1998 Bmw M3 problems
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. M3 models have been produced for every generation of 3 Series since the E30 M3 was introduced in 1986.
The initial model was available in a coupé body style, with a convertible body style made available soon after. M3 saloons were offered initially during the E36 (1994–1999) and E90 (2008–2012) generations. Since 2014, the coupé and convertible models have been rebranded as the 4 Series range, making the high-performance variant the M4. Variants of the 3 Series since then have seen the M3 produced as a saloon, until 2020, when the M3 was produced as an estate (Touring) for the first time, alongside the saloon variant.
E30 generation (1986–1991)
The first BMW M3 was based on the E30 3 Series and was intended to be a homologation special to satisfy the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft and Group A Touring rules, which required a total of 5,000 cars to be built. It was presented to the public at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, and began production from March 1986 to June 1991. The E30 M3 was mainly produced in the coupé body style, but limited volumes of convertibles were also produced.
The front splitter, the rear apron, sill panels, as well as changes to the body in the area of the rear window (C-pillar) and the bootlid improved the aerodynamics. For aerodynamic reasons, the rear window was flattened and the tailgate was made of light, glass-reinforced plastic raised by approximately 40 mm for better air flow. The changes over the rear of the car resulted in lower lift forces and better straight-line stability. In addition, the windscreen was glued in – not, as with the other E30 models, framed with a window rubber and piping. As a result, the M3 achieved a relatively low drag coefficient of Cd=0.33 instead of Cd=0.38 as in the standard 3 Series. The only exterior body panels the regular 3 Series and the M3 shared were the bonnet, roof panel, and sunroof.
The brake calipers, discs and master cylinder were unique to the M3 model.
The transmission was a Getrag 265 5-speed manual. European models were outfitted with a dogleg version with close ratios and a 1:1 ratio for fifth gear. North American models used a traditional shift pattern and had wider gear spacing with an overdriven fifth gear. A clutch-type limited-slip differential was standard equipment.
In 2004, Sports Car International named the E30 M3 number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s. In 2007, Automobile Magazine included the E30 M3 in their "5 greatest drivers cars of all time" under their 25 Greatest Cars of All Time.
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Common 1998 Bmw M3 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the BMW M3 1998, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Problems: Another common problem involves the transmission going into neutral unexpectedly. This issue immobilizes the vehicle, preventing it from starting up. Owners have reported instances where the transmission gear indicator shifts into neutral, disabling the car's ability to function properly. This problem can be a significant inconvenience and safety hazard for drivers.
- Radiator Faults: Some owners have encountered problems with faulty radiators in the BMW M3 1998. Radiator issues can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly. A malfunctioning radiator can impact the vehicle's cooling system, potentially causing engine overheating and related complications. Regular maintenance and inspection of the radiator are crucial to prevent such problems.
These common problems reported by owners of the BMW M3 1998 highlight key areas of concern for this particular model. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and timely repairs can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
Are old BMW M3 reliable?
As with any vehicle, the BMW M3 can last up to 200,000 miles or more with proper care and maintenance. While it has a reliability rating of just 2.0 out of 5.0, the BMW M3 does have a lot of power and excellent handling.
Is the E36 M3 a reliable car?
It's definitely a good car. It's also a reliable car, *if* maintained properly. Note that at this point (2023), the youngest E36 is 24 years old, and the vast majority of them have *not* been maintained properly. Expect to either pay up for one with up-to-date maintenance, or spend thousands to fix one up.
What to look out for when buying E36 M3?
What to look for;
- Engine & VANOS.
- Servicing Requirements.
- Transmission.
- Suspension & Brakes.
- Bodywork & Rust.
- Interior & Electrical Gremlins.
How many miles will a BMW M3 last?
On an average, a BMW 3 can last for 200,000 to 250,000 miles, a well-maintained BMW 3 can last for as long as 300,000 to 350,000 miles without facing any serious mechanical issues.
Are old BMW M3 reliable?
As with any vehicle, the BMW M3 can last up to 200,000 miles or more with proper care and maintenance. While it has a reliability rating of just 2.0 out of 5.0, the BMW M3 does have a lot of power and excellent handling.
Is BMW M3 good or bad?
Highs Heroic powertrain, available with a six-speed manual transmission, a performance car that's easy to daily-drive. Lows Too many unnecessary drive modes, Competition and CS model are automatic-only. Verdict For as intensely fast as the M3 is on track, it's surprisingly livable for commuting every place else.
Is the E36 M3 a reliable car?
It's definitely a good car. It's also a reliable car, *if* maintained properly. Note that at this point (2023), the youngest E36 is 24 years old, and the vast majority of them have *not* been maintained properly. Expect to either pay up for one with up-to-date maintenance, or spend thousands to fix one up.
Why are older BMW M3 so expensive?
So, why is it that these cars have risen so much in value over recent years? The simple answer is : because they have great build quality, they're getting rarer, they look great and they're just fantastic fun to drive. They also have a huge fan-base, of both young and old.
1998 Bmw M3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw M3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Suspension problems
- Visibility problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Bmw M3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Bmw M3 complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Bmw M3.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBSBK9339WE
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-24
- VIN: WBSCD932XWE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-01
- VIN: WBSBG9328WE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE SHOCK WELLS RUSTED AND CRACKED MAKING SHOCKS PROTRUDE OUT OF IT'S MOUNTS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-15
- VIN: WBSCD9327WE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-01
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-10
- VIN: WBSCD9327WE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-23
- VIN: WBSCD9320WE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-29
- VIN: WBSCD9325WE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-05
- VIN: WBSBK0330WE
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-01
- VIN: WBSCD9320WE
- Components: STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: BSCD9320WEE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER RAN INTO A POLE AND SPLIT POLE IN HALF, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AUTOMOBILE WAS TOTALLED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- VIN: WBSCD0328WE
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES DISC FAILED. YH
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBSCK9338WE
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-01
- VIN: WBSBK9338WE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY FAILURE.
1998 Bmw M3 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 Bmw M3.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
- 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: 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.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE CENTRAL COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE THAT REGULATES THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.
Negative 1998 Bmw M3 car reviews
Positive 1998 Bmw M3 car reviews
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In my 60s and after driving economy family cars for many years, a friend told me about E36 M3s. I found one cheap with 95k on the odometer. Now, I get excited every time I climb in, even just for the short drive to work. Recently, I signed up for the BMW Club's
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I needed a car that was both practical and fun, and the M3 delivered on both counts! While it may not be the most affordable car to own or operate, I can confidently say that it was worth every penny. I even had the opportunity to take it to Road America for a two-day track event with the BMW club, where I learned a lot about the car and my own driving skills. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend it! I've now owned the car for five years and plan to keep driving it until it's no longer feasible. It's a truly amazing ride that's both practical and stylish with its four doors.
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The car is really awesome to drive! The Dinan stage 4 upgrade pushes natural aspiration to the edge, and the handling is just perfect. The onboard computer keeps track of current diagnostics, and the power band is spot on. With upgrades to the intake, exhaust, and CPU, it can keep up with, if not surpass, e46 M3s in power, and easily surpasses them in handling. I've driven it steadily all the way up to 135 mph (never tested at higher speeds), and it's always been a blast to drive!
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This car is the ultimate high-performance everyday drive car. It has everything, and comfort to boot.
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This is the best car I've ever had! It's incredibly well-balanced and poised, making it hard to scare yourself even in spirited sport driving. It's great around town, and especially in sedan form, it's a sleeper. Unless someone knows what an M3 is, it looks almost exactly like a 328. I got the sedan version because I'm tall and it has an extra inch and a half of headroom, which makes it perfect for me. How many other sports cars can I fit in this well? None! I've had quicker cars, but it's quick enough, and the handling will keep pace with anything. It's my everyday e-ticket ride.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Bmw M3 problems:
Common Issues with E36 M3
Mar 20, 2012 ... I've been scavenging these forums trying to figure out many of the most common problems for the 1995-1999 E36 M3's (mainly Either the '95 Or '99) ...
BMW E36 M3 Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know
May 25, 2016 ... Learn what to look for, what to avoid, the common maintenance problems to watch out for, and which aftermarket mods are popular.
E36 M3 Reliability
Nov 14, 2009 ... E36 M3 Reliability. Hey Guys, I'm a new member looking for a car over the next few months, and one of the cars ...
BMW E36 M3 Common Issues & Repairs | FCP Euro
Aug 19, 2014 ... BMW E36 M3 Common Issues & Repairs · 1) There is no tilt on the steering wheel. BMW stopped putting tilt steering wheels in the E36 cars around ' ...
E36 M3 Reliability? : r/cars
Dec 11, 2013 ... I've owned a couple E36 M3's. They CAN be very reliable but it depends on the previous owners. They all have cooling system issues but once ...
Other years of Bmw M3
Are you having problems with your 1998 Bmw M3?
Jaiden Batz 2024-07-29
This car has been unreliable and the CPO warranty has not been helpful due to BMW's loopholes. However, the car's performance is impressive.