Sell your 1998 BMW 3 Series for cash
The 1998 BMW 3 Series is a small car that came with a choice of 1.9L 4-cyl, 2.5L 6-cyl and 2.8L 6-cyl engines. At 28 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1998 3 Series in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
1998 BMW 3 Series at a glance
| Body style | Minicompact Cars, Subcompact Cars, Compact Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.9L 4-cyl, 2.5L 6-cyl, 2.8L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 16–20 city / 24–29 highway / 19–24 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,800–$3,550 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 370–468 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 12 configurations: 323i Convertible, 328i Convertible, 318i/318is, 323is, 328i/328is, 318ti |
| Age | 28 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 28 years old, most of a 1998 3 Series's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a small car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the air bags, typically around 128,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1998 BMW 3 Series recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 BMW 3 Series. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Common 1998 3 Series problems
Owners have filed 77 complaints about the 1998 BMW 3 Series with NHTSA. 15 reports involved a crash and 1 report involved a fire. Owners reported 13 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Air Bags128,000 mi
- Vehicle Speed Control78,000 mi
- Electrical System138,000 mi
- Air Bags134,000 mi
- Tires136,000 mi
1998 BMW 3 Series service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 21 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1998 BMW 3 Series. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
BMW: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4b. Covered under the terms of the BMW new vehicle/sav limited warranty. *js
BMW: dsc warning light is on. The warning lamps for dsc, ABS and brake warning illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system
BMW: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle is prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013 *js
Subject regarding 1998 final edition etm. *tt
Subject on ews3d coding not possible. *yc
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Selling a 1998 3 Series: questions
How much is a 1998 BMW 3 Series worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1998 3 Series that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1998 3 Seriess that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1998 3 Series?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1998 3 Series today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.