WBSCD0328WEE128521998 BMW M3
Executive Summary
1998 BMW M3 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 14 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- ▸1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- ▸1 injury reported across 14 owner complaints
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
- Make
- BMW
- Model
- M3
- Year
- 1998
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 6-cyl 3.2L 240 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- BMW M GMBH
- Assembly
- REGENSBURG, GERMANY
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
- ▸Airbag system recall
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~70%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
BMW completes recalls at a good rate (91%), averaging about 16 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~16 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
SummaryVEHICLE 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.Read full details...
~30% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
1 injuries reported across 14 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.
42% of complaints filed in Feb & Nov — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
The blue line shows 14 NHTSA complaints on file for the BMW M3 — a relatively low volume that spans from 1998 to 2008.
The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 100/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.
Notably, despite 14 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (1999, 2008) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $49,429 (~$824/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
BMW M3 has an elevated theft rate (3.5× average). Factor in higher comprehensive insurance costs.
BMW has been fined $3M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Failure to submit required Early Warning Reports to NHTSA.
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | WBSCD0328WEE12852 |
| Model Year | 1998 |
| Make | BMW |
| Model | M3 |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.2 |
| Horsepower | 240 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | BMW M GMBH |
| Assembly City | REGENSBURG |
| Assembly Country | GERMANY |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | WBS |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 8 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | W |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | E |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | E12852 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 1 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 14 |
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/17/2026, 8:46:21 AM.