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BMW 3 Series 1999 Problems

Are you having problems with your 1999 BMW 3 Series? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 1999 BMW 3 Series issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 1999 BMW 3 Series in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

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Used BMW E46 review: 1998-2005

There's little doubt that BMW is the brand that paved the way for the plethora of other prestige brands that now litter our market, and the 3-Series was the BMW model that made the breakthrough.

NEW

The 3-Series was a prestige model that was tantalisingly within reach for people who wanted to move up from local models but couldn't afford the huge step up to a bigger Beemer or 'Benz.

The lowest model on the 3-Series totem might have only had a modest four-cylinder engine, but it had a blue and white spinner badge and that was enough for many buyers. The E46 was a marked step up in size and shape from the earlier E36, its proportions were more generous, its lines more plump.

But it delivered the same solid drive experience. It felt planted on the road, the steering was re-assuring, the ride firm without being uncomfortable, and the engines were smooth and responsive.

The range began with the four-cylinder 318i, which was generally panned by reviewers for being boring. Compared to the six-cylinder models that criticism might have had some merit, but viewed alone the four stacks up solidly against its rivals with decent performance around town and on the highway and quite acceptable fuel economy.

The rest of the range was powered by the marvellous BMW six-cylinder engine in various capacities and outputs, from the 2.2-litre at the lower end to the sizzling M3 atop the pole. A choice of manual, five and six-speed, and auto, also five and six-speed, was offered, and a sequential manual was also offered on the M3.

The levels of equipment varied enormously from the 318i to the M3. While the base car, the 318i, was reasonably well equipped it didn't have cruise control, to get that you had to step up to the 318i Executive.

NOW

The 3-Series was generally well built and has stood up quite well over time. The body remains solid and rarely develops any squeaks and rattles, the handling remains true and responsive, and the engines continue to deliver the same liquid smooth performance even when they've reached high miles.

For that reason they can be a little deceiving. While they might drive and perform impressively, they can develop issues as the kays climb that can be expensive to repair. BMW engines generally don't use oil, and they give little trouble, but they are known to leak oil. The leaks are usually picked up at service time.

The plastics BMW uses in and around the engine, particularly in the cooling system and engine ventilation system, go brittle with age and eventually crumble. Most mechanics report that once one goes it's a good idea to replace all the fittings because they'll all go and replacing them in one fell swoop avoids the expense of repeated trips back to the workshop to replace them as they fail one by one.

Radiators are another weakness, and they can be expensive to replace. Instrument clusters and A/C control panels are other weakness and are known to burn out requiring replacement.

Brakes are also an issue, the 3-Series tends to go through pads and discs every 50,000 km or so. Cheaper aftermarket parts are available to help keep the cost down.

If you're thinking of buying an E46 with more than 100,000 kays on the clock think about having a BMW specialist mechanic check it for you, it could save a lot of heartache later on.

It's also worth getting to know a BMW specialist mechanic to keep your car running smoothly without costing you a fortune. On the plus side even older, high mileage 3-Series are comfortable and drive smoothly.

SMITHY SAYS

Generally sound, but can be expensive as the kays climb. Shop with care.

BMW 3-series E46 1998-2005

Price new: $56,170 to $158,000
Engine: 1.9-litre 4-cylinder, 87 kW/180 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 105 kW/200 Nm; 2.2-litre 6-cylinder, 125 kW/210 Nm; 2.5-litre 6-cylinder, 125 kW/245 Nm; 2.5-litre 6-cylinder, 141 kW/245 Nm; 2.8-litre 6-cylinder, 142 kW/280 Nm; 3.0-litre 6-cylinder, 170 kW/300 Nm; 3.2-litre 6-cylinder, 252 kW/365 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed auto, 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed sequential manual, RWD
Economy: 7.2 L/100 km (318i), 7.6 L/100 km (320i), 7.5 L/100 km (328i), 8.0 L/100 km (330i), 7.6 L/100 km (M3)
Body: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon, 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
Variants: 318i, 320i, 323i, 325i, 328i, 330i, M3
Safety: ABS braking and airbags, plus ESP from 2004

COMING UP

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Bmw 3 lpg kit please

I DON'T know of a kit for the E36 BMW. It's one of those cars for which there is little demand for a kit and no one has bothered to develop one. There are universal kits available that could be adapted to your car, but I wouldn't recommend converting it. The 318i in my experience is quite economical, so there's not great savings to be made, but more importantly it's a breathless little beast as it is, and converting it to LPG would rob it of some of what little performance it has.

Used BMW 328i review: 1995-2000

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, BMW should be feeling pretty pleased with its 3-Series. In the last 20 years or so many companies trying to get a slice of the affordable prestige market have copied it.

There’s no doubt that the 3-Series has been one of the outstanding performers of the last 20 years or more. It has proved to be the favoured way of moving into the European world of prestige motoring for many Australians, and still holds its own in a market filled to overflowing with clones.

Over the years the 3-Series range has been expanded, and now includes a model to suit everyone, from the Compact hatch, the ubiquitous 318 sedan, to the smooth six-cylinder sedans and coupes, the sizzling hot M3 sports sedan, and the slinky convertibles.

BMW were one of the first to bring a convertible to the Australian market, starting with the pretty cabriolets and convertibles of the E30 model in the 1980s. They have maintained a drop-top in their range, and the 328i and the models that have followed have become the benchmarks for soft top motoring.

MODEL WATCH

Convertibles haven’t always been popular in Australia; a country where the blazing sun can fry exposed skin in minutes in summer. It seems odd really, but Australia was considered too hot to enjoy the thrill of open top motoring, while Europe was regarded as the perfect environment for a convertible.

That thinking is outdated. Old time convertibles, while perfect on a mild spring day, were inconvenient and uncomfortable, just ask anyone who was stuck in a sudden downpour trying to erect the roof.

Today’s convertibles, epitomised by the BMW E36, are everything the old ones weren’t. The most important development has been in the roof function, which can be raised and lowered in a matter of seconds, without even leaving the driver’s seat.

There’s no chance of being caught in a sudden shower, and what’s more, once the roof is in place it’s sealed so it won’t let the rain in like old ones would. It’s also well lined so it’s quiet and snug inside.

A modern convertible is like having a sedan when the roof is up, and a sporty car when it’s lowered. A great compromise for those who appreciate a car that can crossover the boundaries that separate family transport and sports motoring.

The E36 328i convertible arrived in 1995, an update of the previous 325i model. It used the slinky lines of the 3-Series coupe, with a well developed soft top that attached to the windscreen header with a clasp operated by a single grip, and folded away out of sight behind the rear seat.

To raise or lower it you simply had to be stationary, twist the clasp and push the roof away from the windscreen header, and flick a switch on the centre console. It was simple, and it all happened in a few seconds.

The 328i is built on the same agile platform as the rest of the E36 3-Series. With independent suspension all round, four-wheel discs, ABS and traction control, it is armed for action.

Add to that one of the sweetest six cylinder engines ever built and you’ve got a potent performance package. In the case of the 328i, the engine has a capacity of 2.8 litres; it’s a straight six, with double overhead camshafts, fuel injection, and VANOS variable valve timing that made it a powerful performer right through the rev range. Peak power was 142 kW at 5300 revs, while peak torque was 280 Nm.

Transmission choices were sporty five-speed manual with a nice shift, and a smooth five-speed auto.

As would be expected of a car this expensive the 328i convertible came well equipped. Alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise, remote central locking and alarm, leather steering wheel and trim, power mirrors and windows, and radio/cassette sound came standard.

Dual airbags provided crash protection.

IN THE SHOP

The 328i convertible suffers few problems. Overall the 3-Series is a tight, well built car that stands up well over the long term.

They tend to use up consumables at a fast rate. Things like brakes are consumed quite quickly, with OE pads and discs quite expensive. Likewise they tend to use up rear tyres quite quickly, which can also be expensive to replace. Both are the cost of the BMW’s high level of performance.

Nothing much goes wrong with the six cylinder engine; it’s as sweet an engine as you will ever drive, with a neat note and plenty of punch.

It’s important with convertibles to check the operation of the roof, to make sure it goes up and down smoothly. Check also the condition of the roof fabric, looking particularly for frayed areas, split stitching, and damaged seals, which can occur with regular use over the long term.

Check the rear window for fogging or discolouration, which might mean a replacement is in order.

Inside, check for signs the car has been left out in the rain with the roof down. It does happen. An owner might have cruised to lunch, and left the roof down while dining, only to be caught out by a sudden shower.

Look for water stains in trim and carpets, perhaps even lift carpets to check underneath.

Convertible roofs are expensive to replace, and can be difficult to adjust, so it’s important to make sure the roof on the car you want to buy is in good shape. The roof on a car that has been regularly garaged will last longer than one that has been left outside in the elements.

Like all cars check for a service record, one preferably from a BMW dealer or an acknowledged BMW expert.

OWNERS’ VIEW

Paul Sabine of Brooklands Motors has a low kay 1996 328i auto convertible for sale at $46,990. It’s a one owner car, black with tan leather trim, and 44,000 km on the odometer. It drives smoothly, is tight as a drum, with just a few stone chips on the grille and bonnet. The roof needs a minor adjustment where it catches on the rear cover while being raised.

LOOK FOR

• proof of regular service by specialist

• smooth straight six engine

• agile handling and smooth ride

• easy to use power roof

• slinky styling

THE BOTTOM LINE

Smooth, tight convertible with sweet six engine, sporty handling and efficient roof.

RATING

90/100

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Used BMW 316i review: 1995-1999

Survival is a strong motive for action, as it was for the new Compact hatchback version of BMW’s E36 3-Series. It’s really quite simple, to survive as a carmaker you have to grow. The bigger you are the better your chances of staying in business, and BMW as a small to medium sized car company in world terms had no option but to make their cars more affordable so more people could buy them.

The risk if they didn’t was to be swallowed up by one of the big players, like Ford or General Motors who were out to add to their portfolio of models.

BMW was in the envious position of being an aspirational brand, one people wanted to park in their driveways even if the range was out of their reach.

The 3-Series was the people’s BMW, but even that became a stretch for most people as its price rose. The 3-Series now is a real aspirational model in the range, and more affordable models have been introduced below it.

BMW’s first move to make their cars accessible to more people was the 3-Series Compact introduced in 1995.

It’s most unlikely that BMW will ever offer a model in the sub-$30,000 price range, that would sully the image of the brand as an aspiration purchase.

That’s the trick for a company like BMW. You want more people to buy your cars because volume makes for more profit, but you can’t afford to have too many cars out there because that could damage your brand image.

The 3-Series Compact was the company’s first, careful step in making a car that had a more affordable sticker while retaining the appeal of the marque.

One look at the Compact and you can see the strategy. Viewed from the front it looks for all the world like a regular 3-Series, there’s the same kidney grille, the same bonnet, the same front guards and bumper, and most importantly the same blue and white spinner badge. Clearly a BMW. But viewed from the side or the rear and it was all new with its tail shortened into a hatchback.

The shortened tail made no difference to those who wanted to park a BMW in their driveway, it looked like a 3-Series, had the badge, and the shortened tail was even attractive to most people on seeing it for the first time.

What mattered most was that it was priced below $40,000 and that opened the door to BMW ownership for more people.

Parked alongside its sedan brother the Compact was 233 mm shorter despite sitting on the same 2700 mm wheelbase. That meant the interior was roomy for front seat passengers, if not quite so roomy for those in the rear seat.

The hatch arrangement resulted in quite a large boot space, which in combination with the 50/50 split-fold rear seat delivered a flexibility perfect for carrying just about anything you needed to move.

Under the skin the hatchback was all BMW. A 75 kW 1.6-litre single overhead camshaft fuel-injected four-cylinder endowed it with modest, but adequate performance.

There was a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed auto, the latter dulling the performance somewhat, but a popular choice with buyers none the less.

The suspension was a familiar combination of MacPherson Strut at the front and semi-trailing arm independent at the rear.

It rode and handled well, and with ABS-assisted disc brakes front and rear, it also stopped well.

At launch there was just the single model offering, with standard air-conditioning, central locking, power steering, power windows and mirrors and AM/FM radio cassette sound.

Remote central locking, rear head rests and traction control were added to the list of standard features early in 1996 when it was renamed the Hatchback.

The Contour was added in January 1996, and brought with it standard alloy wheels, metallic paint, leather steering wheel and fog lamps.

The BMW badge is enough for some people to stretch their budget to buy it without considering the costs of service and servicing a prestige car can be more expensive than other cars. The result can be compromised servicing, so check for a service record, one that hopefully has a history of servicing by a BMW dealer or acknowledged specialist.

Look specifically for things like regular oil changes, annual coolant changes, and annual brake fluid changes, all of which keep the BMW ticking along as it should.

Brakes tend to need replacement at intervals of 50,000 km or so and original equipment BMW rotors are expensive. Aftermarket rotors are available which will do the job, but you won’t find these on offer at BMW dealers.

Lift the oil filler cap and observe any sludge, a sure killer of engines, and a sign that the oil hasn’t been changed.

The 1.6-litre M43 engine has a timing chain as do most modern BMW engines so there’s no requirement for servicing in that area.

Generally the 3-Series is a well built and robust vehicle that will do quite high mileages without too much trouble.

The Compact had dual front air bags standard, and was given front side airbags in 1998, which provided an impressive secondary crash protection system, over and above the primary protection afforded by ABS and traction control.

The E36 rated better than average for occupant protection in the 2004 Used Car Safety Survey, and average for its impact on the occupants of cars it hit.

• Prestige of BMW badge

• good resale value

• cute hatchback styling

• flexible boot space

• good ride and handling

• good crash protection

• modest performance from 1.6-litre engine

• service records a must

Stylish and practical hatchback for the young or young at heart that comes with a BMW badge.

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Used BMW 316i review: 1995-1999

The 3-Series was the people's BMW, but even that became a stretch for most people as its price rose.  BMW's first move to make their cars accessible for more people was the 3-Series Compact introduced in 1995.

MODEL WATCH

The 3-Series Compact was the company's first, careful step in making a car that had a more affordable sticker while retaining the appeal of the marque.

One look at the Compact and you can see the strategy. Viewed from the front it looks for all the world like a regular 3-Series: there's the same kidney grille, the same bonnet, the same front guards and bumper, and most importantly, the same blue and white spinner badge. Clearly a BMW. But viewed from the side or the rear and it was all new, with its tail shortened into a hatchback.

What mattered most was that it was priced below $40,000 and that opened the door to BMW ownership for more people.  Parked alongside its sedan brother, the Compact was 233mm shorter. That meant the interior was roomy for front seat passengers, if not quite so roomy for those in the rear seat.

The hatch arrangement resulted in quite a large boot area, which in combination with the 50/50 split-fold rear seat delivered a flexibility perfect for carrying just about anything you needed to move.

Under the skin, the hatchback was all BMW. A 75kW 1.6-litre single overhead camshaft fuel-injected four-cylinder, endowed it with modest, but adequate performance. There was a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed auto, the latter dulling the performance somewhat. The suspension was a familiar combination of MacPherson Strut at the front and semi-trailing arm independent at the rear.

It rode and handled well, and with ABS-assisted disc brakes front and rear, it also stopped well.

At its launch, only the single hatchback was offered, with standard airconditioning, central locking, power steering, power windows and mirrors and AM/FM radio cassette sound.

Remote central locking, rear head rests and traction control were added to the list of standard features early in 1996 when it was renamed the Hatchback. The Contour was added in January 1996 and brought with it standard alloy wheels, metallic paint, leather steering wheel and fog lamps.

IN THE SHOP

The pull of the BMW badge is enough for some people to stretch their budget to buy it without considering the costs of servicing a prestige car. The result can be compromised servicing, so check for a good service record, especially one done by a BMW dealer.

Look specifically for things like regular oil changes, annual coolant changes and annual brake fluid changes. Brakes tend to need replacement at intervals of 50,000km or so and original equipment BMW rotors are expensive. Aftermarket rotors are available which will do the job, but you won't find these on offer at BMW dealers.

Lift the oil filler cap and observe any sludge -- a sign that the oil hasn't been changed.

The 1.6-litre M43 engine has a timing chain as do most modern BMW engines, so there's no requirement for servicing in that area.

CRUNCH TIME

The Compact had dual front air bags standard and was given front side airbags in 1998, which provided an impressive secondary crash protection system. The E36 rated better than average for occupant protection in the 2004 Used Car Safety Survey, and average for its impact on the occupants of cars it hit.

Read the article
Used BMW 328i review: 1995-2000

They have maintained a drop-top in their range, and the 328i and the models that have followed have become the benchmarks for soft-top motoring.

MODEL WATCH

The E36 328i convertible arrived in 1995, an update of the previous 325i model. It used the slinky lines of the 3-Series coupe, with a well developed soft top that attached to the windscreen header, with a clasp operated by a single grip, and which folded away out of sight behind the rear seat.

To raise or lower it, you simply had to be stationary, twist the clasp and push the roof away from the windscreen header, and flick a switch on the centre console. It was simple, and it all happened in a few seconds.  The 328i is built on the same agile platform as the rest of the E36 3-Series. With independent suspension all round, four-wheel discs, ABS and traction control, it is armed for action.

Add to that one of the sweetest six-cylinder engines ever built and you've got a potent performance package. In the case of the 328i, the engine has a capacity of 2.8 litres, it's a straight six, with double overhead camshafts, fuel injection, and VANOS variable valve timing that made it a powerful performer right through the rev range. Peak power was 142kW at 5300 revs, peak torque was 280Nm.

Transmission choices were sporty five-speed manual with a nice shift, and a smooth five-speed auto.  As would be expected of a car this expensive, the 328i convertible came well equipped. Alloy wheels, airconditioning, cruise control, remote central locking and alarm, leather steering wheel and trim, power mirrors and windows, and radio/cassette sound came standard. Dual airbags provided crash protection.

IN THE SHOP

The 328i convertible suffers few problems. Overall the 3-Series is a tight, well-built car that stands up well over the long term.  They tend to use up consumables at a fast rate.

Things like brakes are consumed quite quickly, with OE pads and discs quite expensive. Likewise, they tend to use up rear tyres quite quickly, which can also be expensive to replace. Both are the cost of the BMW's high level of performance.  Nothing much goes wrong with the six-cylinder engine. It has a neat note and plenty of punch.

It's important with convertibles to check the operation of the roof, to make sure it goes up and down smoothly. Check also the condition of the roof fabric, looking particularly for frayed areas, split stitching and damaged seals, which can occur with regular use over the long term.

Check the rear window for fogging or discolouration, which might mean a replacement is in order.  Inside, check for signs the car has been left out in the rain with the roof down.

Look for water stains in trim and carpets.  Like all cars, check for a service record, one preferably from a BMW dealer or an acknowledged BMW expert.

OWNER'S VIEW

Paul Sabine of Brooklands Motors has a 1996 328i auto convertible for sale at $46,990. It's a one-owner car, black with tan, leather trim, and only 44,000km on the odometer. It drives smoothly, is tight as a drum, with just a few stone chips on the grille and bonnet. The roof needs a minor adjustment where it catches on the rear cover while being raised.

RATING

16/20 Smooth, tight convertible with sweet six engine, sporty handling and efficient roof.

LOOK FOR

  • Slinky styling
  • Get proof of regular service by specialist
  • Smooth straight- six engine
  • Agile handling and smooth ride
  • Easy-to-use power roof
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Complete guide to BMW 3 Series 1999
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