1998 BMW Z3: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seats (27% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I have a 1998 z3 m roadster and the trunk welds holding the subframe is failing. This is a commonly documented issues. Bmw dealers acknowledge the issue but bmw north america will not fix it. This is a welding/manufacturing defect that can lead to the differential and suspension components in the rear to completely separate.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2018
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 bmw z3. While driving at any rate of speed, the driver's seat moves backwards and forwards without warning. The dealer is aware of the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage was 82,000 and failure mileage was 80,000.”Owner report · Seats · Mar 2007
“March 2007 driving at 40 mph and upon stopping at red light seat jolts forward causing foot to slip off of brake and nearly causing accident. This happens constantly now on both driver and passenger seat of 1998 bmw z-3. Upon taking car to shop after shop and dealer I was told it would cost $470.00 a seat to fix. I was also told that this part was determined defective by bmw and changed in the next model after it was discovered. This is a very dangerous situation and these parts should be recalled and replaced to save the public from useless and avoidable accidents. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Mar 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 bmw z3. During acceleration and deceleration the front passenger and driver seat adjustor rail failed. As a consequence, the seat moved back and forth while the contact was driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, but no repairs were made. The failure mileage was 50,000. The current mileage was 65,000. Updated 11/09/09 *bf the consumer stated bmw knew there was a problem and therfore, they changed material used in the isolater pads. Updated 11/09/09”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2007
“Seats move forward and backward when vehicle accelerates or decelerates, its a known issue of defective equipment that should not fall on the consumer for repair”Owner report · Seats · Sep 2005
“While braking and speeding the driver's seat lurched forward/backwards on the seat tracks. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Jan 2005
“Driver's seat moves back and forth which can be a safety hazard, I have seen other bmw z3 while at a dealer for service with the same problem. Yet bmw has not recognized this as a factory defect. *jb”Owner report · Seats · Dec 2004
“Safety defect 1998 z3 bmw. *mr the air bag light was constantly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnostic check. The check indicated that the safety restraint system was getting electrical interference in the wiring harness. The consumer refused repair due to the cost and contacted the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer refused any assistance because the vehicle was out of warranty. The consumer believes that since this is a safety related problem that it should be repair at no charge. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2003
“The vehicle air bag light illuminated. The consumer was informed by the dealer that the problem was due to electrical interference in the wiring harness. The dealer wanted the consumer to pay $400 to repair the problem but the consumer believes bmw should be responsible. The consumer is concerned that this problem may cause the air bag to fail on impact. *ak *nlm”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2003
“The driver was stopped at a light when the vehicle was impacted in the front at 45 mph. Neither of the frontal air bag deployed. The seat belt also failed to properly restrain the driver. *ak *cb *nlm”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1998 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Z3 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 BMW Z3 reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 BMW Z3. The most complained-about area is seats (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 BMW Z3 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 50,000 miles or less.
Does the 1998 BMW Z3 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.