1999 BMW Z3: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (24% of complaints); the 2001 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Hello, NHTSA released a recall warning for BMWs made from 2000 to 2006, regarding Takata airbags. "The risk to vehicle occupants is dire," it said. My 1999 BMW Z3 was made one year before this, and is not included in the recall. I have been trying to determine whether my '99 BMW has Takata airbags as well, thus far with no success. As of today, BMW will only tell me that there are no outstanding recalls for my car - they have not been willing to tell me what type of airbags they originally installed in it. Do your records indicate what type of airbags I have?”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2024
“Very well known failure, just search for "bmw z3 subframe failure". It is a design flaw by bmw that affects a lot of z3's through all model years. Mine started to pop one weld at 88k miles. It can cause the rear alignment to be off, in worst case the trunk floor is torn out and the differential falls to the ground. Clunking from the back while shifting in the first two gears is one indicator this damage is not far away. This is one forum thread that describes the issue well: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1979601-subframe-trunk-floor-differential-mount-failure”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 bmw z3. After the vehicle was started and placed into reverse, a clanking sound emerged from the rear end without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 99v272000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Driver side (door) airbag deployed while driving on highway. Impact caused me to swerve into oncoming traffic lanes. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2013
“I have subframe damage, in the trunk it's most visible with the carpet out, I can see the spot welds have popped, cracked, broke free, whatever. Thus can cause a massive risk to as if anymore pop the differential could possible tear next the bracket that holds it up. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2012
“My 1999 bmw roadster engine began torquing from idle to very fast without any warning. I have taken it to mechanics and they do not know what would cause this. It has happened multiple times since then. It will stop this when I shut off engine and turn it back on. I fear this could cause a serious accident. Please advise on what to do. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2011
“Rear subframe on vehicle has torn from the rear under panel on vehicle. The trunk floor on vehicle is falling out from underneath, this poses a massive safety issue. Was told by technician vehicle is no longer safe to operate. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2011
“My 1999 bmw z3 roadster began driving funny and making squeaking noises, in the rear. Then I noticed the back tires, were starting to kick out and look strange. Then my car began making a bad vibrating sound, coming from the back tires, when I was in first gear. I took it to shop. They jacked it up, and found, that the differential unit, has separated from the sub-frame. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 bmw z3. The contact stated that the vehicle was increasingly hard to control and the vehicle was taken to a local repair facility for an alignment. The mechanic advised the contact that the rear differential had failed and was causing the wheels to fracture from the sub frame. The mechanic also advised the contact of the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 99v272000 (power train: driveline: differential unit). The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed and the contact was awaiting diagnosis and repairs. The failure and current mileage was 105,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2011
“Air bag light on. Shop mechanic stated "retrieved dtc code for drivers seat belt switch open or short circuit. Cleaned connectors, cleared dtc info operational check ok. If fault recurs, recommend replacement of drivers seat belt latch assembly." problem fixed june 18, 2008. Now problem with air bag light on is back. There seem to be a lot of problems with air bag sensors and seat belt latches on various bsm vehicles according to internet searches. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL MAY CONTAIN RING GEAR BOLTS THAT WERE INCORRECTLY TORQUED DURING ASSEMBLY. THE BOLT OR BOLTS COULD LOOSEN LEADING TO NOISE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S DIFFERENTIAL AND IF INVOLVED, WILL REPLACE IT.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE NUT THAT SECURES THE MAIN POSITIVE CABLE TO THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL CLAMP WAS NOT TIGHTENED PROPERLY, ALLOWING THE CABLE TO LOOSEN OVER TIME. IF THIS OCCURRED, THE CABLE COULD ULTIMATELY LOOSEN TO THE POINT WHERE ELECTRICAL CONTINUITY COULD BE INTERRUPTED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
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 1999 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 1999 BMW Z3 reliable?
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 BMW Z3. The most complained-about area is air bags (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 BMW Z3 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 88,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 BMW Z3 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:driveline:differential unit. 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.