1991 BMW 318IS: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 BMW 318IS: 1 recall, 6 owner complaints and up to 21 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 (6): the most common themes are leaks (2).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1991 BMW 318IS has 6 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 7 318IS model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 5). Complaints peaked in 1998 (1 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old. Neighboring years: 1992 (3 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 | 19 | 25 | 21 | Premium |
| 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 318IS.
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.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1991 BMW 318IS have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1991 BMW 318IS. 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 318IS problems?
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (6), visibility (wipers, glass) (1).
What gas mileage does the 1991 BMW 318IS get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 BMW 318IS 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.