Model year guide

1985 BMW 318

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1985 BMW 318 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 40 on record.

1985 BMW 318 — representative photo
Representative photo

1985 BMW 318 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints2

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

1985 BMW 318 recalls 2

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.

Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar NHTSA Campaign #86V138000 · 20/10/1986

THE TWO PARTS OF THE STEERING COLUMN DISENGAGEMENT ELEMENT COULD COMPLETELY DISCONNECT IF THE CAR CONTACTS AN OBJECT IN THE ROADWAY OR ELSEWHERE OF SUFFICIENT MASS TO APPLY A SIGNIFICANT FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE STEERING GEARBOX. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: STEERING CONTROL WOULD BE LOST.

Fix: BOLT TWO SPECIALLY FORMED PLATES TO THE DISENGAGEMENT ELEMENT SO THAT STEERING CAPABILITY WILL BE RETAINED.

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.

1985 BMW 318 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Dimensions & weight

Length
176.8 in
Width
65.0 in
Height
54.3 in
Wheelbase
101.2 in
Curb weight
2,394–2,449 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1985 BMW 318 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

HEATER CORE FAILURE Closed

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

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH Closed

===

NHTSA #EA89007 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Dec 1988 · closed Jul 1989

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.

1985 BMW 318 vehicles on record

1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAK310409562183 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC510001570210 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC510201476944 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC310000827313 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC510301498578 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC710501587936 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC510301468433 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC710501455694 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAK110100816084 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC310601350820 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC510X01577665 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC510501493222 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC310900825673 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC710301449599 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAK510409458014 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC310901352271 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC710701585119 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC510501462410 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC510701492220 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAK310X09558512 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAK710XD9106489 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC510001488834 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC710201459265 1985 BMW 318 1985 BMW 318WBAAC510701485557

Other BMW 318 model years

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1985 BMW 318 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1985 BMW 318 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1985 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 1985 BMW 318?

Across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are seat belts, engine and engine cooling.

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