1998 Bmw 320 problems

Common 1998 Bmw 320 problems

The BMW 320 1998 has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. Here are some of the issues and their details:

• Brake Light Problem: Some cars built between September and October 1999 had issues with their brake lights. The light switch circuits can fail and stay on a continuous flicker or overheat.

• Cooling Fan Problem: Cars built between February and May 2001 are at risk of problems to do with their cooling fan. A manufacturing error can cause the electronics to thermally overload and be destroyed, which in rare cases can lead to fire.

• Suspension Problem: A selection of cars built during November 2001 had issues with their suspension. The ball bearing in the front suspension strut top mounting might not have been securely fitted, which can cause the ball bearing to work loose if weight is taken off the wheel for any reason.

• Fuel Injection Problem: Some cars built between November 2004 and January 2005 had issues with their fuel injection systems. The bearings on the high-pressure fuel injector pump can fail, resulting in a stalled engine.

• Airbags Problem: Some cars built between September 1998 and April 1999 had problems with their airbags. It is possible that the side airbags will trigger when no accident has occurred due to a faulty safety isolation switch.

• Power Steering and Suspension Bushes: Older BMWs, particularly the 3-Series, can be troublesome with high mileage. There are a number of plastic fittings used in the cooling system, including the radiator, and they are known trouble spots. The power steering can also give trouble, and the suspension bushes often need replacing.

• Coolant Leak: The 3 Series uses a soft engine gasket, and the oil filter housing gasket is one of the more common failures. In extreme cases where the leak is particularly large, the belt will be affected and may slip off before jamming in the main seal behind the crank pulley.

• Tail Light Illuminated: The warning light indicating that your tail light is out is illuminated due to a failed circuit board inside the taillights themselves. We sell the kit that you need to not just replace the circuit board but to reinforce all of the components.

• Bumpy Driving: This is likely your shock mount, which is quite a weak spot on the 3 Series. It's a good idea to order a shock mount reinforcement from BreakerYard that will get rid of the problem and ensure that it doesn't happen again.

• Ticking Sound when Driving: This is likely due to a faulty greasing system that can cause the sealing ring to be pushed into the brake servo, resulting in a hissing sound in the cabin. Ultimately, this could mean a loss of braking assistance.

• Convertible Airbag Problem: Convertible models produced between November 2006 and January 2008 could have airbag issues. The connections for both door pressure sensors have been reversed at their connection with the airbag control unit. This could mean the car's side airbags delay in going off.

• Seatbelt Problem: Over 1700 cars produced between May and July 2008 could have issues with their seatbelts. Due to faulty crimping of the component parts of the airbag wiring harness and seatbelt tensioner, either the tensioner or airbag might not trigger in the event of a collision.

These problems are not exhaustive, and the frequency and severity of these issues may vary. It is essential to maintain the vehicle regularly and address any issues promptly to ensure the longevity and safety of the vehicle.

Is BMW 320 Series reliable?

Reliability Survey, the BMW 3 Series ranked 18th out of 24 cars in our most reliable executive car class with a score of 87.5%. This was above the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Skoda Superb, but below the Audi A4, the Jaguar XE and the Mercedes C-Class.

How long does a BMW 320i engine last?

200,000 to 250,000 miles

You can expect your 3 Series to last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles when properly maintained. Is the BMW 3 Series reliable? Due to its meticulous craftsmanship and precision engineering, the 3 Series is a durable, long-lasting, and dependable car.

What is the common problem with BMW 3 Series?

One of the most common issues across the whole 3 Series range, overheating tends to be a sign of a faulty water pump. These are resilient parts for BMW, but they eventually reach their end of life and need to be replaced.

What are the disadvantages of the BMW 320i?

Most BMW 320i owners interviewed by The Standard said the vehicle's downside was “too much sensitivity”. “It has a lot of sensors, and when one fails, it could grind the car to a halt,” said Oduor.

Is BMW 320 Series reliable?

Reliability Survey, the BMW 3 Series ranked 18th out of 24 cars in our most reliable executive car class with a score of 87.5%. This was above the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Skoda Superb, but below the Audi A4, the Jaguar XE and the Mercedes C-Class.

What are the disadvantages of the BMW 320i?

Most BMW 320i owners interviewed by The Standard said the vehicle's downside was “too much sensitivity”. “It has a lot of sensors, and when one fails, it could grind the car to a halt,” said Oduor.

What is the common problem with BMW 3 Series?

One of the most common issues across the whole 3 Series range, overheating tends to be a sign of a faulty water pump. These are resilient parts for BMW, but they eventually reach their end of life and need to be replaced.

What is the biggest issue with BMW?

Cooling System Failures: BMWs are notorious for cooling system issues, including water pump failure, leaking coolant hoses, and radiator problems. The cooling system is crucial for maintaining the engine's temperature, preventing overheating and significant engine damage.

1998 Bmw 320 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 320 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Power train problems
• Unknown or other problems
• Seat belts problems
• Structure problems
• Visibility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Bmw 320 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.