1998 BMW M3 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1998 BMW M3 recalls

Most common 1998 BMW M3 problems

Problem areas named in the 14 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	3
Visibility	2
Air Bags	2
Electrical System	2
Engine And Engine Cooling	2
Suspension	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Structure	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Exterior Lighting	1

What owners report

2008-11-10, Tires
ON OCTOBER 13TH AT APPROXIMATELY 1800HRS THE LEFT REAR TIRE OF MY 1998 BMW M3 "RAPIDLY DEFLATED" RESULTING IN A ROLLOVER CRASH. APPROXIMATELY 1/4 OF THE INNER SIDEWALL WAS LEFT SHREDDED. WEATHER WAS SUNNY AND WARM, WITH NO DEBRIS OR CONTAMINATION ON THE ROAD SURFACE(SR-62). THE TIRE WAS INSTALLED BY A BMW SERVICE CENTER 5/7/08 AT 68,814 MILES, ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT 82,943 MILES. THE DUNLOP 8080E P245/40 ZR-17 DOT# DMC903Y1607 WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE GOOD TREAD AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT BY THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL AND THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED THREE DAYS PRIOR. *TR

2006-10-11, Suspension
1) NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION 2) LEFT REAR STRUT-TOWER FAILURE RESULTING IN PENETRATION OF STRUT AND SPRING AND FAILURE OF REAR SUSPENSION. COULD HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND ACCIDENT. 3) REPAIRS PENDING. KNOWN ISSUE W/ BMW E-36'S. *NM

2005-05-08, Suspension
THE SHOCK WELLS RUSTED AND CRACKED MAKING SHOCKS PROTRUDE OUT OF IT'S MOUNTS.

2004-11-23, Power Train
REPEATED FAILURE OF THE SHIFT GATE. TRANNY STICKS IN 5TH GEAR POSITION, CAUSING DANGEROUS SHIFT DELAYS WHILE IN TRAFFIC. SEE: HTTP://WWW.BRAZEAURACING.COM/TECH/TRANSMISSIONS.HTM FOR A PARTIAL LISTING OF THOSE AFFECTED. *JB

2004-11-17, Visibility
PROBLEM1: REAR DEFOGGER NOT WORKING. CHECKED THE SYSTEM, FUSES OKAY, VOLTAGE CORRECTLY SUPPLIED TO REAR WINDOW HEATING CONTACTS. HEATING ELEMENTS IN THE WINDOW ITSELF ARE FAILING. AFETY ISSUE: NO VISIBILITY THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW WHEN FOGGED.*AK PROBLEM2: AUTOMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS ARE QUITTING ERRATICALLY LEAVING DRIVER WITHOUT WINDSHIELD DEFOGGER, AIR BLOWER, HEATING OR AIR CONDITIONING. CAR HAS NO SAFETY DEFAULT OR MANUAL OVERRIDE OPTION. SAFETY ISSUES: OCCUPANTS CAN GET FROST BITES OR FREEZE TO DEATH IN HARSH WINTER CONDITIONS OR SUFFER FROM HEAT STROKE DURING HOT WEATHER. FOGGING OF THE WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOWS WITH DISFUNCTIONAL BLOWER.

1998 BMW M3 questions

Does the 1998 BMW M3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1998 BMW M3: Air Bags:Side/Window. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 BMW M3?

Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (3), Visibility (2), Air Bags (2).

How do I check if a recall on my 1998 BMW M3 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.