1991 BMW 318I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 BMW 318I: 1 recall, 8 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
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Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #91V054000 · 1991 · 13,500 vehicles
What's wrong: During testing, incorrectly installed driver-side knee bolster prevented steering column from moving forward as designed to absorb impact energy from driver dummy.
Why it matters: Chest deceleration exceeds maximum allowable limit whichresults in increased risk of occupant injury in a sudden stop or accident.
The fix: Repair the knee bolster to allow clearance and avoid impedance of steering column movement during frontal impact.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (4): the most common themes are leaks (2).
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1991 BMW 318I has 8 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 10 318I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 8). Complaints peaked in 2000 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 69,999 miles. Neighboring years: 1992 (8 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1991 BMW 318I.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1991 BMW 318I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1991 BMW 318I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1991 BMW 318I problems?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (4), electrical (1), other / unknown (1).
What gas mileage does the 1991 BMW 318I get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 BMW 318I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.