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 PER YEAR
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 | 8 |
| 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.
5 of 11 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
IMPACT WAS ON THE FRONT DRIVERSIDE TIRE. THE TIRE SUFFERED MINOR DAMAGE AND NO OTHER DAMAGE TO BODY
NHTSA ODI report, 19990819
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, 19990818
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, 20150203
1 of 11 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: structure.
CRASHShow 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, 20100326
1 of 11 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
THE MATERIAL USED ON THE BMW STEERING WHEEL MELTS AT THE TOUCH OF SUNLIGHT- DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A HOT TEMPERATURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141028
SAFETY TIMELINE
INADVERTANT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
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 SENSOR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE CENTRAL COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE THAT REGULATES THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.
Campaign 99V063001 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 BMW M3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V063001 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.