Most common 1998 BMW 318ti problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 318ti complaints by model year
What 1998 BMW 318ti owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Bmw318ti - both driver-side and passenger-side window regulators have had problems . Replaced the passenger-side regulator twice already in the last few years. Fortunately once was within the one-year warranty of when it broke the first time so the expense was just the labor, still expensive. Just this week the driver's side regulator failed. Not a cheap fix, and quite a scare when it actually happened. An unexpected loud crack and the window crashed to the bottom of the door, just a few seconds after the window button was depressed. Would love to hear that there was a recall. This was getting too be very expensive.
3 series models (e36) and notably the 318ti BMW automobiles have an extremely high failure rate for the window regulators. Its not uncommon to have to repair them annually at a cost of approximately 300 dollars per door. The failure occurs without warning causing the window to jam, or fall inside the door. This is a well known documented problem among the owner community and reactions at dealers is "oh yea happens all the time." I propose this could present an egress issue in event of an emergency.
Wheels & tires
Car has a safety design flaw. Spare tire mount design allows the sidewall of the spare tire (mounted under the trunk) to rub against the bottom of the trunk during normal driving. Upon taking out the spare, the tire was found to have pronounced marks and grooves on the tire sidewalls from the rubbing. The marks were deep enough that the belts in the tires could be seen and felt on the sidewalls. The tire can not be used. Major safety problem if the spare (small spare) is used with potential sidewall failure due to poor spare tire mount design.
Tires and suspension of vehicle are inadequate resulting in rear of vehicle sliding during turns and bumpy ride.
1998 BMW 318ti engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 29 / 24 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 BMW 318ti a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the 318ti to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 BMW 318ti?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 4 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about glass, side/rear. Next are the wheels & tires (4) and suspension (2).
How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 318ti have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 BMW 318ti. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 1998 BMW 318ti problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 136,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.