1996 BMW 318IS Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 29, 1997 · 0 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 318IS years
Not enough data 3rd of 3 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

NHTSA has received no owner complaints about the 1996 BMW 318IS so far. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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1996 BMW 318IS recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Vehicle speed controlAug 19, 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V131000 · 410,000 vehicles

Problem: 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 outer tube could catch on the edge of the broken bushing.

Risk: 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.

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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Other BMW 318IS years

← 1995 318IS · 1997 318IS →

YearComplaintsRecalls
1997 318IS21
199601
1995 318IS32

See all BMW 318IS problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1996 BMW 318IS?

NHTSA has no owner complaints on file yet.

Was there a recall on the 1996 BMW 318IS?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1996 BMW 318IS a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 318IS model years, the 1996 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.