Bmw M3 1998
Model M3 made in 1998 by Bmw got 19 consumer complains there is 1 recall as well as 12 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to air bags, communications and electrical system. Technical service bulletines regarding air bags, engine and engine cooling and equipment. There was one recall concerning air bags . The car has one 3.2 engine.
Model 1998
| Engine [L] | Cylinders | Transmission | Drive | Estimate MPG (city/highway/combined) | Unadjusted MPG (city/highway/combined) | Fuel | Fuel cost | Class | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 | 6 | Lockup/automatic, 5 gears | R | 17/25/20 | 19.2/32.1/23.4387 | Regular | 938 | MINICOMPACT CARS | |
| 3.2 | 6 | Manual, 5 gears | R | 20/28/23 | 22.2/36/26.8278 | Regular | 816 | MINICOMPACT CARS | |
| 3.2 | 6 | Lockup/automatic, 5 gears | R | 19/28/22 | 20.9/36.1/25.7857 | Regular | 853 | SUBCOMPACT CARS | |
| 3.2 | 6 | Manual, 5 gears | R | 20/28/23 | 22.2/36/26.8278 | Regular | 816 | SUBCOMPACT CARS |
Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS - SIDE/WINDOW | ||||||||||||||||
| 99V063001 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | from 03/01/1997 to 08/31/1999 | V (Vehicle) | 16749 | 02/07/2000 | ODI | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 11/15/1999 | 11/18/1999 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | 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 and diagnostic system, left and right satellite impact sensors, and associated wiring. this system is unduly sensitive to certain non-crash impacts, such as contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial speed. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | This could cause the side air bag to deploy without an actual side crash. in addition, the battery safety terminal (bst) could also activate, disconnecting the starter cable from the battery. in this case, the vehicle's electrical system could continue to operate and the engine would continue to run, but after stopping, could not be restarted. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will reprogram the central computer control module that regulates the performance of all of the vehicle's occupant protection systems. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Owner notification began february 7, 2000. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236). | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | |||||
| 72 04 98 | 10/01/1998 | 602917 | Information on new airbags. *yc | 01/21/1999 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||||
| SI-B11-07-09 | 08/01/2009 | 10030850 | Bmw: thermostat housing inspection. the retaining springs of the thermostat housing quick release couplings for the coolant hoses may not be locked correctly. this situation may result in a coolant leak. models affected are m3 sedan (e | 12/09/2009 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - HOSE | |||||
| SI-B11-07-09 | 08/01/2009 | 10030850 | Bmw: thermostat housing inspection. the retaining springs of the thermostat housing quick release couplings for the coolant hoses may not be locked correctly. this situation may result in a coolant leak. models affected are m3 sedan (e | 12/09/2009 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||||
| 120299 | 02/01/1999 | 604633 | Customer may complain of engine running rough on cold start. *tt | 05/07/1999 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||||
| 12 10 97 | 04/01/1998 | 12 10 97 | 601101 | Subject on voluntary exhaust emission service action no. 98e-a01. *yc *jn | 07/01/1998 |
| 12 10 97 | 03/01/1998 | 12 08 97 | 600873 | Subject on voluntary exhaust emission service action no. 98e-a01. produced from 10/95 - 11/97 *yc*db | 06/10/1998 |
| EQUIPMENT - OTHER - OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL | |||||
| 00 06 98 | 09/01/1998 | 00 06 98 | 602476 | New vehicle preparation and maintenance requirements. *yc | 11/05/1998 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | |||||
| 16 01 98 | 03/01/1998 | 600874 | Information on evaporative emission control and fuel filler cap / filler door labels. *yc | 06/10/1998 | |
| SEATS | |||||
| 52 01 98 | 09/01/1998 | 602464 | Subject on retrofit of motorsport head restraints. *yc | 11/05/1998 | |
| SUSPENSION - REAR - AXLE - NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY | |||||
| SIB-33-01-02 | 07/01/2011 | 10040853 | Ready | 09/13/2011 | |
| SIB-33-01-02 | 07/01/2011 | 10040853 | Bmw: a grinding noise is coming from the differential during slow cornering. when turning a slip/stick effect is created on the lining and steel discs incorporated in the differential clutch causes a grinding noise. *rm | 09/13/2011 | |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | |||||
| 000698 | 07/01/1999 | 608237 | This bulletin contains information on new vehicle preparation and maintenance requirements for various models. *tt | 11/12/1999 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | |||
| 06/29/2001 | 2 | 06/01/2001 | |
| The dealer fix for this problem across the country has been to reset the code and say, oh, don't worry about it. apparently its a sensor in the seat, and lots of bmw's are having these problems. safety system faults should not be tolerated.*ak | |||
| AIR BAGS - FRONTAL | |||
| Consumer ran into a pole and split pole in half, air bags did not deploy. automobile was totalled. dealer was contacted. *ak | |||
| COMMUNICATIONS - HORN ASSEMBLY | |||
| 08/01/1999 | |||
| Horn stopped working on 3 different occasions. dealer attempted to remed problem. but, after 3 months horn would go out again. last time dealer replaced the contact points. also, half of the spoiler came off, bolts had fallen apart without warning, causing spoiler to fall off immediately while driving.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||
| 12/01/1997 | 1 | ||
| Battery failure. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 10/23/2000 | 4 | 10/01/2000 | |
| Vehicle has been through at least four separate dealers with brake light failures. problem continues to remain unresloved. dealers cannot locate fault and continues to replace bulbs or bend connectors on sockets. engine, transmission, oil pan gaskets all failing with only 41,000 miles on vehicle. inlet leakage on fuel valve failing for second time. major alternator problem for second time. despite repeated reports of rough shifting, with problems engaging and disengaging gears, no answer other than everything is fine. this issue has been compared with other m3 vehicles and drivers all have stated and experienced issues with my vehicle. stereo, temperature control failing. front bumbper assembly consistently losing parts. no accidents involved with vehicle. vehicle has been at various dealers over 8 times in past year with significant out of pocket for rental car expenses. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 10/23/2000 | 4 | 10/01/2000 | |
| Vehicle has been through at least four separate dealers with brake light failures. problem continues to remain unresloved. dealers cannot locate fault and continues to replace bulbs or bend connectors on sockets. engine, transmission, oil pan gaskets all failing with only 41,000 miles on vehicle. inlet leakage on fuel valve failing for second time. major alternator problem for second time. despite repeated reports of rough shifting, with problems engaging and disengaging gears, no answer other than everything is fine. this issue has been compared with other m3 vehicles and drivers all have stated and experienced issues with my vehicle. stereo, temperature control failing. front bumbper assembly consistently losing parts. no accidents involved with vehicle. vehicle has been at various dealers over 8 times in past year with significant out of pocket for rental car expenses. | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS | |||
| 10/23/2000 | 4 | 10/01/2000 | |
| Vehicle has been through at least four separate dealers with brake light failures. problem continues to remain unresloved. dealers cannot locate fault and continues to replace bulbs or bend connectors on sockets. engine, transmission, oil pan gaskets all failing with only 41,000 miles on vehicle. inlet leakage on fuel valve failing for second time. major alternator problem for second time. despite repeated reports of rough shifting, with problems engaging and disengaging gears, no answer other than everything is fine. this issue has been compared with other m3 vehicles and drivers all have stated and experienced issues with my vehicle. stereo, temperature control failing. front bumbper assembly consistently losing parts. no accidents involved with vehicle. vehicle has been at various dealers over 8 times in past year with significant out of pocket for rental car expenses. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 10/23/2000 | 4 | 10/01/2000 | |
| Vehicle has been through at least four separate dealers with brake light failures. problem continues to remain unresloved. dealers cannot locate fault and continues to replace bulbs or bend connectors on sockets. engine, transmission, oil pan gaskets all failing with only 41,000 miles on vehicle. inlet leakage on fuel valve failing for second time. major alternator problem for second time. despite repeated reports of rough shifting, with problems engaging and disengaging gears, no answer other than everything is fine. this issue has been compared with other m3 vehicles and drivers all have stated and experienced issues with my vehicle. stereo, temperature control failing. front bumbper assembly consistently losing parts. no accidents involved with vehicle. vehicle has been at various dealers over 8 times in past year with significant out of pocket for rental car expenses. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION | |||
| 11/15/2004 | 7200 | 1 | 09/15/2004 |
| Repeated failure of the shift gate. tranny sticks in 5th gear position, causing dangerous shift delays while in traffic. see: http://www.brazeauracing.com/tech/transmissions.htm for a partial listing of those affected. *jb | |||
| 01/10/2004 | 73000 | 60 | 06/20/1998 |
| 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. the danger here is that when i want to shift into fifth gear i cannot, and more importantly, it is extremely difficult to downshift from 4th to 3rd because the gear shift naturally wants to go into fifth. this can be a very serious problem when going into a turn or needing to downshift to control engine speed rather than using brakes when conditions may be too slick to safely apply the brakes. *la | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 06/01/1998 | 1 | 06/01/1998 | |
| Brakes disc failed. yh | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY | |||
| 08/01/1999 | |||
| Horn stopped working on 3 different occasions. dealer attempted to remed problem. but, after 3 months horn would go out again. last time dealer replaced the contact points. also, half of the spoiler came off, bolts had fallen apart without warning, causing spoiler to fall off immediately while driving.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 09/24/2006 | 66590 | 1 | 07/20/1998 |
| 1) normal vehicle operation 2) left rear strut-tower failure resulting in penetration of strut and spring and failure of rear suspension. could have resulted in loss of control and accident. 3) repairs pending. known issue w/ bmw e-36's. *nm | |||
| 10/01/2003 | 110000 | 2 | 04/12/2001 |
| The shock wells rusted and cracked making shocks protrude out of it's mounts. | |||
| TIRES | |||
| 10/13/2008 | 82943 | 1 | |
| On october 13th at approximately 1800hrs the left rear tire of my 1998 bmw m3 rapidly deflated resulting in a rollover crash. approximately 1/4 of the inner sidewall was left shredded. weather was sunny and warm, with no debris or contamination on the road surface(sr-62). the tire was installed by a bmw service center 5/7/08 at 68,814 miles, accident occurred at 82,943 miles. the dunlop 8080e p245/40 zr-17 dot# dmc903y1607 was determined to have good tread at the time of the accident by the california highway patrol and the tire pressure was checked three days prior. *tr | |||
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - LINKAGES | |||
| 07/05/2000 | |||
| Intermittently vehicle would suddenly accellerate. problem has occurred on four occasions. been in dealer's shop on three occasions, and was unable to locate the cause. please feel free to provide any further details. *ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM | |||
| 01/01/2003 | 70000 | 1 | 09/03/2002 |
| 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. afety issue: no visibility through the rear window when fogged.*ak problem2: automatic environmental controls are quitting erratically leaving driver without windshield defogger, air blower, heating or air conditioning. car has no safety default or manual override option. safety issues: occupants can get frost bites or freeze to death in harsh winter conditions or suffer from heat stroke during hot weather. fogging of the windshield and side windows with disfunctional blower. | |||
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES - INTERIOR | |||
| 04/24/1998 | |||
| 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. | |||
Car dealers selling
| State | City | Zip | Name | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA | BALA CYNWYD | DON ROSEN | 610 667-1996 | |
| PA | WEST CHESTER | 19382 | OTTO'S BMW | 610-399-6800 |