1994 BMW 320i

Introduction

The 1994 BMW 320i is a compact executive car offered with two engine options: a 1.8L inline-four and a 2.5L inline-six. Both engines are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 320i is known for its sporty handling, powerful engines, and comfortable interior. However, it also has some common issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine

• 1.8L Inline-Four
  • Intake Manifold Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold can crack over time, causing vacuum leaks and a loss of power. The symptoms of an intake manifold crack can include rough idling, stalling, and reduced fuel economy.
    • Solution: The solution is to replace the intake manifold.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Stem Seal Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The valve stem seals can fail over time, causing oil to leak into the cylinders. The symptoms of valve stem seal failure can include excessive blue smoke from the exhaust, fouled spark plugs, and a loss of power.
    • Solution: The solution is to replace the valve stem seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.5L Inline-Six
  • Timing Chain Guide Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain guide can fail over time, causing the timing chain to skip or break. The symptoms of timing chain guide failure can include a rattling noise from the engine, a loss of power, and engine damage.
    • Solution: The solution is to replace the timing chain guide and timing chain.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 5-Speed Manual
  • Synchronizer Ring Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The synchronizer rings can wear out over time, causing difficulty shifting gears. The symptoms of synchronizer ring failure can include grinding noises when shifting gears, a loss of power, and a refusal to shift into gear.
    • Solution: The solution is to replace the synchronizer rings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4-Speed Automatic
  • Transmission Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission can slip over time, causing a loss of power and poor acceleration. The symptoms of transmission slipping can include delayed gear changes, a loss of power, and a shuddering feeling when shifting gears.
    • Solution: The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain over time, causing the vehicle to become inoperable. The symptoms of a battery drain can include difficulty starting the vehicle, dim headlights, and a dead battery.
  • Solution: The solution is to identify and fix the source of the battery drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: The body can rust over time, causing unsightly blemishes and structural damage. The symptoms of rust can include bubbling paint, peeling paint, and holes in the body panels.
  • Solution: The solution is to prevent or repair rust by applying rust-resistant coatings and replacing damaged body panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater Core Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The heater core can fail over time, causing the vehicle to lose heat. The symptoms of heater core failure can include a lack of heat from the vents, a sweet smell from the vents, and a foggy windshield.
  • Solution: The solution is to replace the heater core.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1994 BMW 320i is a reliable and enjoyable vehicle overall. However, it does have some potential issues that owners should be aware of. The most common issues are intake manifold cracking, valve stem seal failure, timing chain guide failure, and transmission slipping. These issues can be expensive to repair, but they are not common. If you are considering buying a 1994 BMW 320i, be sure to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential problems.