1996 BMW M3 Problems

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Complaint Reported

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Complaints by Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

I OWN A 1996 BMW M3. FOUR TIMES SINCE IT WAS NEW THE FUEL GAUGE HAS FAILED, AND EACH TIME FUEL SENDERS WERE REPLACED TO GET IT WORKING AGAIN. AS YOU'LL SEE, THE PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD AMONG BMWS, BUT ONLY IN CALIFORNIA, AND BMW CAN'T OR WON'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM. MY DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE MANAGER (LARRY GORDON) TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN TO BMW DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGERS, BECAUSE THEY HAVE COMPLAINED TO BMW ABOUT IT REPEATEDLY, BUT THAT BMW WILL NOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. HE SAID THERE IS AGREEMENT THAT THE PROBLEM ONLY AFFECTS CARS IN CALIFORNIA, AND THAT IT IS CAUSED BY SOMETHING IN CALIFORNIA'S FUEL THAT CAUSES THE REPLACED PARTS TO FAIL VERY PREMATURELY. HE SAID BMW WILL NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT ONLY AFFECTS CARS IN CALIFORNIA, AND THAT HE SUSPECTS THAT OTHER COMPONENTS COULD ALSO BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY OUR FUEL. LAST WEEK MATT SILVERSTEIN (BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE, 1-800-831-1117, EXT. 35421) TOLD ME, AFTER CHECKING HIS COMPUTER, THAT MY COMPLAINT WAS FULLY RESOLVED BY MY DEALER -- BMW OF SAN DIEGO. WHEN I SAID THAT WAS NOT TRUE -- THAT I WAS DEFINITELY NOT SATISFIED, HE TOLD ME THAT CUSTOMERS MAY ONLY GET COMPLAINTS RESOLVED THROUGH THEIR DEALER, WHO IN TURN COULD CONTACT THEIR ZONE REP. I TOLD HIM THAT MY DEALER HAD GOTTEN NOWHERE WITH BMW IN RESOLVING THIS -- THAT AS FAR AS HE AND OTHER SERVICE MANAGERS KNEW, IT WAS DUE TO AN INCOMPATIBILITY WITH CERTAIN BMW PARTS AND CALIFORNIA'S FUEL. HE REFUSED TO HELP ME. I THEN CONTACTED THE CLARK HOWARD CONSUMER WEBSITE BY E-MAIL. SOMEONE RESPONDED WITH THIS MESSAGE: "SENDING UNIT (AN ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE LOCATED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK) IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY DEFECT. REPORT THEM TO THE NHTSA." CAN YOU HELP ME? *AK

Jan 24, 2000

4.4/5.0

47 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 1996 BMW M3, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 1996 BMW M3 for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 1996 BMW M3 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

1996 BMW M3 VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 1996 BMW M3 Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 1996 BMW M3 dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your BMW dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1996 BMW M3 have?

The 1996 BMW M3 currently has 1 owner-reported complaint according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1996 BMW M3?

The most common problems reported for the 1996 BMW M3 are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1996 BMW M3 problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1996 BMW M3 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 1996 BMW M3?

You can report safety problems with your 1996 BMW M3 directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 1996 BMW M3 VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 1996 BMW M3 reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 1996 BMW M3. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.