2001 BMW Z3: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 21 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
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 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The consumer stated barrel cylinder in the passenger right side door just turns when the key is inserted and turns around and does not engage. *bf”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Mar 2013
“The airbag indicator light on the instrument panel has been alight for sometime. I'm not certain if it's an airbag failure or whether it's on the drivers or passenger side. I was surprised not to find my auto included in the takata airbag recall list event. Can you shed any light on this matter? If so, many thanks in advance.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2013
“I have a z3 2001. The car keeps stalls while driving. The bmw service department in columbus ohio has been unable determine the problem and are unable to repair it. They said it was a fuel pump, then said it was the idle control valve then said they still do not know what is wrong with it.. They've had it on and off since may 6. (about one month). The car is unsafe to drive while stalling without warning. The engine light does not come on after the car stalls. I do not feel safe driving a car that stalls. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 bmw z3. The contact stated that all four valve stems had to be replaced on his vehicle because they were cracked and caused air to leak from the tires. The valve stems were tech international, model tr413. The tires were manufactured by toyo. The part number and serial number for the valve stems were unknown. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 29,861.”Owner report · Equipment · May 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 bmw z3 coupe. The rear window for the convertible became discolored and turned a yellowish-brown color. The visibility through the window was greatly reduced. The window was made of hard plastic. The dealer replaced the window. The failure mileage was 28,000 and current mileage was 54,000. Updated 01/29/08 *bf the consumer stated could not see out of the rearview mirror and had to replace the window at owner's expense. Updated 01/29/08 *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2004
“The dealer replaced the faulty electronic switch ignition on 3 separate occasions, which caused the vehicle to stall. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2003
“While driving at freeway left rear tire blewout, causing consumer to pull over. Dealer notified. Size2255016, dotmxmxe. *ak the investigation showed that the tire failure was not caused by road hazard. *yh”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2002
“Speedometor is incorrect by 9.4 miles. Vehicle is going slower than speedometor is reading. Manufacturer will not allow dealers to fix problem. Please provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2001
“M series. Shortly after starting vehicle it will stall when slowing down. This happens about 75 % of the time. Vehicle taken to dealer 3-4 times, and engine computer was updated. However, this did not solve the problem.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2001
“The passenger side seat belt malfunctions. The automatic tension does not work. Dealer has attempted to repair twice and told me this is just the way it is. It is unsafe as it does not tighten around passenger and provide adequate safety in the evenet of a crash. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2000
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 2001 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 2001 BMW Z3 reliable?
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2001 BMW Z3. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2001 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.