1998 BMW 318i Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE KEY STARTED ROTATING IN IGNITION WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF ROAD AND REMOVED KEY. ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. ONLY WAY TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE WAS TO DISCONNECT BATTERY. EMAIL: [email protected] *LA

Nov 14, 2003

CONSUMER WAS INSIDE OF VEHICLE AND WENT TO PUT KEY IN THE IGNITION TO START VEHICLE, SHE TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION TO TURN VEHICLE OFF AND VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING, SHE DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT CYLINDER LOCK SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK *JB

Jan 08, 2002

BATTERY REPLACED. MJS

Feb 14, 2001

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT DISENGAGE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND OBVIOUSLY DOES NOT DECELERATE WHEN EXPECTED. I WOULD LIKE TO REFER TO NHTSA RECALL NO.: 97V131. *NM

Sep 29, 2005

BMW IS CURRENTLY DENYING THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM IN THE PAST, DESPITE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 97V131000. CURRENTLY, THEY ARE REFUSING TO PROVIDE ANYTHING ON THIS VEHICLE WHICH IS STILL WARRANTIED. NO SUMMARY LISTED.

Feb 10, 2001

Crash: 1

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

AUTOMATIC TRANS POPS OUT OF 1ST GEAR WHILE ACCELERATING (LOUD NOISE). *AK

Sep 25, 2000

AUTOMATIC TRANS POPS OUT OF 1ST GEAR WHILE ACCELERATING (LOUD NOISE). *AK

Sep 25, 2000

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW 318I. WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT BECAME INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS THE CONTACT WAS CRASHING INTO THE SECOND VEHICLE, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE HORN JUST AS THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAG STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE LEFT ARM, CAUSING HIS LEFT SHOULDER TO BECOME DISLODGED. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE AIR BAG WAS LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHERE THE HORN WAS ALSO LOCATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Sep 19, 2012

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED CONTINUALLY FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME FOR ENGINE/THROTTLE RELATED PROBLEMS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE INTERMITTENTLY AND EXPERIENCE NO START CONDITIONS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATING, THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED VEHICLE HOWEVER THE CONSUMER DOES NOT FEEL VEHICLE IS REPAIRED PROPERLY. MJS

Feb 14, 2001

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

THE BLOWER MOTOR FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. MJS

Feb 14, 2001

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

THERE ISN'T ANY COVER FOR THE LUGGAGE THAT GOES OVER THE TRUNK LID WHICH VAPORS ARE GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE, AND MAKING THE CONSUMER SICK. *AK

Oct 26, 1999

4.7/5.0

74 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 1998 BMW 318i, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 1998 BMW 318i for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 1998 BMW 318i 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

1998 BMW 318i VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 1998 BMW 318i Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 1998 BMW 318i dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your BMW dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1998 BMW 318i have?

The 1998 BMW 318i currently has 11 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1998 BMW 318i?

The most common problems reported for the 1998 BMW 318i are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1998 BMW 318i problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1998 BMW 318i comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 1998 BMW 318i?

You can report safety problems with your 1998 BMW 318i directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 1998 BMW 318i VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 1998 BMW 318i reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 1998 BMW 318i. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.