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1998 BMW M3 Convertible 5MT

The 1998 BMW M3 Convertible 5MT is a 240-hp 3.2-liter inline-6 convertible with a 5-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $46,470 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.

It makes 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeConvertible
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$46,470 ($92,655 *)
Engine
Engine Type3.2L Inline-6 DOHC 24-valve (S52B32US)
Displacement3.2 L
Horsepower240 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque236 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City18 MPG
Highway26 MPG
Combined21 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Similar cars

Rivals to the 1998 BMW M3 Convertible 5MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1998 BMW M3. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Nov 15, 1999 · 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. THIS SYSTEM IS UNDULY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEED.

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL (BST) COULD ALSO ACTIVATE, DISCONNECTING THE STARTER CABLE FROM THE BATTERY. IN THIS CASE, THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND THE ENGINE WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN, BUT AFTER STOPPING, COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE CENTRAL COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE THAT REGULATES THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.

NHTSA campaign 99V063001

14 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1998 BMW M3

Owner Complaints

14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 BMW M3 (2 mention a crash, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Power Train3
Air Bags2
Electrical System2
Suspension2
Visibility2
Engine And Engine Cooling1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Nov 10, 2008 · Tires Crash 1 injury
“ON OCTOBER 13TH AT APPROXIMATELY 1800HRS THE LEFT REAR TIRE OF MY 1998 BMW M3 "RAPIDLY DEFLATED" RESULTING IN A ROLLOVER CRASH. APPROXIMATELY 1/4 OF THE INNER SIDEWALL WAS LEFT SHREDDED. WEATHER WAS…”
Oct 11, 2006 · Suspension
“1) NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION 2) LEFT REAR STRUT-TOWER FAILURE RESULTING IN PENETRATION OF STRUT AND SPRING AND FAILURE OF REAR SUSPENSION. COULD HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND ACCIDENT. 3)…”
May 8, 2005 · Suspension
“THE SHOCK WELLS RUSTED AND CRACKED MAKING SHOCKS PROTRUDE OUT OF IT'S MOUNTS.”
Nov 23, 2004 · Power Train
“REPEATED FAILURE OF THE SHIFT GATE. TRANNY STICKS IN 5TH GEAR POSITION, CAUSING DANGEROUS SHIFT DELAYS WHILE IN TRAFFIC. SEE: HTTP://WWW.BRAZEAURACING.COM/TECH/TRANSMISSIONS.HTM FOR A PARTIAL LISTING…”
Nov 17, 2004 · Visibility
“PROBLEM1: REAR DEFOGGER NOT WORKING. CHECKED THE SYSTEM, FUSES OKAY, VOLTAGE CORRECTLY SUPPLIED TO REAR WINDOW HEATING CONTACTS. HEATING ELEMENTS IN THE WINDOW ITSELF ARE FAILING. AFETY ISSUE: NO…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1998 BMW M3. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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