1999 BMW 3-Series BMW 3-Series 1999

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1999 BMW 3-Series repairs by problem area

Engine (41%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (18%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (21%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (7%)

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Chart based on 204 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 1999 BMW 3-Series.

1999 BMW 3-Series electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (13%)

$500 - $999 (10%)

$100 - $499 (38%)

< $100 (38%)

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Chart based on 40 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

1999 BMW 3-Series

Engine not specified

163000 mi

US $350
AC Blower motor failed 
139000 mi Replaced dashboard light bulbs. 
121000 mi

US $1000
blower fan squeaking--replaced, and 120K mile service 
130200 mi

US $400
airbag light on. 
184000 mi Some center console buttons do not work such as the door lock button and hazard lights button. 
168500 mi

US $115
AC not working, system recharged and dye added to test for leaks. 
152000 mi

US $500
Climate control computer 
132000 mi

US $250
Replaced Brake Light Sensor, needs replacement every 2 years.  Replaced Driver Side Lock Actuator. Replaced Gong, tells you if you left your key in the ignition when leaving the vehicle or if you left your lights on. 
115000 mi

US $3000

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1999 BMW 3-Series 4-door

6-cylinder manual 2WD

156000 mi

US $107
The left rear window requlator failed. Ordered part from BMW and replaced. 
168000 mi

US $80
Both headlamp connectors failed. The connector contact point burned out. Part got ordered and replaced part. 
117000 mi

US $350
Window accuator replaced. 
96000 mi

US $20
Replaced backup light switch. 
109000 mi

US $200
Power window regulator broke. Was able to secure the window closed with duct tape until got part. Took about 3 man-hours to replace. 
118000 mi

US $200
Replaced window regulator. Regulator was malfunctioning for 2 years. Replaced only now. 
125000 mi

US $1189
AC compressor failed and was replaced. 
138000 mi

US $410
Oil level sensor replaced. 
322000 mi

US $60
The rear passenger side window regulator needed to be replaced. This is the second replacement of that item. 
344300 mi

US $160
Replaced the heater control valve. 
347000 mi

US $20
Cleared an airbag passenger light and replaced the gas cap because of an LDP CEL 
363000 mi

US $305
Driver's side front window regulator finally bite the dust and needed to be replaced. 

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1999 BMW 3-Series 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 2WD

61000 mi

US $50
The hazard light/door lock switch that sits on the center console stopped working. Removal of switch showed that it had cracked and was no longer making contact with the conductor. Required replacement of switch, p/n 61 31 8 36 89 920 for $50. 
71000 mi A/C compressor clutch bearing is bad. Haven't repaired yet but will repair this summer. Short circuit in radio face plate causes intermittent failure of radio. I am hoping a simple removal and reassembly with dielectric lubricant will solve issue. This has existed for several years. 
75500 mi

US $100
Air conditioner compressor knock. 
76300 mi

US $1000
A/C compressor became inoperative. Replaced compressor, receiver/dryer, expansion valve along with new belt and tensioner. 
122000 mi

US $800
Compressor failure, replaced compressor, evap unit and gaskets 
88040 mi

C $150
a/c compressor died - no warning. Ordered used parts to save on money. Parts arrived, will have them installed shortly. driver's side rear window regulator broke. Window stuck down, unable to drive for 2 weeks so far as the rear window won't lift. 
88660 mi

C $900
a/c compressor died.. inspected, ordered new parts, new parts were installed 1 month after 1st trip. 
91760 mi

C $1000
Central locking system broke. 
160000 mi

US $879
Key Fob prgram and 6 month service. 

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1999 BMW 3-Series 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

179700 mi

€300
Airbag sensor of passenger seat reported problems. Needs replacement, but expensive at 4.5 hours plus parts. 
189100 mi Airbag sensor never fixed. 

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1999 BMW 3-Series 2-door

6-cylinder manual 2WD

34000 mi

US $2
Had to replace small 47uF transistor in climate control unit.  
76000 mi

US $300
Driver's side door speakers busted; replaced all speakers (had happened in passenger door speakers 2 years ago; figured it'd happen to all other speakers eventually) 
55000 mi

US $42
Hood microswitch for factory alarm inop. Replaced. 
98300 mi

US $7
Reverse lights are always on. Replaced the switch on the transmission and the problem is not fixed. 
115000 mi

US $90
Blower motor transistor failed. It was not very difficult to change. 
123900 mi

US $90
Battery died 

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1999 BMW 3-Series Electrical Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 1999 BMW 3-Series problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.