Model year guide

1990 BMW 318

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1990 BMW 318 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

1990 BMW 318 — representative photo
Representative photo

1990 BMW 318 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints2

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

1990 BMW 318 recalls 1

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #94V066000 · 11/04/1994

FEED FUEL HOSES CAN HARDEN AND "SET" OVER TIME, ALLOWING A SEEPAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING. THE CLAMP USED TO HOLD THE HOSE TO THE FITTING IS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE HARDENING OF THE FEED FUEL HOSE.

Fix: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.

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.

1990 BMW 318 common problems

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

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.

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.

Manufacturer service bulletins 4

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

RECALL 96V111 - THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN INVOLVES THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. *TW

Bulletin MSG1016 · Exterior Lighting · Oct 1996

RECALL 96V110 - BMW OF NORTH AMERICA HAS INITIATED A RECALL CAMPAIGN WHICH INVOLVES THE AIRBAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB. *TW

Bulletin MSG0415 · Air Bags · Oct 1996

ENGINE WILL NOT START. *TW

Bulletin 120894(4117) · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 1995

NEW STYLE STEERING COLUMN. *TW

Bulletin 320193(3752) · Steering · Apr 1993

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

1990 BMW 318 vehicles on record

1990 BMW 318 1990 BMW 318WBAAJ51080AD57224 1990 BMW 318 1990 BMW 318WBAAF9109LAD09112 1990 BMW 318 1990 BMW 318WBACB11070JB49110

Other BMW 318 model years

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1990 BMW 318 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1990 BMW 318 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1990 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 1990 BMW 318?

Across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel system, gasoline.

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