Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 100,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1995 318i.
The 1995 BMW 318i is equipped with an automatic 4‑speed transmission and carries an EPA fuel‑economy rating of 18/26/21 mpg. It requires 5.3 qt of oil, with acceptable viscosities of 15W‑40, 10W‑40, or 10W‑30 meeting API SJ standards. Owner‑reported data show 14 total complaints for the model year, with air‑bag issues the top concern and two recalls issued, placing the 1995 318i between the 1994 peak (14 complaints) and the 1996 low (3 complaints) in the 1991‑2001 complaint history.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 91 · 600 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
| Overall length | 174.4 in |
| Overall width | 66.9 in |
| Overall height | 54.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in |
| Curb weight | 2866 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 55.9 / 56.3 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 51/49 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 18 / 26 / 21 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 1996 | 318 318ti 3-door Hatchback (Club Sport) 1.8L I-4 | 8.50 sec | 16.50 sec | 138 hp | RWD |
| 1993 | 318 318i Sedan 1.8L I-4 | 9.70 sec | 17.30 sec | 113 hp | RWD |
| 1991 | 318 318is Coupe 1.8L I-4 | 8.70 sec | 16.40 sec | 134 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. Torque lug nuts to 88 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 17mm: 22.0-26.0, 19mm: 43.0-45.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.
| 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 |
| Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs | 8.5 ft-lbs |
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | 88 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 9 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 16-18 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | 17mm: 22.0-26.0, 19mm: 43.0-45.0 ft-lbs |
| Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs | 16 ft-lbs |
| Driveshaft Flange to Transmission | 145.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 88 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.76-2.26 lbs |
| Oil Capacity | 4.05-5.06 oz |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 91 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 600 cca |
| Pressure Test | 28-32 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 28-32 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | 190 °F |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 7.25 at idle, 62.35 regulated. psi |
| Brake Application | WITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 18-22 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 33 ft-lbs / 49 ft-lbs / 20.2 ft-lbs |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in |
| Brake Application | WITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR |
| Rotor Minimum Machining | 0.031 in |
| Rotor Discard at or Under | 0.646 in / 0.7172 in / 0.6816 in / 0.7528 in |
| Rotor Finish | 0.5 - 3.5 μin |
| 1 | 14-18 ft. lbs., Step 2: 53 | 14–18 ft. lbs |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 100,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
In 1995 the 318i recorded 14 complaints and two federal recalls, matching the 1994 peak and exceeding the 1993 figure of 11. Complaint volume rose steadily from 1991 through 1994, peaked in 1994‑1995, then fell sharply to three complaints in 1996, creating a brief high‑complaint interval. The 1995 complaint profile lists three air‑bag entries and two electrical‑system entries among its top areas, with one each for steering/engine/air‑bag/seat‑belt and vehicle‑speed‑control/electrical‑system. Crash‑related complaints numbered two and fire complaints one, both modest relative to the overall complaint count. Given the elevated complaint level and the presence of air‑bag and electrical issues in the 1995 record, a buyer should weigh these factors and verify service history before purchase.
All 14 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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…
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… Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
Showing 5 of 6 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 |
| 72/07/96 | 1996-12-01 | Equipment | CHILD AIRBAG LETTER, WARNING LABEL AND SAFETY REFERENCE CARD. *TW |
| 24/03/96 | 1996-11-01 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION SHUDDER. *TW |
| 54/09/96 | 1996-11-01 | Visibility | SUNROOF FAILS TO CLOSE. *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 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg.