1998 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories
1998 BMW 3-Series problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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BMW 3-Series
1998 BMW 3-Series for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 1998 BMW 3-Series problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 1998 BMW 3-Series problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 1998 BMW 3-Series problems and repair histories that follow it.
BMW 3-Series Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 1998 | BMW 3-Series / M3 | 23 3-Series / M3s, 8.4 months of data per 3-Series / M3, average 126800 miles Small sample size. Join or 23 3-Series / M3s, 8.4 months of data per 3-Series / M3, average 126800 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
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Non-members can see only ten 1998 BMW 3-Series problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
1998 BMW 3-Series
Engine not specified
| BMW in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2012 | 134000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 135000 | 99 | Slapping noise from rear of engine was diagnosed as a loose spark plug. Tightening spark plug fixed that problem. Clutch also needs to be repaired - estimated at $1400 |
| BMW in Mississippi, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 120000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2009 | 121000 | 1500 | Replaced rear axle. Replaced rotors. Replaced calipers. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 127000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 128000 | 1100 | clutch and clutch master and slave cylinder |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2011 | 155000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 167000 | 1500 | Had to replace secondary air pump (dead), check valve and 02 sensors. |
| Jan | 2013 | 177000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 164000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 164000 | 3000 | Head gasket blew (I believe that my mechanics put in regular oil instead of synthetic at last oil changed and lied to me about it). Engine needed to be replaced. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 109000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 111000 | 350 | One of the belt pulleys was making noise. I replaced tensioner and idler pulleys and went ahead and replaced water pump, belts, radiator hoses, thermostat, and coolant. |
| BMW in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 62000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2012 | 62300 | 900 | Aux electric engine cooling fan controller failed in "On" position requiring replacement entire fan unit. $450 for part and replacement requires removing front bumper. |
| Feb | 2013 | 66000 | 1200 | Aux electric cooling fan controller failed - in the "on" position, draining battery while parked. Replacing controller requires removing grill and radiator. |
| Mar | 2013 | 66000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW in Belgium | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2012 | 159340 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2013 | 160580 | 105 | Central locking actuator for the passenger stopped working in the closed state. Had to remove the door card, take out side airbag, peel back vapor barrier, replace with new actuator and reassemble. |
| Mar | 2013 | 162440 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW in Kentucky, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 140000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 141000 | 20 | BMW E36 M3 brake light switch replacement watched a You tube video & fixed myself after problem was supposedly repaired at shop. It was $20 part & took 10 mins to fix. However, I had paid $90 previously. The AAA towing person told me. |
| Apr | 2011 | 146000 | 50 | The seats would not adjust. Ordered parts and installing today. Hope it works. Common problem with these cars |
| Apr | 2013 | 165000 | 200 | The car is overheating not every trip but every other trip & will go to the red then come right back down to the normal range. Not all the time. Already replaced the radiator. |
| BMW in South Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2011 | 106000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2012 | 110000 | 10 | Low Coolant Sensor Failed |
| Mar | 2012 | 111000 | 6 | O2 sensors have gone bad and have not been replaced yet. This caused a spark plug to become fouled with carbon. Misfires occured and cured by a spark plug replacement on #4. I still have not done the O2 sensors. |
| Oct | 2012 | 114000 | 400 | Changed out the control arms. I went to get it aligned and the tie rods were siezed up. Changed the tie rods and aligned. Also did both precat O2 sensors. |
| Nov | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 297000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 300000 | 500 | Cracked wires to right front & rear blinkers, dashlights out. Blower motor resistor replaced. |
| Mar | 2011 | 303000 | 30 | gas pedal hinge broke. |
| Feb | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 252000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2012 | 253000 | 20 | Oil leak |
1998 BMW 3-Series 4-door
6-cylinder manual 2WD
| BMW in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 87000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 94000 | 200 | Replaced radiator, water pump, flushed cooling system. No parts failing. Proactively heading off a common problem. |
| Mar | 2011 | 96000 | 80 | Leaking power steering hose. |
| Jun | 2011 | 98000 | 50 | replaced cooling system hoses |
| Jan | 2012 | 101500 | 30 | spark plugs, coil/spark plug connectors. |
| Mar | 2012 | 102000 | 340 | Rear wheel bearing. Requires a press and a special BMW tool for removal |
| May | 2012 | 102700 | 54 | Replaced cracked bump-stops on front suspension |
| Mar | 2013 | 108000 | 1250 | Full refresh of rear suspension and subframe. No failure. Rear trailing arm mounting points are a known weak point. Had these reenforced, and did a "while I'm in there" refresh. This also included a custom reenforced rear subframe. |
| BMW in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 99200 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 105400 | 1000 | Windshield wiper-linkage replacement. |
| Sep | 2012 | 131440 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 97000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 98000 | 1000 | One front left spring. Clutch replaced, mechanical failure. |
| Oct | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 127000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 133000 | 1500 | Replaced front right brake caliper |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 129000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 134000 | 700 | Replaced all ball-joints (including control arms) in front suspension to cure rattle. |
| Jul | 2009 | 137000 | 1000 | Strut mounts had worn bearings, causing a rattling. Struts replaced as well for preventative maintenance. |
| Sep | 2012 | 172000 | 140 | Leaking coolant, suspected head gasket. Block test for carbons in coolant was negative --> likely not head gasket. Gasket repair material added to coolant to plug leak --> improved but not completely fixed. |
| Mar | 2013 | 175000 | 100 | Car started overheating, replaced water pump and belts, flushed coolant - problem fixed. |
| BMW in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 146000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 147000 | 2400 | Head Gasket had to be replaced after coolant leak detected. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
1998 BMW 3-Series 4-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| BMW in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 111000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 112000 | 300 | Oil seepage, replaced valve cover gasket |
| Mar | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 131000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 156000 | 2400 | Car was doing great, but then the tranny blew up... |
| BMW in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 89000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2009 | 91000 | 500 | Replaced the radiator - again. This is now the third radiator in the vehicle. The first time, radiator neck cracked clear through at base of neck next to radiator - had to be towed. This time a hole developed on top of the radiator. Defective plastic. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
1998 BMW 3-Series 4-door
4-cylinder manual 2WD
| BMW in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 141000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 148000 | 110 | Cam position sensor needed to be replaced. |
| Mar | 2010 | 151000 | 40 | Ball Joint worn valve cover gasket leaking |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
1998 BMW 3-Series 2-door
6-cylinder manual 2WD
| BMW in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 54000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 57700 | 700 | New radiator, water pump and hoses |
| Feb | 2013 | 64300 | 0 | Low water light before starting engine and after going off. |
| Mar | 2013 | 65000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 87000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2012 | 111000 | 85 | Drivers side Window Regulator broke. Replaced with used part. |
| Jun | 2012 | 112000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW in District of Columbia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 80000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 88000 | 650 | Engine missing @ low rpm. Coil bad on one cyl. replaced 1 coil 6 plugs, 6 boots |
| Sep | 2011 | 88000 | 1020 | Brake warning light. Replaced pads and rotors on all four wheels |
| May | 2012 | 95000 | 378 | Replaced cruise control throttle cable |
| BMW in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 142000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 145000 | 275 | Replaced the front O2 sensor. CEL came one,had the codes read. No running issues or reduced mileage for the four days the car was driven with the CEL on until I could drop the car off. Price also included a Oil Change and tire rotation. |
| Jan | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 102000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 117000 | 350 | Noisy left rear wheel bearing, attempted repair myself but found it to require tools I didn't have. Had been living with it for about a month. |
| Apr | 2010 | 124700 | 40 | The idle control valve had begun to stick and cause the idle to bounce, requiring removal, cleaning with a Gumout-like solvent and reinstallation. Four bucks for the carb cleaner was the total outlay. |
| Nov | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 194000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2009 | 195000 | 777 | wheel joints replaced both sides front. window motor replaced drivers side. |
| Dec | 2009 | 197000 | 0 | rebuilt transmission, new clutch because it was "slipping." |
| May | 2010 | 199000 | 0 | Power top quit working in 2008 because one motor blew. No engine problems at all, just lots and lots of interior/cosmetic and electrical problems. |
| BMW in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 146000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 148000 | 800 | Too much play in tie rods, replaced steering rack. Also, oil leaking from front right strut, so replaced both front struts. Completely replaced rear brakes, discs, pads, etc. |
| Jun | 2010 | 150000 | 550 | master cylinder leaking, pedal soft at stoplights. also front calipers and pads ancient, rusted, unsafe. |
| Sep | 2010 | 152000 | 200 | control arms, bearings, strut mount |
| Apr | 2012 | 163300 | 0 | Still gathering funds to buy radiator, fan, etc. Car overheated so I pulled over immediately and flatbedded it home to work on when I can afford the parts. Update: completed repair. Bought charge gauge and Enviro-Safe freon. Recharged AC using only one 6 oz. can. |
| Oct | 2012 | 170000 | 0 | Done diagnostic tests, on many systems, over last several months. It began with bad idle, progressed to stalling. Now it won't run, nor even start. At this point I'm fairly sure it needs new fuel pump. Need to save up $180 to buy one. |
| Nov | 2012 | 171000 | 0 | Finally had money to buy new fuel pump. Bought it, put it in. Car is fine now. |
| Jan | 2013 | 172000 | 0 | Stalling, running badly. Vacuum leak. Needed new hose in two spots. |
| BMW in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 117000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 120000 | 800 | Clutch job. Throwout bearing had expired and there was little life left in the clutch. Also replaced Flywheel and all wear and tear parts. |
| BMW in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 117000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 118000 | 600 | Steering rack rebuilt due to excessive wear/leaking. Blower motor resistor failed- replaced. |
| Apr | 2011 | 121000 | 150 | Window regulator and passenger door locks do not work. Replacing as a DIY task. |
| Nov | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 81000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 81000 | 800 | muffler hangers needed to be replaced and a wheel straightnened. but thumping noise from trunk over bumps didn't go away, though dealer was sure the problem was the hanger. I didn't complain because the hangers were pretty worn. |
| Mar | 2013 | 93000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 134000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 136000 | 0 | Sunroof headliner had fallen off when sold. Power windows did not always work when sold. |
1998 BMW 3-Series 2-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| BMW in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 103000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2012 | 116000 | 1800 | electric radiator fan failure and radiator failure |
| BMW in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 123000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 145000 | 4200 | Head gasket failed, I was noticing coolant loss without external leaks. I checked my oil cap and saw the coolant/oil mix. Most of the cost was labor, over 15 hours at $115 per hour. |
| Jun | 2012 | 165000 | 933 | Engine belt and pulleys broke. Water pump, belts, and all pulleys were replaced with 4 hours of labor costs. |
| Oct | 2012 | 169000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 194000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 199000 | 500 | Front struts badly needed to be replaced after 199,000 miles |
| Jul | 2010 | 203000 | 112 | Replaced lower radiator hose, seemed to fix, very small coolant leak of unknown origin. |
| Jan | 2011 | 206000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
1998 BMW 3-Series 2-door
4-cylinder manual 2WD
| BMW in Oklahoma, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 178000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 180000 | 13 | Window regulator off track repaired and lubricated it myself. Passenger door outside door handle not working. Lubricated it and latch and now works properly. Cost about $5 for lubricants. Coin holder was broken. I repaired it with an extra spring and some glue. Replaced the Shift boot with a used leather boot found on ebay for $8.00 |
| Jan | 2011 | 186000 | 56 | Replaced thermostat. |
| Jan | 2013 | 220000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 89000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 89000 | 300 | heater control valve left rear outer wheel bearing |
| Dec | 2012 | 93000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
Expert 1998 BMW 3-Series Repair Advice
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