Most common 1999 BMW M3 problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW M3 complaints by model year
Best M3 years: 2007, 2006, 2017. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2011, 2010, 2003. Compare all years →
1999 BMW M3 recalls (1)
Air bags › Side/window
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.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the central computer control module that regulates the performance of all of the vehicle's occupant protection systems.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1999 BMW M3:
Inadvertant side airbag deployment
On March 26, 1999, BMW of north American, inc. Recalled 32,500 1999 323i and 328i manufactured up to April 1999, for inadvertent deployment of the side airbag system in certain non-crash impacts such as contacting large pot holes or curbs at substantial speed.as a remedy, BMW will recode the air bag control module of the affected vehicles with updated software.the recall was a result of an odi safety defect…
What 1999 BMW M3 owners say
Air bags
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.
The material used on the BMW steering wheel melts at the touch of sunlight- doesn't have to be a hot temperature. The melting of the steering wheel restricts me from using the horn and could very well have affected the airbag and/or deployment of the airbag. Also, it's sticky, my fingerprints and sleeve from my shirt are imprinted on the steering wheel...my long hair has been stuck on it. I'm afraid to touch the wheel- it nearly drips. What is this material? What's going on? Nothing was put on the steering wheel to cause this. This car is not under any warranty; however, this is a very, very dangerous defect that should not happen in any car, at any time. I don't know what material BMW used on the steering wheel, but I cannot drive the car until it's fixed...
1999 BMW M3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 BMW M3 a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 M3 rates average: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the M3 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 BMW M3?
The air bags — 5 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (2) and wheels & tires (2).
How many recalls does the 1999 BMW M3 have?
There is 1 recall for the 1999 BMW M3, the most recent from November 15, 1999 (side/window). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW M3?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007, 2006 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2009, 2011, 2010 and 2003. See the full BMW M3 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 BMW M3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 74,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.