1998 BMW 3 Series
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 36 |
| 2002 | 26 |
| 2003 | 51 |
| 2004 | 77 |
| 2005 | 25 |
| 2006 | 202 |
| 2007 | 115 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 53 |
| 2010 | 30 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2023 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
2 of 3 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
They have not had any parts to service the recall any time I have taken my car in for repairs or have called about the recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-31
Also filed under Electrical system
At approximately 4:45 p.m. Ct on Friday, September 30, 2016, I was driving my 1998 BMW M3 convertible home from work. I was on state highway 75 in tulsa, Oklahoma, heading south.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-10-04
Suspension
1 of 3 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing front.
Show complaint excerpts
The consumer is experiencing problems with front end suspension. Every time that vehicle is driven over a bump, a loud rattling noise occurs.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-11-12
Electrical system
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…
Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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R
2006-05-09Exterior lighting06E023000 Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to…
Remedy: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.
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R
2006-07-10Exterior lighting06E044000 Certain j & a auto accessories combination headlamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side…
Remedy: J & a auto accessories will notify owners and offer to repurchase the headlamps. The recall began on July 10, 2006. Owners may contact j & a auto accessories at 310-327-4981.
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R
Date not on fileExterior lighting06E064000 Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles.
Remedy: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006. Owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 BMW 3 Series — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E023000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E044000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 BMW 3 Series reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 BMW 3 Series?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 3 Series have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.