Model year guide

1998 BMW m3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 BMW m3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1998 BMW m3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 BMW m3 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints14
Combined21 mpg

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1998 BMW m3 recalls 1

Air Bags:side/window NHTSA Campaign #99V063001 · 15/11/1999

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE CENTRAL COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE THAT REGULATES THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1998 BMW m3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

1998 BMW m3 MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,025

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 BMW m3 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,125
Fuel only$15,125
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1998 BMW m3 trims & engines on record

Engines
3.2L 6-cyl 240 hp

1998 BMW m3 vehicles on record

1998 BMW m3 1998 BMW m3WBSBK0333WEC38117

Other BMW m3 model years

2021 2018 2016 2015 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 1999 1997 1991

1998 BMW m3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 BMW m3 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1998 BMW m3. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 BMW m3?

Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, suspension, visibility.

What gas mileage does the 1998 BMW m3 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1998 BMW m3 at about 21 mpg combined (18 city / 26 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.