1998 BMW M3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 7%of 14 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 BMW M3, 7% of the 14 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle has been through at least four separate dealers with brake light failures. Problem continues to remain unresloved. Dealers cannot locate fault and continues to replace bulbs or bend connectors on sockets. Engine, transmission, oil pan gaskets all failing with only 41,000 miles on vehicle. Inlet leakage on fuel valve failing for second time. Major alternator problem for second time. Despite repeated reports of rough shifting, with problems engaging and disengaging gears, no answer other than everything is fine. …”
NHTSA complaint #752387, filed 2001-09Related service bulletins
- 10030850Aug 1, 2009Bmw: thermostat housing inspection. The retaining springs of the thermostat housing quick release couplings for the coolant hoses may not be locked correctly. This situation may…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 7% |
| 2005 | 3 | 25% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 4% |
| 2002 | 12 | 30% |
| 2001 | 3 | 21% |
| 1999 | 1 | 9% |
| 1998 | 1 | 7% |
| 1997 | 3 | 16% |
| 1995 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1998 BMW M3
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 BMW M3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology