1998 BMW 3 Series

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

• Weak cooling system All years One source so far

  What to check: Look for coolant drips and leaks.

  Turner Motorsport calls BMW cooling systems of this age notoriously weak.

  Sources ¹

• Worn VANOS All years One source so far

  What to check: Listen at idle for a sound like marbles in a tin can.

  Turner Motorsport ties that sound to a failed VANOS unit.

  Sources ¹

• Oil leaks All years

  What to check: Look for seepage around the oil pan, valve cover and head gasket, and listen for a hiss from a vacuum leak.

  BMWBlog adds that the crankcase ventilation (PCV) system often leaks oil and can cause a vacuum leak.

  Sources ^1,2

• Door cards and headliner falling down All years

  What to check: Look at the door panels, pillars, headliner and the rest of the interior trim for sagging or tears.

  Turner Motorsport says the door cards notoriously fall out and the headliner can sag. In an owner forum thread, a 318ti owner lists falling headliners among common faults.

  Sources ^1,3

• Water in the floor All years One source so far

  What to check: Feel the carpet behind the front seats for water.

  Turner Motorsport says the drain plugs behind the front seats are prone to rust.

  Sources ¹

• Power steering leaks All years One source so far

  What to check: Follow the power steering hoses for wetness or grime.

  Sources ¹

• Rust at the rear arches and sills All years One source so far

  What to check: Look at the rear wheel arches and the rear ends of the side skirts.

  BMWBlog says these places rust badly.

  Sources ²

• Rough idle from the idle control valve All years One source so far

  What to check: Start the car from cold and watch for a rough, hunting idle.

  BMWBlog says carbon can keep the idle control valve under the intake manifold from opening.

  Sources ²

• Windows, door handles and locks All years

  What to check: Try every window, both door handles on each door, and the central locking.

  Turner Motorsport says failed inner and outer door handles are common, and lists the window regulators and switches. In an owner forum thread, a 318ti owner lists failing power windows among common faults.

  Sources ^1,3

• Worn suspension and steering parts All years

  What to check: Feel for play in the steering and wobble over bumps, and look at the tie rod ends, control arm ball joints, steering rack boots, anti-roll bar bushings and end links.

  Turner Motorsport says the anti-roll bar bushings and end links will likely need replacing. In an owner forum thread, a 318ti owner reports every bushing worn and the shocks and struts blown when buying at about 40,000 miles.

  Sources ^1,3

Sources

1. Turner Motorsport E36 buyer's guide
2. BMWBlog E36 buyer's guide
3. Grassroots Motorsports forum (E36)