Model year guide

1984 BMW 318

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1984 BMW 318 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 12 on record.

1984 BMW 318 — representative photo
Representative photo

1984 BMW 318 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints3

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1984 BMW 318 recalls 3

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core NHTSA Campaign #93V015000 · 01/02/1993

THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CONTROL COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE HEATER CORE. ALSO, A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP WILL BE INSTALLED, TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.

Fuel System, Gasoline:carburetor System NHTSA Campaign #85V058000 · 06/05/1985

THE IDLE CONTROL VALVE WHICH CONTROLS IDLE SPEED BY VARYING THE AMOUNT OF INTAKE AIR THAT BYPASSES THE THROTTLE PLATE IS SUBJECT TO BACKFIRE INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. SUCH BACKFIRE CAN DAMAGE THE VALVE AND CAUSE THE IDLE VALVE PLATE TO REMAIN OPEN. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS WILL RESULT IN ABNORMALLY HIGH IDLE SPEED.

Fix: INSTALL A REDESIGNED IDLE CONTROL VALVE WHICH CAN NOT STICK OPEN.

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:windshield:electrical Heating Element NHTSA Campaign #84V107000 · 11/09/1984

WATER CONTROL VALVE IN THE HEATING SYSTEM MAY NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY. EXCESSIVE CURRENT MAY BEGIN TO FLOW THROUGH THE WIRING TO THE CONTROL VALVE RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF THE WIRING.

Fix: WIRING TO THE VALVE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A WIRE CONNECTOR THAT HAS A FUSE. THE FUSE WILL PREVENT THE OCCURENCE OF AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1984 BMW 318 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

Dimensions & weight

Length
176.8 in
Width
65.0 in
Height
54.3 in
Wheelbase
101.2 in
Curb weight
2,381 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1984 BMW 318. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

HEATER CORE FAILURE Closed

NHTSA #EA92017 · Visibility · opened Jun 1992 · closed Mar 1993

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 318. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

1984 BMW 318 vehicles on record

1984 BMW 318 1984 BMW 318WBAAK410008661899 1984 BMW 318 1984 BMW 318WBAAK510509091656 1984 BMW 318WBAAC510401476525 1984 BMW 318 1984 BMW 318WBAAC310000825013 1984 BMW 318 1984 BMW 318WBAAC510301469744 1984 BMW 318 1984 BMW 318WBAAC710701452215 1984 BMW 318 1984 BMW 318WBAAK310009467152 1984 BMW 318 1984 BMW 318WBAAC510401475083 1984 BMW 318 1984 BMW 318WBAAC710101439069 1984 BMW 318 1984 BMW 318WBAAK310209463183 1984 BMW 318 1984 BMW 318WBAAC710901435061 1984 BMW 318 1984 BMW 318WBAAC510601167901

Other BMW 318 model years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1983 1982 1981

1984 BMW 318 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1984 BMW 318 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1984 BMW 318. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1984 BMW 318?

Across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.