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1994 BMW 318i

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By Research the Car 2 min read

Introduction to the 1994 BMW 318i

The 1994 BMW 318i is a compact luxury sedan powered by a 1.8-liter inline-four engine that produces 115 horsepower and 122 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. The 318i is known for its agile handling, responsive steering, and comfortable interior. However, it also has some common issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine

  • M42B18
    • Valve stem seal failure: Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and onto the exhaust headers, causing a burning oil smell. Replace valve stem seals. $500 - $1000+
  • Crankshaft position sensor failure: Engine stalling, rough idle, or no-start condition. Replace crankshaft position sensor. $200 - $500+
  • Water pump failure: Coolant leaks from the water pump, leading to overheating. Replace water pump. $300 - $600+

Transmission

  • Getrag 240 5-speed manual:
    • Synchronizer wear: Difficulty shifting gears, especially into second and third. Overhaul or replace transmission. $1500 - $3000+
  • ZF 4HP14 4-speed automatic:
    • Transmission slipping: Loss of power or shuddering during gear changes. Overhaul or replace transmission. $2000 - $4000+

Suspension

  • Control arm bushings failure: Worn bushings lead to imprecise handling and excessive tire wear. Replace control arm bushings. $400 - $800+
  • Front strut mount failure: Noises and vibrations from the front suspension. Replace strut mounts. $200 - $400+
  • Rear shock absorber failure: Reduced ride quality and handling. Replace shock absorbers. $300 - $600+

Electrical

  • Alternator failure: Electrical system malfunctions, dim headlights, or no-start condition. Replace alternator. $500 - $1000+
  • Battery drain: Battery discharges quickly even when the car is not in use. Check for parasitic drains and replace battery if necessary. $100 - $200+
  • Central locking module failure: Doors may not lock or unlock remotely. Replace central locking module. $200 - $500+

Exterior

  • Sunroof seal failure: Water leaks into the cabin from the sunroof. Replace sunroof seal. $300 - $600+
  • Door lock actuator failure: Doors may not lock or unlock manually. Replace door lock actuators. $100 - $200+
  • Tail light bulb failure: Burned-out tail light bulbs. Replace tail light bulbs. $20 - $40+

Interior

  • HVAC system failure: No air conditioning or heating. Check refrigerant levels, replace compressor, or repair heater core. $500 - $1500+
  • Dashboard pixel failure: Pixels on the instrument cluster display may malfunction or fade. Replace instrument cluster. $500 - $1000+
  • Sun visor clip failure: Sun visors may not stay in place. Replace sun visor clips. $50 - $100+

Summary

The 1994 BMW 318i is a well-regarded compact luxury sedan, but it has some common issues that owners should be aware of. These issues range in severity from minor inconveniences to major repairs, and their cost can vary significantly. Overall, the 318i is still a reliable and enjoyable car for those who are prepared to address its potential problems.

BMW, 318i
BMW 318i 1994
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