NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 BMW 318I in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 BMW 318I
No technical service bulletins have been reported for this vehicle.
NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 BMW 318I
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BMW 318I
- 1992 BMW 318I — 8 complaints
- 1993 BMW 318I — 15 complaints
- 1994 BMW 318I — 19 complaints
- 1995 BMW 318I — 19 complaints
- 1996 BMW 318I — 3 complaints
- 1997 BMW 318I (current)
- 1998 BMW 318I — 12 complaints
- 2001 BMW 318I — 4 complaints