1998 BMW 3 Series: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 BMW 3 Series: 0 recalls, 3 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
There isn't much public data on the 1998 BMW 3 Series yet, so we start with what helps most: the repair manual options.
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 BMW 3 Series.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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Recalls
0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E023000 · 2006 · 292,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E044000 · 2006 · 1,215 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain j & a auto accessories combination headlamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: J & a auto accessories will notify owners and offer to repurchase the headlamps. The recall began on July 10, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E064000 · 2006 · 4,029 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Suspension (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1998 BMW 3 Series has 3 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 21 3 Series model years for complaints (well below the 40 average). Neighboring years: 1997 (5 complaints, 0 recalls), 1999 (6 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
FAQ
Does the 1998 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1998 BMW 3 Series, but 4 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1998 BMW 3 Series problems?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (2), suspension (1), electrical (1).
What gas mileage does the 1998 BMW 3 Series get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 BMW 3 Series repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.