recalls

Had a couple of recalls on my 318is. Steering joint changed twice. This was due to excessive corrosion on the coupling itself caused by defective plating process in manufacture.

Just look at steering joint in engine bay and see if it looks crappy/ rusty. If not sure, take to proper BMW franchise for advice. Records are kept of all cars affected and those which have been repaired are noted.

Other recall involves radiator cap. 5 minute job to replace (beware if rad hot!)
Not sure of reason for changing cap, but could be because too high system pressure could cause damage to hoses or heater core which could fill car with steam if split.

Other area to check closely and seek advice are rear lower supports for trailing arms. If left to wear, they can break free and cause a lot of damage to underside of car. Also in same general area top rear shock absorber mounts. If worn, can set up annoying knock. If these suspension mounts top and bottom are replaced before too much wear they are easy and quite cheap to fix.

318iS has an engine which was really quite limited production for UK. This 16 valve engine can be temperamental and I would suggest good synthetic oil (Mobil 1 or Castrol RS) and not rely on idiot lights on intrument panel for service. 6000 mile tops between oil changes.

Worst fault to occur to early M42 engines was a problem refered to as profile gasket fault. If your car has later M42 or redesigned 1900 cc engine then you should be OK.

....only me again......

how do i know if my car has a later m42 engine? the year of make was 1993.