Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 60,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1992 318i.
The 1992 BMW 318i, driven by its 5-speed manual transmission and an engine requiring 5.3 quarts of 15W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30 API SJ oil, delivers an EPA-estimated 18 city and 24 highway mpg for a 20 mpg combined average. With eight total owner complaints and three recalls primarily focused on the engine and engine cooling systems, the vehicle presents a specific but manageable set of mechanical considerations. Within the broader 1991-2001 model range, 1992 represents a moderately reliable middle ground, sitting well below the peak complaint year of 1994 with its fourteen issues yet above the 1996 low of just three, indicating it is neither a standout of durability nor a notable failure point in the generation's history.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Manual 5-spd |
| Overall length | 175.2 in |
| Overall width | 65 in |
| Overall height | 53.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in |
| Curb weight | 2987 lb |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 18 / 24 / 20 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the 318i of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 318 318is Coupe 1.8L I-4 | 8.70 sec | 16.40 sec | 134 hp | RWD |
| 1991 | 318 318is Coupe 1.8L I-4 | 9.70 sec | 17.30 sec | 134 hp | RWD |
| 1993 | 318 318i Sedan 1.8L I-4 | 9.70 sec | 17.30 sec | 113 hp | RWD |
| 1995 | 318 318ti 3-door Hatchback (Active) 1.8L I-4 | 7.80 sec | 16.10 sec | 138 hp | RWD |
| 1995 | 318 318ti 3-door Hatchback (Sport) 1.8L I-4 | 8.40 sec | 16.40 sec | 138 hp | RWD |
| 1995 | 318 318i Sedan (Sport) 1.8L I-4 | 8.80 sec | 16.60 sec | 138 hp | RWD |
| 1995 | 318 318ti 3-door Hatchback (Sport) 1.8L I-4 | 8.90 sec | 16.60 sec | 138 hp | RWD |
| 1995 | 318 318ti 3-door Hatchback (Sport) 1.8L I-4 | 9.20 sec | 17.00 sec | 138 hp | RWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 5.3 qt of 15W-40 / 10W-40 / 10W-30 API SJ engine oil, GL-5 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil | GL-5 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.4 Pints |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | 15W-40 · API · 10W-40 · 10W-30 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 5.3 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 60,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 1992 318i sits at an early point in the generation with 8 complaints and 3 recalls, the highest recall count of any year in the record (1991 had 1, 1993–1995 had 2 each). While complaint volume is moderate and below the 1994–1995 peak of 14, the elevated recall activity suggests that 1992 may have been a year where initial production issues were being identified and addressed. The top complaint area is engine and engine cooling (5 of 8 complaints), but the data does not specify root causes or whether those recalls resolved the problems. Compared to the later 1996–1998 models, which have fewer recalls and lower or similar complaint counts, the 1992 appears more problematic in terms of safety-related actions. Given the higher recall count and the lack of detail on their severity, the 1992 BMW 318i is a riskier choice than later model years in this generation, particularly 1996 or 1997, which show a better balance of lower complaints and recalls.
All 8 complaints on record, top 4 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING. Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOCKING TAB WITH ONE OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN.
THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES… Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE…
Showing 3 of 3 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B510819 | 2024-01-16 | Electrical System | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| 12 14 97 | 1997-08-01 | Electrical System | M42 FAULT CODE 200/333. DME CONTROL UNIT MEMORY CHIP IS FAULTY. *AK |
| MSG1016 | 1996-10-01 | Exterior Lighting | RECALL 96V111 - THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN INVOLVES THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. *TW |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
5.3 qt of HIGH PERFORMANCE MINERAL OILS: ABOVE 5 degrees F: 15W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, -5 degreesF TO 68 degrees F: 10W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, 5 degreesF TO 50 degrees F: 10W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 50 degrees F: 5W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 32 degrees F:, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined mpg.