1998 BMW M3
Only 14 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 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 14 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 12 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 40 |
| 2003 | 54 |
| 2004 | 31 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 82 |
| 2009 | 45 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
3 of 14 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
The gear shift in my manual transmission, 1998 BMW M3 (4 door), sticks under fifth gear and often I am also unable to shift into fifth gear. The issue with this is well known by BMW of north america.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-23
Suspension
2 of 14 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear.
Visibility
2 of 14 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing interior and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-17
The factory installed rear view mirror blocks a substantial portion of the driver's field of view and creates a very large and extremely unsafe blind zone.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-07-05
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 14 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Electrical system
2 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing horn and 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
Battery failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-03-12
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2000-02-07Air bags99V063001 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles are built with a side air bag system consisting of door-mounted thorax air bags (Rear door air bags are optional), a central electronic…
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the central computer control module that regulates the performance of all of the vehicle's occupant protection systems.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 BMW M3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V063001 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 BMW M3 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 M3?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 BMW M3 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.