Recall 98V-178: 1992–1995 BMW 318i, 1992–1995 BMW 318IA and 34 more

BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE recall for engine and engine cooling, reported to NHTSA on Aug 4, 1998, covering about 340,000 vehicles.

NHTSA number

98V-178

Report date

Aug 4, 1998

Vehicles affected

340,000

Owners notified

Mar 31, 1999

The problem

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. If the indications of a critical overheating condition is not noticed by the driver, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.

The risk

If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant.

The fix

Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.

Notes

Owner notification began march 31, 1999. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

Manufacturer	BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Component	Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Recall started by	the manufacturer
NHTSA campaign number	98V178000

Vehicles in this recall

Vehicle	Model years
BMW 318i	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 318IA	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 318ic	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 318ICA	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 318is	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 318ISA	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 325i	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 325IA	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 325ic	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 325ICA	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 325is	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 325ISA	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 525i	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 525IA	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 525ITA	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 530i	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 530IA	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 530ITA	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 535i	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 535IA	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 540i	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 540IA	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 735i	1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 735IA	1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 735ILA	1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 740IA	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 740ILA	1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 750ILA	1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 840CIA	1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 850ci	1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 850CIA	1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 850CSI	1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 850i	1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW 850IA	1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW M3	1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years
BMW M5	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995	All years

Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 98V-178?

How is recall 98V-178 fixed?

Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.