MotorDeets

1994 BMW 318IC: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1994 BMW 318IC: 2 recalls, 1 owner complaint and up to 22 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
1owner complaints
0mention a crash
22best combined mpg
1994 BMW 318IC
Photo: Aboutdamnavantime.wiki · CC BY 4.0 · 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.

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.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #98V178000 · 1998 · 340,000 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: If 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.

The fix: Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.

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.

Electrical1

What owners describe

The 1994 BMW 318IC has 1 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 9 318IC model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 2). Neighboring years: 1993 (0 complaints, 1 recalls), 1995 (4 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.8 L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive192922Premium
1.8 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive192822Premium
1.8 L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive192722Premium
1.8 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive182621Premium

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 1994 BMW 318IC.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1994 BMW 318IC 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 1994 BMW 318IC 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 1994 BMW 318IC 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 1994 BMW 318IC manual

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FAQ

Does the 1994 BMW 318IC have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1994 BMW 318IC. 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 1994 BMW 318IC problems?

Owners have filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (1).

What gas mileage does the 1994 BMW 318IC get?

EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1994 BMW 318IC 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 318IC years

199219931994199519961997200020012003