1999 BMW 3 Series
Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 6 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO BRECHT DEALERSHIP IN ESCONDIDO TO ADDRESS SEATBELT SAFETY/AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR A TOTAL OF EIGHT (8) TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130807
1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
(1) IN EVERYDAY DRIVING, I HEARD A CREAKING NOISE IN THE REAR END OF MY 1999 BMW 328I. (2) I FOUND THAT THE LEFT REAR SUBFRAME HAS STARTED TO SHEAR AWAY FROM THE CHASSIS MAKING THE CAR ONLY DRIVABLE FOR ONLY SHORT DISTANCES, IF AT ALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041012
1 of 6 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
THE BMW 323I ( BMW E46 ) FUEL TANK STRAP, WHICH HOLDS THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE, DETACHED FROM THE CAR BODY. THIS IS A STRAP HOLDING THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE. THE 4 SPOT WELDS THAT HOLD THE STRAP TO THE CAR BODY FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131224
1 of 6 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
ALL DOORS LOCK ON THEIR OWN AND THE WINDOWS AND SUNROOF CLOSE LEAVING YOU LOCKED INSIDE THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120711
1 of 6 total reports mentions: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 3 SERIES. WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT A FAULTY SEAT BELT CLIP CAUSED THE FAILURE AND THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070711
SAFETY TIMELINE
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
INADVERTENT SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYME
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI)...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 21V401000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 BMW 3 Series — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V401000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1999 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 1999 BMW 3 Series?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 BMW 3 Series have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.