1996 BMW 318I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 BMW 318I: 1 recall, 3 owner complaints and up to 23 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.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #97V131000 · 1997 · 410,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The 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…
Why it matters: This 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.
The fix: Dealers 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (2): the most common themes are fails to deploy (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 BMW 318I has 3 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 10 318I model years for complaints (well below the 8 average). Neighboring years: 1995 (14 complaints, 2 recalls), 1997 (5 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Premium |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | 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 1996 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 1996 BMW 318I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1996 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 1996 BMW 318I problems?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (2), transmission & drivetrain (1).
What gas mileage does the 1996 BMW 318I get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 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.