1999 BMW M3: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 11 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Air bag warning light is on. Diagnosis: passenger air bag electronics are faulty and need to be replaced. Cost to repair is over $500 per dealer. Bmw should have a recall for this but they do not show this with my VIN. Please help. Thank you. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2015
“Tl * - the contact owns a 1999 bmw m3. The vehicle was purchased on january 21, 2007, with 2 bald rear tires. The dealer has not agreed to replace the tires. Bridgestone, potenza , dot # emh8cka. The contact thought the size was 18. The contact has not experienced any failures at this time. However, he received a citation for having bald tires, and was told it was against the law to sell a vehicle with bald tires for safety reasons. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Jan 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving, the oil light came on and the engine made a grinding noise. The contact pulled over and checked the oil. The oil was full. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined an oil pan nut fell off into the oil pan causing an oil pump failure which burn the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealership three days prior to this incident for regular maintenance, including an oil change. Updated 02/21/06. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2006
Show 5 more owner reports
“1999 bmw m3 convertible. Airbag light come up with no reason; potentially, airbig won't deploy if any accident happen. VIN [xxx]. Updated 07/30/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2004
“The manual transmission on my bmw m3 has a defect. It involves the transmission sticking in 5th gear, especially when the weather is cold. This is a dangerous situation, because it compromises control of the car when shifting, leaving the operator wtihout full control of the car. This is a very common defect in 1999 m3s and many customers are experiencing a problem with this. Bmws fix is to replace the transmission, which is very expensive. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2004
“The distance between the brake pedal and the gas pedal is too close and poses a danger when moving from the gas pedal to the brake. Your foot can become entangled under the brake pedal.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2002
“While driving 70mph the vehicle's left rear tire started to deflate due to a puncture and the tread separated from the sidewall. Nlm. On a separate occasion, the right rear tire failed due to the tread separation from the side wall. Tire size 245/40zr17, consumer stated when the tire was removed there was no evidence of a puncture. *yh”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2002
“Sept 00 ABS dash light on, took to dealer for repair, parts ordered, continued to drive with light on, repaired oct 00, ABS dash light again on, took to dealer, told the ABS was repaired-ABS light on due to gas cap, may 2001 car out of control as if wheels locked, narrowly missed going in canal and hitting oncoming vehicles, service shop diagnosed ABS failure”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE CENTRAL COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE THAT REGULATES THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1999 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact M3 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 BMW M3 reliable?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1999 BMW M3. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 1999 BMW M3 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags:side/window. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.