1998 BMW 323I
Only 16 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 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 16 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1998 | 16 |
| 1999 | 136 |
| 2000 | 401 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 3 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
11 of 16 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 1998 BMW 323I. While driving 35 MPH, another vehicle moved into the contact's lane and crashed into the driver's door of the contact's vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-12
A driver, on a 5 lane st, in a center turn lane, driving the same direction as myself struck my car on it's left-side, causing my car to spin.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-10
Also filed under Engine
I have a 1998BMW 323IS and I recently met with an accident on Sunday 9/13/2009. My friend was driving my car and it crashed very badly. The whole front portion is gone and car is reusable. What surprises me is the airbags never came out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-09-18
Exterior lighting
2 of 16 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
The brake light switch fails which prevents the brake light to illuminate when the car is brake. Subsequently, cruise control cannot be disengaged by the brake anymore because of this problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-28
Also filed under Vehicle speed control and service brakes
Engine
2 of 16 total reports mention: engine.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 16 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cables.
Show complaint excerpts
I was backing out of a driveway, and the vehicle RPM's - on their own - suddenly increased to a very high RPM. The vehicle accelerated as I was backing up, causing me to rear end a parked car across the street.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-04-12
Structure
2 of 16 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door and body.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1998 BMW 323I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1998 BMW 323I 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 323I?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 69% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 323I have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.