MotorDeets

2018 BMW 230I: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2018 BMW 230I: 2 recalls, 4 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
4owner complaints
0mention a crash
28best combined mpg
2018 BMW 230I
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Electrical Vehicle recall #17V719000 · 2017 · 3,188 vehicles

What's wrong: These vehicles May have an error in the software for the instrument panel, causing the display to not properly illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 101, "control and displays."

Why it matters: If the display does not illuminate during start up or does not illuminate various control and warning symbols while driving, it can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster display software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V465000 · 2018 · 5,309 vehicles

What's wrong: The crankshaft sensor May be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xdrive, 230i m240i, m240i xdrive, x2 sdrive28i, x2 xdrive28i, x1 sdrive28i, x1 xdrive28i, 330i, 330i xdrive, 340i,…

Why it matters: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018.

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.

Engine3
Fuel & propulsion1
Wheels1

What owners describe

The 2018 BMW 230I has 4 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 10 230I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 4). Neighboring years: 2017 (11 complaints, 0 recalls), 2019 (1 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive243528Premium
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive243427Premium
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive233327Premium
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive243327Premium
2.0 L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive213225Premium

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 2018 BMW 230I.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2018 BMW 230I manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2018 BMW 230I manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2018 BMW 230I manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2018 BMW 230I manual

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FAQ

Does the 2018 BMW 230I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2018 BMW 230I. 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 2018 BMW 230I problems?

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (3), fuel & propulsion (1), wheels (1).

What gas mileage does the 2018 BMW 230I get?

EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 5 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2018 BMW 230I 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.

Other 230I years

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