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Recall 98V-178

BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE recalled the 1992 to 1995 BMW 318I and 35 other models: Engine and engine cooling (cooling system).

At a glance

Campaign number
98V-178
Reported
August 4, 1998
Vehicles affected
340,000 estimated by the manufacturer

Source: NHTSA recall records

What is wrong

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 from the manufacturer

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-[removed].also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-[removed]).

Affected vehicles