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 318ti.
The 1995 BMW 318ti is a compact hatchback variant of the 3 Series, equipped with a four-cylinder engine requiring 5.3 quarts of 15W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30 API SJ oil, and it achieves EPA-rated fuel economy of 18 city, 26 highway, and 21 combined mpg when paired with its 4-speed automatic transmission. In terms of reliability, this first model year recorded only three total owner complaints—the most common issue involving seat belts—and a single recall, placing it as the second-lowest complaint count among the 1995–1999 generation, which ranged from a low of one complaint in 1997 to a high of seventeen in 1998. For researchers, the 1995 model thus represents a relatively trouble-free entry point in the 318ti’s lifecycle, with minimal early-adoption issues compared to later years.
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 | 165.7 in |
| Overall width | 66.9 in |
| Overall height | 54.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in |
| Curb weight | 2690 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 54.7 / 54.3 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 51/49 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 18 / 26 / 21 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
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 Group | PAG |
| Oil Capacity | 4.05-5.06 oz |
| 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.
The 1995 BMW 318ti opens the generation with modest federal exposure, recording three complaints, one recall, one TSB, and zero investigations. While 1997 and 1999 later posted just one complaint apiece, the broader trend escalates sharply toward the 1998 model year, when complaints surged to seventeen and TSBs peaked at seven. The 1995 model carries one recall—a distinction it shares with 1996 and 1997 but not the recall-free 1998 and 1999 years—and the data does not specify the root cause. Its three complaints are divided evenly among seat belts, gasoline fuel systems, and hydraulic service brakes, with zero crash-related and zero fire-related complaints logged. With the lowest TSB count of the five-year run and complaint activity well below the 1998 peak, the 1995 model year represents a comparatively sound entry point for buyers seeking this generation.
All 3 complaints on record, top 3 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 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…
Showing 1 of 1 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. |
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 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg.