Model year guide

1999 BMW M3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 BMW M3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

1999 BMW M3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1999 BMW M3 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints11
Combined20 mpg

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

1999 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.

1999 BMW M3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

1999 BMW M3 MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,100

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

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1999 BMW M3 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,500
Fuel only$15,500
Per mile$0.21

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.

1999 BMW M3 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
3.2L 6-cyl 240 hp

1999 BMW M3 vehicles on record

1999 BMW M3 1999 BMW M3 BaseWBSBK033XXEC41596 1999 BMW M3WBSBK0339XEC41881

Other BMW M3 model years

2021 2018 2016 2015 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 1998 1997 1991

1999 BMW M3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 BMW M3 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1999 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 1999 BMW M3?

Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, service brakes, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 1999 BMW M3 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1999 BMW M3 at about 20 mpg combined (17 city / 24 highway).

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