NHTSA Recall 97V131000: Vehicle speed control
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 410,000 vehicles. It affects 16 models including the BMW 318I.
| NHTSA campaign | 97V131000 |
|---|---|
| Component | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL |
| Report received | August 19, 1997 |
| Owner notification | October 30, 1997 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
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 coupled with vibration. If the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. In this case, during application of the throttle pedal without cruise control being engaged, the outer tube could catch on the edge of the broken bushing.
Safety risk
This could cause the throttle valve to remain partially open. It his were to occur, the car might not decelerate as expected increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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 from dislodging from the bushing.
Notes
Owner notification is expected to begin by the end of october 1997. 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 1-800-831-1117.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
Vehicles covered by recall 97V131000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| BMW 318I | 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 |
| BMW 318IC | 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 |
| BMW 318IS | 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 |
| BMW 318TI | 1995, 1996, 1997 |
| BMW 325I | 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 |
| BMW 325IC | 1994, 1995 |
| BMW 325IS | 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 |
| BMW 525I | 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 |
| BMW 525IT | 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 |
| BMW 530I | 1994, 1995 |
| BMW 530IT | 1994, 1995 |
| BMW 540I | 1994, 1995 |
| BMW 740I | 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 |
| BMW 840CI | 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 |
| BMW M3 | 1995, 1996, 1997 |
| BMW Z3 | 1996, 1997 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.