MYRModel Year Report

1998 BMW 323I

○ Not enough data
1998 BMW 323I
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:45:53.759Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 323I Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1985: 1 complaints 1985 1998: 16 complaints 1998 1999: 136 complaints 1999 2000: 401 complaints 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2002: 0 complaints 2003: 0 complaints 2003 2004: 0 complaints 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2007: 2 complaints 2007 2008: 3 complaints 2009: 0 complaints 2009 2010: 1 complaints 2011: 1 complaints 2011
1998: 16 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19851
199816
1999136
2000401
20013
20020
20030
20040
20050
20060
20072
20083
20090
20101
20111

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.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20171212

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, 20171110

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, 20090918

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, 20120928

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and SERVICE BRAKES

ENGINE

2 of 16 total reports mention: engine.

CRASH INJURY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 of 16 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cables.

CRASH
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. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20080412

STRUCTURE

2 of 16 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door and body.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 BMW 323I — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.