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Exterior lightingPart report

1998 BMW M3 Exterior lighting 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 exterior lighting 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 2001-09

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201113%
201017%
200912%
200426%
200336%
200213%
199817%
199518%

Other parts of the 1998 BMW M3

Transmission and drivetrain
3 complaints
Air bags
2 complaints
Electrical system
2 complaints
Suspension
2 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints
Tires
1 complaints
Vehicle 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 31, 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