1991 BMW 318
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1991 BMW 318 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8 on record.
1991 BMW 318 at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1991 BMW 318 recalls 3
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.
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.
THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM, VENTED INTO THE INTAKE TRACT OF THE ENGINE AT THE BELLOWS BOOT AHEAD OF THE THROTTLE HOUSING, ALLOWS WARM WATER VAPOR FROM THE CRANKCASE VENT TO CONDENSE AND FREEZE IN THE COLDER BELLOWS BOOT WHEN THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE IS 15 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OR LESS. THE BUILD UP OF ICE CAN DISLODGE AND MOVE INTO THE THROTTLE HOUSING, PREVENTING THE THROTTLE PLATE FROM FULLY CLOSING WHEN THE…
Fix: REPLACE THE THROTTLE HOUSING WITH A VERSION CONTAINING A MODIFIED HEATING SYSTEM ALONG WITH REROUTING OF THE CVS HOSE. THIS WILL PREVENT ICE BUILD-UP IN THE INTAKE TRACT.
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.
1991 BMW 318 common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 2
AIR BAG WIRING FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #EA95013 · Air Bags · opened Mar 1995 · closed Jul 1996HEATER CORE FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #EA92017 · Visibility · opened Jun 1992 · closed Mar 1993An 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 1996RECALL 96V110 - BMW OF NORTH AMERICA HAS INITIATED A RECALL CAMPAIGN WHICH INVOLVES THE AIRBAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB. *TW
Bulletin MSG0415 · Air Bags · Oct 1996ENGINE WILL NOT START. *TW
Bulletin 120894(4117) · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 1995VARIOUS MALFUNCTIONS OF THE "ONE TOUCH" WINDOW OPERATION. *TW
Bulletin 514191(3431) · Visibility · Jan 1993Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 318. Model-year data, not specific to one car.