Vehicle recall 93V015000 · February 1, 1993

BMW 325, 318 and 1 more model

The malfunction or failure of a coolant system component results in significantly increased coolant temperature and a resulting increase in system pressure.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: The malfunction or failure of a coolant system component results in significantly increased coolant temperature and a resulting increase in system pressure.
Consequence: Vehicles operated under this increased cooling systempressure condition can suffer damage or failure of parts of the cooling systemsuch as (1) leakage from a coolant hose, (2) leakage of the radiator orexpansion tank, (3) disconnection of a hose from a pipe or a fitting, and (4)cracks in the heater core end piece resulting in coolant leakage. In some cases,boiling coolant can contact the lower right leg of the driver resulting inburns. Also, escaping coolant in the passenger compartment can cause vaporfogging of the interior surface of the windows, reducing driver visibility.
Remedy: Dealers will install a thermostatic bypass valve in the engine compartment to control coolant temperature in the heater core. Also, a new design radiator cap will be installed, to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Notes: System: coolant system.vehicle description: passenger cars.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 93V015000
Reported to NHTSA: February 1, 1993
Filed by: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Owner notification: June 4, 1993
Vehicles potentially affected: 375,000
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Heater core

Recall 93V015000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

BMW 318 (1984-1985, 1991-1992): 1992, 1991, 1985, 1984
BMW 325 (1984-1993): 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984
BMW M3 (1988-1991): 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988

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