1999 BMW M3
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1999
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1999: 11 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 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
5 of 11 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Impact was on the front driverside tire. The tire suffered minor damage and no other damage to body
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-08-19
Was traveling about 40MPH when I hit a pothole and the side air bag went off and I almost lost controll of the vehicle
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-08-18
Air bag warning light is on. Diagnosis: passenger air bag electronics are faulty and need to be replaced. Cost to repair is over $500 per dealer. BMW should have a recall for this but they do not show this with my VIN. Please help. Thank you.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-02-03
Tires
2 of 11 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Service brakes
2 of 11 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Structure
1 of 11 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
The distance between the brake pedal and the gas pedal is too close and poses a danger when moving from the gas pedal to the brake. Your foot can become entangled under the brake pedal.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-26
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Steering
1 of 11 total reports mentions: steering.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1999-09-03Recall queryOpen Inadvertant side airbag deployment
-
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
1999 BMW M3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 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 1999 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 1999 BMW M3?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 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.