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1998 BMW 3 Series Hatchback - Reliability

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1997 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318ti Hatchback View photos

318ti 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4-cyl. 5-speed Manual)

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Reliability Rating for 1998 BMW 3 Series Hatchback by Identifix

Ratings Key Minimal Problems Moderate Problems Significant Problems
  Rating Comments
Engine A general problem with this vehicle is the Intake Air System. The system leaks and can result in poor running of the engine and/or Malfunction Indicator Illumination. The Intake Air System leaks are identified in TSB # 11 05 98. Occasional problems on this vehicle are failure of the VANOS solenoid, M52 engine only, and the Motronic Control Unit. Failure of the VANOS solenoid is identified in TSB #11 09 98. Failure of the Motronic Control Unit is caused by water intrusion that is identified in TSB # 41 03 93. A periodic problem on this vehicle is failure of the Electronically Heated Thermostat.

The failures of the Intake Air System are not specific to any one part, so the $ cost of repairs will vary. The cost to repair the VANOS solenoid is estimated at $260.00 for parts and $32.50 for labor. The cost to repair the Motronic Control Unit is estimated at $1075.00 for the parts and $26.00 for labor. The cost to repair the Electronically Heated Thermostat is estimated at $74.00 for parts and $130.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.
Transmission & Driveline
Steering & Suspension
Brake
Heating & Air Conditioning
Starting & Charging
Accessories
Overall 4 out of 5

Reliability Ratings displayed above reflect style specific standard features and may vary from aggregated values displayed for the same year in the historical model overviewed bellow.

Reliability History for BMW 3 Series Hatchback by Identifix

  1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Engine
Transmission & Driveline
Steering & Suspension
Brake
Heating & Air Conditioning
Starting & Charging
Accessories
Overall

Reliability Ratings by Identifix is based from repair shop-reported issues. Though this data may be for years prior to model you are researching, it exposes how reliable this model platform has been historically.

Portions © 2008 by Identifix, Inc. All rights reserved

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