Bmw 318is 1992

Model 318is made in 1992 by Bmw got 3 consumer complains as well as 3 recalls. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to latches/locks/linkages and structure. There were some recalls concerningair bags and engine and engine cooling.

Model 1992

Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
AIR BAGS - FRONTAL
96V110000BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEfrom 07/01/1990 to 03/01/1992V (Vehicle)7500009/30/1996ODIBAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE07/01/199607/08/1996
Defect SummaryThe air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.
Consequence SummaryIf this happens, the contact ring wiring could eventually break. the air bag readiness indicator lamp (srs or airbag) in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the air bag would not deploy in the event of a frontal impact vehicle collision.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the locking tab with one of a different design.
NotesSystem: interior; passive restraint; air bag; driver. vehicle description: passenger vehicles. owner notification: owner notification is expected to begin august 5, 1996. note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
98V178000BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEfrom 03/01/1991 to 11/30/1994V (Vehicle)34000003/31/1999MFRBAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE08/04/199808/14/1998
Defect SummaryVehicle description: passenger vehicles. a malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. if the indications of a critical overheating condition is not noticed by the driver, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.
Consequence SummaryIf a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
NotesOwner notification began march 31, 1999. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
97V131000BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEfrom 07/01/1992 to 07/30/1997V (Vehicle)41000010/30/1997MFRBAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE08/19/199708/29/1997
Defect SummaryThe cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. it is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. if the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. in this case, during application of the throttle pedal without cruise control being engaged, the outer tube could catch on the edge of the broken bushing.
Consequence SummaryThis could cause the throttle valve to remain partially open. it his were to occur, the car might not decelerate as expected increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. the clip is designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from the bushing.
NotesOwner notification is expected to begin by the end of october 1997. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES - DOORS - LATCH
05/05/200434312307/17/1992
 May 5, 2004 incident: driver's door latch fails to work ... so that the door flies open while driving ... and can not be completely closed and/or locked when parked. i am the original owner of a 1992 bmw 318is 2-door sedan with only 34,319 miles. the car has only been driven occasionally over the years (only by myself) and has never been in an accident. the problem: i unlocked and drove my car today (may 5, 2004). i went to two destinations and closed and locked the car each time without a problem. after my second stop, i unlocked the car, entered it, and closed the door behind me without realizing there was a problem. i drove away and while making a turn, the door suddenly flew open. i was able to stop in a safe area without having an accident. i looked at the door's latch and where it connects with the body and saw nothing wrong ... but the door would not close or latch securely. i checked the passenger side front door and it looked similar to the driver's side. i then drove my stick-shift car home, while holding the driver's door as closed as possible with my (recently, surgically operated on) left arm. i then phoned the nhtsa. obviously, a car's doors must close and lock properly to keep its passengers safe. a car driven occasionally, with only 34,319 miles, certainly shouldn't have something like this happen. fortunately, i was just a few miles from home and the car is always garaged. thank you in advance for reviewing this case. sincerely, charles dreyfuss p.s. i've indicated '3 failures' only because i've tried to close and lock this car several times once i got it in my home's garage with no success.
STRUCTURE - BODY
03/02/2000105/01/1992
 After car passed through car wash, would not start; towed car to dealer and was advised this is a common occurrence is 3-series models and was quoted $1500 to repair. dealer did complete service 8 weeks earlier and did not inform me of water intrusion problems due to weathering trim.*ak
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR
11/08/2000
 Driver's inside door handle broke which caused door not to open from inside. in event of a emergency driver cannot go out from driver's door. please provide further information.*ak