1998 Bmw 323i problems
The third generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars is designated under the model code E36, and was produced by the German automaker BMW from 1990 to 2000. The initial models were of the four-door sedan body style, followed by the coupé, convertible, wagon ("Touring"), and eventually hatchback ("Compact").
The E36 was the first 3 Series to be offered in a hatchback body style. It was also the first 3 Series to be available with a six-speed manual transmission (in the 1996 M3), a five-speed automatic transmission, and a four-cylinder diesel engine. The multi-link rear suspension was also a significant upgrade as compared to the previous generations of the 3 Series. All-wheel drive was not available for the E36, unlike the previous (E30) and successive (E46) generations.
The E36 was named in Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list for every year it was on sale.
Following the introduction of its successor, the E46 3 Series in 1998, the E36 began to be phased out and was eventually replaced in 1999.
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Common 1998 Bmw 323i problems
The BMW 323i 1998 model is a popular choice among car enthusiasts, but it does come with its own set of common issues. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems by owners of this car:
- Headgasket failure due to water pump: The 323i 1998 model is known to have headgasket failure due to water pump issues. This can lead to engine warping, especially if the engine block is made of alloy. It is important to replace the water pump and headgasket as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine.
- Rear arch rust: Rear arch rust is a common problem in many BMW models, including the 323i 1998. This can lead to structural damage and should be addressed as soon as possible.
- Nikasil engine block: The 323i 1998 models with a Nikasil engine block are known to have issues with the nikasil wearing off, resulting in a lack of compression and a dead engine. If the car is still running ok, it is unlikely to fail, but it is always a potential failure point. It is recommended to search out a late S/T plate car or one that had the block replaced by BMW under warranty.
- Faulty airbags: The 323i 1998 model has had issues with faulty airbags, with some cars recalled because the driver’s airbag inflator could break when the airbag deployed, causing debris to be fired into the cabin. It is important to replace the faulty airbags as soon as possible to prevent any injuries in case of an accident.
- Faulty fuel injectors: Faulty fuel injectors can cause the car to run poorly and produce white exhaust smoke. It is recommended to replace the faulty fuel injector as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to the engine.
- Transmission problems: The 323i 1998 model is known to have transmission problems, with the transmission light coming on after 10 miles. It is recommended to check the transmission fluid level and replace any damaged parts as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.
In conclusion, while the BMW 323i 1998 model is a popular choice among car enthusiasts, it does come with its own set of common issues. It is important to address these issues as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to the car. Regular maintenance and servicing can also help prevent any potential problems from occurring.
What is the difference between the 323i and the 323is?
They're the same car, the is is just the sport version. The engine and transmission (as long as both are automatic/manual) are interchangeable.
What engine is in BMW 323i?
2.5 L M52TÜB25 inline-6
Petrol
| Model | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 323i | 1998–2000 | 2.5 L M52TÜB25 inline-6 |
| 325i (EU) | 2001–2006 | 2.5 L M54B25 inline-6 |
| 325i (US) | ||
| 328i | 1998–2000 | 2.8 L M52TÜB28 inline-6 |
What is the top speed of a 1998 323i?
Specs
- Engine Specifications.
- Engine Configuration. 2.5 I6.
- Petrol.
- RWD.
- Manual, 5-speed.
- 125 kW (170 hp)
- Top Speed. 227 km/h.
- Acceleration 0-100km/h. 8 s.
What is the 0 60 on a 98 323i?
But rubbery or not, the manual drivetrain notched up consistent 0 to 60 runs of 7.3 seconds and a quarter mile run of 15.5 seconds at 90 miles per hour. Throttle response was crisp and immediate, with the engine revving quickly, and smoothly.
What is the top speed of a 1998 323i?
Specs
- Engine Specifications.
- Engine Configuration. 2.5 I6.
- Petrol.
- RWD.
- Manual, 5-speed.
- 125 kW (170 hp)
- Top Speed. 227 km/h.
- Acceleration 0-100km/h. 8 s.
What is the fuel consumption of BMW 323i?
The BMW 323i currently offers fuel consumption from 8.4 to 9.2L/100km.
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 engine is in BMW 323i?
2.5 L M52TÜB25 inline-6
Petrol
| Model | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 323i | 1998–2000 | 2.5 L M52TÜB25 inline-6 |
| 325i (EU) | 2001–2006 | 2.5 L M54B25 inline-6 |
| 325i (US) | ||
| 328i | 1998–2000 | 2.8 L M52TÜB28 inline-6 |
1998 Bmw 323i car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 323i problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Bmw 323i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Bmw 323i complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Bmw 323i.
2019-02-04
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBABJ8321WE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: REPORT#2:06/08/1999, MY LEFT FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER DRIVER,CAUSING MY CAR TO SPIN. I REGAINED MY CORRECT DRIVING PATH. TO AVOID ADDITIONAL COLLISIONS, I DEPARTED THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT NON-CURBED WET GRASSY ROADSIDE. TO AVOID STRIKING A WOOD TELEPHONE OR ELECTRICAL POLE, I TURNED SHARPLY RIGHT. I FIRMLY BRAKED & MY CAR SLID ON WET GRASS, COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, MAKING FRONTAL LOW IMPACT WITH A BRICK ROADSIDE WALL. MY CAR FORTUNATELY HAD A AUTOMATIC FRONT SEAT-BELTING SYSTEM FOR MY CLOSED-TOP CONVERTBLE. MY 2 DAUGHTER PASSENGERS & I WERE ALL SEAT-BELTED. MY 10 YRS OLD, IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT & MY 4 YR OLD WAS IN THE REAR LEFT PASSENGER SEAT, DIRECTLY BEHIND ME. WE WERE ALL STARTLED BY THE EVENT. I COULD SEE MY DAUGHTER TO MY RIGHT SIDE WAS UNHARMED. KNOWING WE WOULD ALL NEED TO SOON EXIT THE CAR & I WOULD NEED TO ASSIST MY YOUNGEST, I UNBUCKLED MY SEATBELT. I NEXT TURNED MYSELF TO THE RIGHT, TO CHECK ON MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER, BEHIND ME. I SAW SHE WAS OK. I NEXT HEARD A LOUD POP IN FRONT OF ME, SO I TURNED FORWARD TO SEE A SMALL RECTANGULAR PLASTIC PILLOW FILLING WITH AIR. I REALIZED IT MUST BE THE AIRBAG. NEXT I FELT A EXTREME PAINFUL, FORCEFUL BLOW AGAINST MY FACE & UPPER CHEST. THE AIRBAG OVER-AGGRESSIVELY DEPLOYED LATE. THE OVER-AGGRESSIVE FORCE OF THE AIRBAG CAUSED ME TO SUFFER A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, WITH A CURRENT LIFE-THREATENING BRAIN LESION. MY 2 MANDIBLES JAWS WERE EA.BROKEN IN 4 PLACES, REQUIRING 8 PERM. DENTAL PINS. EVERY BONE IN MY FACE WAS BROKEN, REQUIRING TITANIUM PLATE PLACEMENT OVER THE BROKEN BONES. MY SKULL-TOP HAD TO BE CUT OPEN TO RELIEVE THE INCREASED INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE. I TECHNICALLY DIED DUE TO MY LUNGS COLLAPSING AND EART-STOPPED DURING THE LIFE-FLIGHT HELICOPTER TRANSPORT, WHICH THE EMTS REVIVED ME FOR MY NEARLY ONE MONTH HOSPITAL RECOVERY & REHABILITATION. MY AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. *DT*JB
2017-12-12
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBABJ8321WE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 BMW 323I. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE MOVED INTO THE CONTACT'S LANE AND CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL AT THE CENTER OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ONLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRAIN LESION, THE FACIAL BONE WAS FRACTURED, THE RIGHT EYE SOCKET HAD TO BE REBUILT, THE UPPER LIP WAS NUMB, 21 TEETH WERE DAMAGED, ALL THE WISDOM TEETH WERE EXTRACTED, THE UPPER AND LOWER JAW BONES WERE FRACTURED, THE VISION AND HEARING WERE AFFECTED, AND THERE WAS MEMORY LOSS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-525-7417 AND ASKED THE CONTACT TO CALL 281-305-8901. THE CONTACT CALLED THE NUMBER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. A CASE NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *BF UPDATED 9/18/18*JB
2017-11-10
AIR BAGS,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBABJ8321WE
- Components: AIR BAGS,ENGINE
- Summary: A DRIVER, ON A 5 LANE ST, IN A CENTER TURN LANE, DRIVING THE SAME DIRECTION AS MYSELF STRUCK MY CAR ON IT'S LEFT-SIDE, CAUSING MY CAR TO SPIN. ATTEMPTING TO AVOID FURTHER INJURY IN EARLY AM TRAFFIC, I WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY VEER TO THE FAR RIGHT AT A REDUCED SPEED OF 3 MPH, AND COULD NOT STOP ENOUGH TO PREVENT COLLISION WITH A STATIONARY BRICK WALL. I REMEMBER MAKING IMPACT AND THE AIRBAG POPPING OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN LIKE A SMALL PILLOW, THEN SUDDENLY ERUPTING WITH PAINFUL MAGNIFICENT FORCE THROWING BY HEAD AND CHEST BACK, THEN MY FALLING TO THE RIGHT-SIDE ARM-REST. I MANAGED TO UNBUCKLE MY SEATBELT, AND MURMUR AS BEST I COULD TO MY TWO YOUNG DAUGHTERS IN THE CAR WITH ME, TO GET MY CELL PHONE, GET OUT OF THE CAR, AND CALL THEIR FATHER. FORTUNATELY, A WITNESS CALLED 911 AND POLICE AND A LIFE-FLIGHT HELICOPTER ARRIVED TO EXTRACT ME FROM THE TOTALED CAR AND FLY ME UNCONSCIOUS TO A LOCAL TRAUMA HOSPITAL. I WAS ASSESSED AND IT WAS FOUND EVERY BONE IN MY FACE WAS BROKEN, THE FUMES OF THE AIRBAG CAUSED MY LUNG TO COLLAPSE, ME TO 'CODE', REQUIRING SHOCK EPINEPHRINE AND ELECTRICAL SHOCKING TO REVIVE MY BREATHING. I REQUIRED TOTAL FACIAL RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY WITH TITANIUM PLATES PLACED OVER BROKEN BONES IN MY FACE, AND DENTAL PINS IN 4 PLACES OF MY BROKEN UPPER AND LOWER JAWBONES. MY TEETH WERE CHIPPED/BROKEN AND LATER NEEDED EXTENSIVE VENEERS AND DENTAL REPAIRS. I SUFFERED MEMORY LOSS WHICH HAS CEASED M6 CAREER AS A REGISTERED NURSE. WE TOOK BMW, THE DRIVER, AND TAKA TO COURT 6 YEARS LATER, BUT TAKATA DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY $2.7 MILLION IN EXPENSES. THE DRIVER WAS SOLELY FOUND AT FAULT. I JUST REC'D A CARD ABOUT TAKATA'S GUILT. MY ATTORNEY HAS NOW RETIRED. I AM ATTEMPTING TO FIND RELATED DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS FOR MY SUBSTANTIAL COSTLY INJURIES MANY YEARS SINCE THIS OCCURRED. THIS AIRBAG'S MAL-DEPLOYMENT HAS IMMENSELY ALTERED MY LIFE BEYOND WORDS HERE. ...UPDATED 11/17/17 *BF *TR *DT*JB
2016-06-03
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-10
- VIN: WBABJ7327WE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: CONTROL DISPLAY THAT THE ELECTRIC CIRCUIT, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT, BRAKE CIRCUIT, HAS FAILED. ON MY DASHBOARD THE FOLLOWING LIGHTS ARE ON: AIRBAG, CHECK ENGINE, BRAKE PAD WEAR, ABS, AND THE ASC+T LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. NOTHING HAPPENED TO MY CAR, NO WRECK, NO QUICK STOPS, I AM AN EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS DRIVER. ALL THESE THINGS START TO OCCUR OUT OF NO WHERE,
2014-07-16
AIR BAGS,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-13
- VIN: WBABF8331WE
- Components: AIR BAGS,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
2012-09-28
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-09-08
- VIN: WBABJ7320WE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILS WHICH PREVENTS THE BRAKE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE CAR IS BRAKE. SUBSEQUENTLY, CRUISE CONTROL CANNOT BE DISENGAGED BY THE BRAKE ANYMORE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. INSTEAD WHEN IN CRUISE CONTROL WITH THE BRAKE THE DEPRESSED THE CAR SPEEDS UP COMPENSATING FOR THE LOST SPEED. THIS GREATLY INCREASES THE CHANCE FOR A HIGH SPEED CRASH BECAUSE OF THE INABILITY TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL. *TR
2009-09-18
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBABF8320WE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I HAVE A 1998BMW 323IS AND I RECENTLY MET WITH AN ACCIDENT ON SUNDAY 9/13/2009. MY FRIEND WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND IT CRASHED VERY BADLY. THE WHOLE FRONT PORTION IS GONE AND CAR IS REUSABLE. WHAT SURPRISES ME IS THE AIRBAGS NEVER CAME OUT. ONLY THE SIDE AIRBAG(DRIVERS SIDE) JUST CAMEOUT1/2. IS THIS WHAT HAPPENS IN A CRASH?HOW CAN I TRUST CARS IN THE CRASH? *TR
2008-04-12
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBABF7327WE
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY, AND THE VEHICLE RPM'S - ON THEIR OWN - SUDDENLY INCREASED TO A VERY HIGH RPM. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AS I WAS BACKING UP, CAUSING ME TO REAR END A PARKED CAR ACROSS THE STREET. *TR
2006-01-14
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-15
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PIRELLI TIRE FAILURE ON 1998 BMW 323IC. THE TIRES, AT LEAST TWO OF THE FOUR HAVE FAILED.THE CAR SHAKES AT ANY SPEED IN EXCESS OF 35 MPH. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT AFTER TESTING ON A VERY SOPHISTICATED MACHINE THAT THE TIRES HAVE EXCESSIVE ROAD FORCE PROBLEMS, TIRE RACK SAID PIRELLI WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THESE VERY EXPENSIVE TIRES, AS THEY ONLY COVER PROBLEMS W/N THE FIRST 2/32NDS OF WEAR. MY TIRES HAVE 3/32NDS OF WEAR. THEY CANNOT BE USED AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 35 MPH. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I WILL HAVE TO BUY A NEW SET OF TIRES, THIS DOSNT MAKE ANY SENSE. *NM
2002-09-04
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WBABJ7332WE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
2000-10-03
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBABF832XWE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: POLICE REPORT STATES THAT VEHICLE RAN INTO AN EXPEDITION. MOST OF THE REPORT WAS UNCLEAR. DRIVER HAD SUFFERED A HEART ATTACK ON THE WAY TO HOSPITAL, AND COULD NOT REMEMBER ANY OTHER DETAILS AT THIS TIME. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
1999-09-08
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBABF732XWE
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: GLOVE BOX SWITCH.
1999-09-08
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-01
- VIN: WBABF8329WE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,STRUCTURE
- Summary: ELECTRIC LOCKS SHORT CIRCUIT. FUEL TANK CAP SENSOR SHORT CIRCUIT.
1999-09-08
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-11
- VIN: WBABJ8324WE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ELECTRONIC SYSTEM--LOW COOLANT AND GAS MEASURE LEVEL.
1999-08-12
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBABS8326WE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS T-BONED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK
1999-06-18
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-09
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH ENGINE BLEW OUT. HAD NO WARNING. COASTED VEHICLE TO SIDE OF ROAD. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THAT ENGINE COULD BE REPAIRED. WAS NOT INFORMED WHAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BLOW OUT. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Bmw 323i problems:
1998 BMW 323i Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1998-bmw-323i/problems
Problem with your 1998 BMW 323i? Our list of 4 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 BMW 323i.
E36 bmw 323i common issues? - Page 1 - General Gassing ...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=1041873
Aug 15, 2011 ... If it doesn't this needs looking at. Rear light clusters. Problems with these are common and can result in dodgy errors on the computer is the ...
1998 Bmw 323i problems!!!! HELP!! | BimmerFest BMW Forum
https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/1998-bmw-323i-problems-help.537131/
Apr 25, 2011 ... how is the intake boot?? check for rips and tears as this is a common issue. at this point attempting to do a search by symptoms will just make ...
1999 323i, What kind of problems to look for?
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?883888-1999-323i-What-kind-of-problems-to-look-for
Dec 1, 2007 ... Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum - Powered by vBulletin. The Facebook Platform ...
I'm buying a 2003 BMW 323i, what are the common issues I can ...
https://www.quora.com/Im-buying-a-2003-BMW-323i-what-are-the-common-issues-I-can-expect-Only-83k-miles-and-well-cared-for-with-receipts
Mar 29, 2019 ... Outside of normal maintenance things, the only issue I've seen is that plastic parts, screws fasteners, etc have become brittle over time and ...
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