1998 BMW M3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 21%of 14 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 BMW M3, 21% of the 14 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,100 miles.
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.
“The gear shift in my manual transmission, 1998 Bmw M3 (4 door), sticks under fifth gear and often I am also unable to shift into fifth gear. The issue with this is well known by Bmw of north america. The danger here is that when I want to shift into fifth gear I cannot, and more importantly, it is extremely difficult to downshift from 4th to 3rd because the gear shift naturally wants to go into fifth. This can be a very serious problem when going into a turn or needing to downshift to control engine speed rather than using brakes when conditions may be too slick to safely apply the brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10054719, filed 2004-01, 73,000 miles“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 2001-09Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 11% |
| 2016 | 1 | 20% |
| 2013 | 3 | 23% |
| 2011 | 4 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 13% |
| 2009 | 24 | 53% |
| 2008 | 37 | 45% |
| 2006 | 2 | 14% |
| 2005 | 2 | 17% |
| 2004 | 6 | 19% |
| 2003 | 14 | 26% |
| 2002 | 8 | 20% |
| 2001 | 4 | 29% |
| 1999 | 1 | 9% |
| 1998 | 3 | 21% |
| 1997 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1998 BMW M3
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
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 29, 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