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 federal safety agency." can you help me?
The worst 1996 BMW M3 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system1
Recalls 1
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. It is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. If the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. In this case, during application of the throttle pedal without cruise control being engaged, the outer tube could catch on the edge of the broken bushing.
- Risk
- This could cause the throttle valve to remain partially open. It his were to occur, the car might not decelerate as expected increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. The clip is designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from the bushing.
Recall number 97V131000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 BMW M3 9
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop
- Bmw: a grinding noise is coming from the differential during slow cornering. when turning a slip/stick...
- Bmw: thermostat housing inspection. the retaining springs of the thermostat housing quick release...
- Customer may complain of engine running rough on cold start. tt
- Subject on voluntary exhaust emission service action no. 98E-A01. yc jn
- Subject on voluntary exhaust emission service action no. 98E-A01. produced from 10/95 - 11/97 yc db
- Information on evaporative emission control and fuel filler cap / filler door labels. yc
- Subject pertaining to michelin pilot sx MXX3 tires in 235/40 zr 17 and 225/45 zr 17 sizes. yc
- New differential has a flange with 4 holes versus the old flange that has 6 holes. tw
1996 BMW M3 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6‑cyl | RWD | 18 | 26 | 21 |
What 1996 BMW M3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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Questions about the 1996 BMW M3
Is the 1996 BMW M3 reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1996 BMW M3, fewer than a typical M3 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 BMW M3?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 1996 BMW M3 have?
1 recall, covering vehicle speed control.
What gas mileage does the 1996 BMW M3 get?
Official estimates for the 1996 BMW M3 range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 26 highway.
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