1999 BMW 3 Series: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 BMW 3 Series: 1 recall, 6 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #21V401000 · 2021 · 4,511 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19v-851, 19v852, or 19v-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the nadi inflator May absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Why it matters: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag May not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1999 BMW 3 Series has 6 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 21 3 Series model years for complaints (well below the 40 average). Complaints peaked in 2013 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 105,330 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (3 complaints, 0 recalls), 2000 (88 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 24 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 BMW 3 Series.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1999 BMW 3 Series. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 BMW 3 Series problems?
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (3), body & structure (1), electrical (1).
What gas mileage does the 1999 BMW 3 Series get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 10 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 BMW 3 Series repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.