Model year

2018 BMW 230I

Convertible, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Jun 25, 2018 to May 15, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year28,497 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints4Close to the median 2018 convertible
Severity index0.02018 convertibles average 6.9
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2018 BMW 230I peaked in 2018, with 1 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.250.50.7512018120192020202120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

75% of complaints about the 2018 BMW 230I name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
3
Fuel system
1
Wheels
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

2 recall campaigns cover the 2018 BMW 230I

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2018 BMW 230I
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
18V-465Jul 11, 2018Crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring,…Engine and cooling5,309Part replacement
17V-719Nov 15, 2017These vehicles may have an error in the software for the instrument panel, causing the display to not properly illuminateElectrical system3,188Software update
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2018 BMW 230I

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

4 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed May 15, 2026Failure May 15, 2026Tempe, AZEngine

    oil filter/coolant housing fail at 69,00 miles. Dumped coolant and got quoted for an expensive mechanic fix $4000

    NHTSA complaint 11738103
  2. Filed May 1, 2023Failure Oct 17, 2022Minden, NVEngine

    The coolant pipe from the engine cylinder head to the coolant reservoir broke unexpectedly which left us stranded on a narrow shoulder on the side of a busy highway with cars streaming by at high speed. A warning lamp directed us not to drive. Our safety was absolutely put at risk obviously. We had it towed to the closest shop doing BMWs. We had it fixed at significant expense. 5 months later, received a letter from BMW (see attached) wrote us admitting they had found this defect and were offering to replace the defective equipment at their cost if we brought it to the dealer. I called their customer service line who directed me to visit their nearest dealership an hour away and if the work we paid for was done correctly they would reimburse us. We drove and had the Dealer's mechanics verified that the work was done correctly. They referred to it as a RECALL on the verification paperwork.(see attached) I submitted the paperwork to BMW verifying the work was done and the invoice we paid. They responded a few days later, rejecting our request for reimbursement. They wouldn't even give us the amount it would have cost them to fix it. They called it a "SERVICE ACTION" not a "RECALL" and therefore not eligible for reimbursement. SO MY FAMILY IS PUT AT SIGNIFICANT RISK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PART, AND THEY GET OFF WITHOUT SPENDING A DIME.

    NHTSA complaint 11519883
  3. Filed Dec 17, 2020Failure Dec 4, 202012,000 milesCincinnati, OHWheels

    I HAVE A 2018 2 SERIES XDRIVE CONVERTIBLE WITH 18' PIRELLI RUN FLAT TIRES. THIS IS MY SECOND 2 SERIES. I HAVE HAD 6 OF THESE TIRES BLOW DUE TO POTHOLES OVER THE TWO CARS I HAVE HAD OVER 4 YEARS. THE LAST ONE THAT BLEW WAS ON FRIDAY ON I65 JUST SOUTH OF LOUISVILLE. I HAD TO WAIT 4 HOURS FOR TOW TRUCK TO TAKE IT TO BMW OF LOUISVILLE. I PROCEEDED ONTO NASHVILLE. I PICKED THE CAR UP ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY. THE TIRES ARE 18' PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 A S RFT RUN FLAT. THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. MY BMW SERVICE PERSON SAYS THIS HAPPENS SO OFTEN WITH THESE CARS. THIS BLOWOUT PATTERN IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I NEED NOT TO BE TO BE WORRIED ALL THE TIME THAT A TIRE IS GOING TO BLOW WHEN A POTHOLE IS HIT. ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. I MUST GET THEM CHANGED. I THINK THIS COULD BE A DEADLY PROBLEM. IT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO BY NHTSA.

    NHTSA complaint 11383876
  4. Filed Jun 25, 2018Failure Jun 18, 20183,500 milesFallbrook, CAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 65MPH, CAR ENGINE JUST SHUTS DOWN. NO POWER STEERING, NO WAY TO GET OVER. CAR DISPLAY SAYS DRIVE TRAIN ERROR. CAR GOT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE, DEALER "FIXES" ISSUE. 2 DAYS LATER, EXACT SAME THING HAPPENS AGAIN ON THE FREEWAY AT 65MPH. ENGINE JUST SHUTS DOWN. TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. STILL THERE, NO FIX YET. HOWEVER, HOW IS MY WIFE SUPPOSED TO FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR NOW. IT CAN DIE ON THE FREEWAY AT ANYTIME AND YOU HAVE NO POWER AND TRAFFIC IS ZOOMING BY.

    NHTSA complaint 11103839
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • EA21002 Engineering analysis, Airbags
    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
    Opened Sep 17, 2021, still open
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

168 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • B010224 Jun 26, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
    The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
  • B010224 May 5, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
    The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
  • B512022 Jul 15, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    While driving on rough roads, a cracking sound is heard coming from the headliner area.
  • B010224 May 2, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
    EVAP SYSTEM PURGE (VENT) VALVE EXT LTD WTY (ELW) 15/150
  • B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âdisc…
  • B360121 Jan 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk…
  • B612123 Nov 16, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The steering wheel heating takes a long time to achieve the desired temperature.
  • B513218 Nov 8, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The paint finish on the door jamb (above the door striker) is scratched due to the inner door cavity window seal.
  • B011423 Nov 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE (PCV) EXTENDED LTD WTY 15 YEARS/150,000 MILES
  • B651523 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
  • B840822 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration i…
  • B122519 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    After an automatic engine start (MSA start), the transmission intermittently goes into the Park "P" or Neutral "N" position without any customer influence.
  • B840822 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration.
  • SIB410322 Jun 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The driver and/or passenger side floor mat/carpet are soaked during/after a car wash.
  • SIB651312 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, supersede…
  • B170121 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine.
  • B170121 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine.
  • B010722 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension. This bulletin is notice of a limited emission warranty extension. This is NOT a notice of a Recall or Service Action. There is no immediate repair required unless the BMW vehicle is current…
  • B58N20N55S55 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension. This component-specific limited emission warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship.
  • B610615 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Rattling noises heard from vicinity of glove box.
  • B640613 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes.
  • B610721 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle,when turning the steering wheel.
  • B840221 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TELEMATICS UNIT RETROFIT TO 4G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
  • B840121 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting Februa…
  • B840221 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. The decision to phase out 3G network technology was made at the dis…
  • B610721 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle, when turning the steering wheel.
  • B110120 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    On rare occasions during an engine oil service, the BMW Original (Genuine) engine oil filter insert is either difficult to remove or breaks apart in the oil filter housing.
  • B510921 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    GROANING FROM THE SIDE WINDOWS: There is a groaning noise present from the area where the side windows meet the convertible top while driving. Insufficient seal pressure against the side windows.
  • B110321 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    B58 ENGINE: ENGINE OIL FILTER REMOVAL PROCEDURE AND TOOLS . A. For the B58 engines, a BMW Oil Catch special tool for use in conjunction with removing the engine oilfilter insert is now available.
  • B510921 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    GROANING FROM THE SIDE WINDOWS: There is a groaning noise present from the area where the side windows meet the convertible top while driving. Insufficient seal pressure against the side windows.
  • B110321 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    B58 ENGINE: ENGINE OIL FILTER REMOVAL PROCEDURE AND TOOLS . A. For the B58 engines, a BMW Oil Catch special tool for use in conjunction with removing the engine oilfilter insert is now available.
  • B610615 Apr 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Washer Fluid Reservoir Rattles While Driving on Rough Roads: Rattling noises heard from vicinity of glove box.
  • B360121 Apr 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases th…
  • B121318 Feb 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    COMBUSTION CONTROL VALVE LIFT AT IDLE: The vehicle will run rough or hesitate when accelerating from a stationary position.
  • B640613 Dec 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ?A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up.
  • B640613 Dec 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ?A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up.
  • B011220 Dec 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW MAINTENANCE BOOKLET AND OEM TIRE MANUFACTURERS' WARRANTIES: In efforts to provide a digital experience to our customers, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is proud to announce a digital version of both the BMW Maintenance Booklet and BMW Original Equip…
  • B612315 Nov 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full: Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch.
  • B513218 Nov 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PAINT ON THE B-PILLAR IS SCRATCHED/DAMAGED: The paint finish of the door jamb (above the door striker) is scratched due to the inner door cavity window seal.
  • B650709 Jul 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. …
  • B610419 Jul 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED: The customer's vehicle does not start due to a totally discharged battery.
  • B340517 Jul 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving.
  • B160319 Jul 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    NOISES FROM THE FUEL TANK AT IDLE: All vehicles except the F48 (X1): While driving slowly with low RPM or while idling a faint knocking or fluttering noise can be heard from inside the fuel tank with a low fuel level (approximately less than 2 gallons). The…
  • B610419 Jun 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED: The customer's vehicle does not start due to a totally discharged battery.
  • B610520 May 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER: A yellow CCM (Check Control Message) ID 415 is displayed- "Increased battery drain! // Battery. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy …
  • B130420 May 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TANK VENTILATION AND MIXTURE CONTROL FAULTS STORED IN THE DME: The Engine Malfunction Warning is illuminated and one or more of the following faults are stored in the DME. All models: FC 191C02 - Fuel tank ventilation system 2nd discharge point: malfunction…
  • B110120 May 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    B58C AND B58M ENGINES ENGINE OIL FILTER INSERT IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE - REMOVAL: On rare occasions during an engine oil service the BMW Original (Genuine) engine oil filter insert is either difficult to remove or breaks apart in the oil filter housing. The …
  • B840214 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative. This Service Information Bulletin: Is be…
  • B652214 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle…
  • B610520 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B61 05 20 dated February 2020. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy Diagno…
  • B513016 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion usually after stopping such as a tra…
  • B340517 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied noticeable at low speeds. The v…
  • B121318 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DME FC 21A02D - COMBUSTION CONTROL: VALVE LIFT AT IDLE This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B12 13 18 dated September 2019. The vehicle will run rough or hesitate when accelerating from a stationary position.
  • B610520 Feb 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER. A yellow CCM (Check Control Message) ID 415 is displayed- "Increased battery drain! // Battery. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy …
  • B123314 Feb 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fault Code 1D2008 Stored in DME: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 5) replaces SI B12 33 14 dated February 2016. The Service Engine Soon light is on. There may also be a complaint of low heat output with lower outside temperatures. CAUSE During th…
  • B110120 Feb 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ENGINE OIL FILTER INSERT IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE - REMOVAL: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B11 01 20 dated February 2020. On rare occasions during an engine oil service the BMW Original (Genuine) engine oil filter insert is either…
  • B840416 Jan 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SOS MALFUNCTION DISPLAYED This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B84 04 16 dated September 2016. One or all the following may be experienced in the vehicle: An SOS malfunction is seen in the Kombi (aka instrument cluster) When pressing t…
  • B011319 Jan 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SIDE PANEL REAR LIGHT HOUSINGS: LTD WTY EXT TO 10 YEARS WITHOUT MILEAGE LIMIT: The rear light housing(s) can loosen/detach at the mounting tabs this can cause a clacking sound in the rear of the vehicle while driving. The plastic mounting tabs for the rear …
  • B541419 Dec 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CONVERTIBLE TOP CREAKING NOISE: Creaking or groaning noise heard from the convertible top headliner. Convertible top headliner deflector contacting the multi-joint linkage.
  • B120319 Dec 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ENGINE DOES NOT START BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES: Engine designation correction Parts availability Warranty. The engine will not start at temperatures below freezing. The starter does not turn and engage.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.