1992-1998 BMW 318i: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-1998 BMW 318i and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Ride
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Wet-weather traction
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Not long after BMW redesigned its 3-Series for the 1992 model year with a more rounded profile and greater dimensions, a 4-cylinder 318i (4-door) and 318is (2-door) joined the lineup. Like their 6-cylinder counterparts 325i/is, the 318i/is got a standard driver-side airbag and antilock brakes. Initial models came only with manual shift, but BMW's 4-speed automatic transmission arrived during 1993 as an option. BMW also issued 4-cylinder convertibles for a short time, but with the older, squared-off body. Not until 1994 would 4-cylinder convertibles adopt the smoothly curved shaping of the sedans.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | BMW 318i sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 46 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-1998 BMW 318i. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-1998 BMW 318i.
Year to Year Changes
1993 BMW 3-Series:
For '93, all coupes and sedans got increased front seat height adjustments to improve head room. A sport suspension package joined the option list for 4-cylinder models.
1994 BMW 3-Series:
All models gained a passenger-side airbag. Convertibles finally got the new styling that had first appeared in '92, as a 4-cylinder 318i ragtop emerged during this model year.
1995 BMW 3-Series:
Late in 1995, BMW launched a low-budget 318ti hatchback with a closely related engine but a completely different appearance.
1996 BMW 3-Series:
A bigger (1.9-liter) 4-cylinder engine went into mid-1996 models. Cruise control became standard on all 318-series automobiles, and traction control was an option. All models got a new 10-speaker, 200-watt sound system, plus a console cupholder. A new automatic climate-control system was also standard, while coupe and convertibles sported new alloy wheels.
1997 BMW 3-Series:
All models got standard All-Season traction control for '97. Most other changes were cosmetic, including reshaping of the familiar twin-kidney grille to match the larger 5-Series and the new Z3 roadster. Also, side-marker and turn-signal lamps were redesigned.
1998 BMW 3-Series:
The 318 coupe and convertible models were replaced by more-expensive models called the 323. Sedan and hatchback 318is returned mostly unchanged. However, side airbags were now standard on the 318i sedan. The 3-Series was all new for 1999.
Our road test for the 1992-1998 BMW 318i includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-1998 BMW 318i and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-1998 BMW 318i is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Four-cylinder BMWs target driving enthusiasts, who generally prefer manual shift. Because these engines come alive only at high rpm, they function better with manual shift than with automatic, which robs some of the engine's zest. Around town, though, you can expect to shift the 5-speed frequently. Installation of the larger engine in 1996 did not boost performance appreciably. Fuel mileage has averaged more than 25 mpg with the manual shift. All 3-Series BMWs shine brightest in their sporty handling characteristics. They devour twisting roads with ease, helped by sharply precise yet fluid steering. Quick turns produce more body lean than expected, but the cars feel lithe and surefooted. Though the suspension is firm, ride quality beats many cars with softer suspensions, absorbing plenty of road flaws. Brakes are potent, too. In wet or snowy weather, however, these rear drivers can get difficult to handle, as the tail slips easily sideways. Traction control is not all that effective. Despite the increased size in this generation, interior space is not much larger than in previous BMWs. Rear space is acceptable only for two small adults, and rear head room is tight in the coupe due to its slightly lower roofline. Cabins are rather austere, with a lot of hard plastic surfaces that seem inappropriate for the car's price. Lack of a tilt feature means the steering wheel sits a bit high, but analog gauges are unobstructed and radio and climate controls are close at hand. Skimpy rear door openings hinder back seat entry into sedans. The trunk floor is flat, and its opening is large.
Value for the Money
Despite high secondhand prices, 4-cylinder BMWs appeal to those who like spirited, high-revving driving enjoyment. For that purpose, they're hard to beat.
Despite high secondhand prices, 4-cylinder BMWs appeal to those who like spirited, high-revving driving enjoyment. For that purpose, they're hard to beat.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | BMW 318i sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 46 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation BMW 3-Series includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation BMW 3-Series .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Air conditioners that don't cool well enough may need to have some of the R-12 (Freon) removed if the system was overcharged. (1992-93)
Automatic transmission:
The automatic transmission may suffer from delayed engagement after sitting overnight because the fluid drains out of the torque converter. (1992-95)
Climate control:
Small flakes may come from the vents or a foul odor may be present when the A/C is operated. (1992-93)
Dashboard lights:
The hazard flashers may begin flashing by themselves and the turn signals may flash at twice the normal speed due to condensation shorting out the circuit board. (1992-94)
Doors:
If the central locking system unlocks itself after being locked or locks itself after being unlocked, the actuators could be defective or the trunk lock may need to be adjusted. (1992-93)
Rough idle:
The variable valve timing system (VANOS) may jam on the 2.5-liter and 2.8-liter DOHC V6 engines causing a rough idle and check engine light. (1996-99)
Starter:
The starter may fail because it keeps running after the engine starts and eventually burns out. The root cause is a sticking ignition switch. The whole lock and switch must be replaced. (1992-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,200 |
| Alternator | $420 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,150 |
| Brakes | $260 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $570 |
| Exhaust System | $1,450 |
| Radiator | $655 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,225 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $820 |
Our price chart for this generation BMW 3-Series details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1998 | |||
| 318i | $3,900-4,700 | $3,200-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| 1997 | |||
| 318i/is | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| Convertible | $4,800-5,600 | $4,000-4,700 | $1,800-2,100 |
| 1996 | |||
| 318i/is | $2,800-3,400 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-700 |
| Convertible | $4,300-5,000 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| 1995 | |||
| 318i/is | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| Convertible | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1994 | |||
| 318i/is | $1,900-2,500 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| Convertible | $3,000-3,700 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-900 |
| 1993 | |||
| 318i/is | $1,600-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $200-300 |
| 1992 | |||
| 318i/is | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Convertible | $2,200-2,800 | $1,600-2,000 | $400-500 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation BMW 3-Series include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 | 106.3 | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.5 | 174.5 | 174.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.3 | 67.3 | 66.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.1 | 53.8 | 54.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3352 | 2866 | 2866 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 9.0 | 14.3 | 15.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.2 | 17.2 | 17.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.1 | 36.7 | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 | 41.2 | 40.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.3 | 35.9 | 37.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 28.1 | 32.7 | 34.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 1.8-liter engine was used into 1996, when BMW switched to a larger (1.9-liter) version with the same 138 horsepower but a bit more torque. Most major engine components were said to be either new or "significantly improved" as part of the increase in displacement. Engines in previous-style 1992 convertibles had slightly less power than the fours that went into coupes and sedans. BMW's 4-speed automatic transmission, available since 1993, have economy, sport, and manual shift programs.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I41 | 1.8 / 110 | 134 | 127 | 5-speed manual: 22/27 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 110 | 138 | 129 | 5-speed manual: 22/32 4-speed automatic: 21/29 |
5-speed manual: 25.5 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 1.9 / 116 | 138 | 133 | 5-speed manual: 23/31 4-speed automatic: 22/31 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 20.2 |
|
1. Used in carryover-styled 1992 convertibles only. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Germany, USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation BMW 3-Series include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1992-1998 BMW 318i directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992:
Airbag contact-ring locking tab can break without warning, eventually causing broken wiring; airbag would then not deploy in collision, and indicator would illuminate.
1992-93:
Fuel hoses can harden and "set" over time, allowing seepage that could result in fire.
1992-95:
Malfunction or failure of cooling system component can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure.
1992-97:
Plastic bushing for cruise-control and throttle cables could break, causing throttle valve to remain partially open; car might not decelerate as expected.
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