Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
39 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
88,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1999 model year. Data updated: . 25 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 39 complaints (15.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 7.7% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 5.1% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 5.1% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 2.6% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 2.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 6 |
| Structure:Frame And Members | 5 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit | 4 |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module | 3 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | 3 |
| Structure:Body | 3 |
| Suspension:Rear | 3 |
Air Bags: 6; Structure:Frame And Members: 5; Power Train: 4; Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit: 4; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module: 3; Seat Belts:Front:Retractor: 3; Structure:Body: 3; Suspension:Rear: 3
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 7 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 10 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 7; 100,000 to 149,999: 10; 150,000 and above: 1
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (10). 14 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 6 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 |
2000: 3; 2001: 2; 2002: 1; 2003: 6; 2004: 5; 2005: 3; 2006: 2; 2007: 2; 2010: 2; 2011: 3; 2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2015: 1; 2016: 1; 2017: 1; 2019: 2; 2024: 1
Air Bags leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
A DEFECTIVE DOOR LOCK CAUSED DRIVER TO BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE.*AK *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10007196 at NHTSA ↗
AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINS ON CONTINUOUSLY. TOOK IN TO THE DEALER, HOWEVER THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND HAS NEVER GONE OFF, SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. PASSENGER SEAT BELT GETS STUCK WHILE PASSENGER IS BELTED AND WILL NOT RELEASE. *NLM
Owner-reported narrative. 23,250 miles reported. Look up ODI 10010570 at NHTSA ↗
THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND THE CONVERTIBLE TOP DID NOT CLOSE. *PH *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 59,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10026595 at NHTSA ↗
SWAY BAR END LINKS CAME LOOSE. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 25,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10028952 at NHTSA ↗
SEATBELTS LOCK TIGHT, PINNING ME DOWN OR DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. BOLT ON DRIVER'S SEAT WAS REPLACED BUT THE SEAT STILL MOVES. CONVERTIBLE TOP IS MISALIGNED CAUSING LEAKS, GAPS COULD BE SEEN 1 WEEK AFTER PURCHASE AND THEY ARE GROWING. DEALER ARGUES NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. CAR HESITATES BUT HASN'T STALLED YET.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10040838 at NHTSA ↗
REOCURRING PROBLEM WITH AIR BAG LIGHT MALFUNCTIONING.*MR VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP TWICE BEFORE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO DIAGNOSE AND CORRECT THE FAILURE. *PH
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10044461 at NHTSA ↗
THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT ON MY 1999 BMW Z3 COUPE 2.8 HAS CRACKED. SHOULD THIS MOUNT FAIL COMPLETELY, I FEAR THAT SERIOUS HARM MAY COME TO ANOTHER DRIVER, PASSENGER OR MYSELF.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10062290 at NHTSA ↗
1999 BMW Z3 SRS WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON CONTINUOUSLY.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10072655 at NHTSA ↗
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
Reported: 1998-11-03 (November 3, 1998)
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.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURED WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, THE ENGINE COULD STOP. ALSO, IF THE VEHICLE WERE BEING OPERATED AT NIGHT, THE LIGHTING SYSTEM COULD SHUT OFF, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Reported: 1999-10-07 (October 7, 1999)
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.
Consequence: THE BOLT OR BOLTS COULD LOOSEN LEADING TO NOISE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL AND IF A BOLT WERE TO COMPLETELY WORK LOOSE FROM ITS MOUNT, LOCKUP OF THE REAR AXLE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S DIFFERENTIAL AND IF INVOLVED, WILL REPLACE IT.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
39 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 620.0%ODI 10060648 · 652,122 miSRS LIGHT CAME ON AFTER ADJUSTING THE SEAT. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM NUMEROUS Z3 OWNERS, THIS A COMMON PROBLEM. BMW HAS ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. AS SRS FAILURE COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH, BMW SHOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM BY PROPERLY REDESIGNING THE DEFECTIVE PART(S). *JB | 1021.3%ODI 10061983REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. I HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND I PAID BMW TO FIX IT. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS SOMETHING WITH THE SEATBELT. THE LIGHT HAS COME ON AGAIN. | 26.7%ODI 10042414WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD COME ON. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER.*AK | 615.4% | 926.5%ODI 10112682BMW Z3 SEAT BELT TENSIONER FAULT. BY READING ONLINE MESSAGE BOARDS, THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAULT. SEAT BELT IS FINE, BUT FAULT CAUSES THE AIRBAG TO NOT DEPLOY. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL?*AK | 210.5%ODI 11326781 · 29,300 miPASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN ENGINE IS ON. *TR | 233.3%ODI 10244619 · 20,000 miPASSENGER AIR BAG FAILURE. PRESSURE SWITCH IN PASSENGER SEAT FAILED. HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Seats | 310.0%ODI 10244151 · 30,000 miTHE DRIVER SEAT MOVES FORWARD WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED HARD. MY MECHANIC SAYS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE Z3'S. *TR | 1123.4%ODI 10010799FIRST FAILURE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE COMING LOOSE FROM THE TRACK THAT THE SEATS MOVE BACK AND FORTH ON. THE SEATS CAN MOVE BACK AND FORTH A FEW INCHES, WITHOUT DEPRESSING ON THE LEVEL TO MOVE THE SEATS BACK AND FORTH. THE AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE TRACK AND IT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER CONTENDS THIS IS A REPAIR ITEM AND DOES NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE DEFECT IN THE SEATS OR A SAFETY PROBLEM SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR. THE FACT THAT BOTH SEATS NOW DO THIS AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING… | 620.0%ODI 10110189 · 17,000 miDRIVER'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 | 25.1%ODI 10083462 · 34,000 miTHE CONSUMER NOTICED THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT ROCKED BACK AND FORTH. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST HIM. NOW THE DRIVERS SEAT HAS THE SAME DEFECT, HE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER CAME OUT WITH A RETRO KIT AND THERE WOULD BE A CHARGE FOR THAT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS DENIED HIS CLAIM FOR ANY ASSISTANCE. *JB (SEAT RAIL PROBLEM) *SC *JB | 12.9%ODI 763483THE CONSUMER STATES PER INVOICE THE ENGINE(NON SPECIFIC), ABS(NON SPECIFIC), AND SERVICE LIGHTS(POPPED ON). ALSO THE DASHBOARD IS LOUD AND RATTLES WHEN TEMPETURES ARE BELOW 70 DEGREES FROM BOTH SIDES NEAR THE OUTSIDE VENTS. THERE IS AN UNSPECIFIED STRING ON TOP COMING UNDONE ON BOTH SIDE-REPAIRED, THE PASSENGER'S SEAT COVER IS TORN FROM THE SEAT BELT/PROBLEMS WITH THE LEATHER, AND THE DRIVER SEAT ROCKS BACK/FORTH. *SCC | 210.5%ODI 105671722001 BMW Z3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL VEHICLE PROBLEMS AND UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON EBAY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ARRIVED AND THEN EVALUATED, HE WAS INFORMED THE TIRES WERE OVER 10 YEARS OLD, SEVERAL LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE, BOTH FOG LIGHT AND LEFT PARKING AND TURNING LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD, THE SEAT BELT GUIDE ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS BROKEN, THE SEATS SLID FORWARD WHEN STOPPING WHICH CAUSED HIM, TO UNEXPECTEDLY STEP ON TH… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Seat Belts | 13.3%ODI 10524931 · 75,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BMW Z3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT COULD NOT BE UNLATCHED WHEN THE DRIVER WOULD DEPRESS OR ADD ANY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. | 48.5%ODI 10369086 · 131,000 miMY 1997 BMW Z3 HAD THE AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON 2 YEARS AGO. THE TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY THE SEATBELT TENSIONER. HE REPLACED IT AND ALL WAS FINE. IT'S BACK ON AGAIN. IF THIS IS AS COMMON TO THESE MODELS AS I'VE HEARD WHY HASN'T BMW HAD A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS GETTING EXPENSIVE. *TR | 13.3%ODI 10024010 · 53,500 miTHE 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 | 25.1%ODI 10040838SEATBELTS LOCK TIGHT, PINNING ME DOWN OR DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. BOLT ON DRIVER'S SEAT WAS REPLACED BUT THE SEAT STILL MOVES. CONVERTIBLE TOP IS MISALIGNED CAUSING LEAKS, GAPS COULD BE SEEN 1 WEEK AFTER PURCHASE AND THEY ARE GROWING. DEALER ARGUES NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. CAR HESITATES BUT HASN'T STALLED YET. | 25.9%ODI 11018864 · 72,000 miAIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE SHOWS WARNING SIGN ALL TIMES | 210.5%ODI 105671722001 BMW Z3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL VEHICLE PROBLEMS AND UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON EBAY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ARRIVED AND THEN EVALUATED, HE WAS INFORMED THE TIRES WERE OVER 10 YEARS OLD, SEVERAL LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE, BOTH FOG LIGHT AND LEFT PARKING AND TURNING LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD, THE SEAT BELT GUIDE ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS BROKEN, THE SEATS SLID FORWARD WHEN STOPPING WHICH CAUSED HIM, TO UNEXPECTEDLY STEP ON TH… | 116.7%ODI 10894361 · 46,000 miSEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM - SEAT-BELT GUIDE HAS BROKEN AS IT IS WARPED PLASTIC AND STOPPING SHORT CAN BREAK IT. IN AN ACCIDENT SEAT BELT COULD SLIP UP, OR IMPACT NECK AS IT IS NOT HELD INTO PLACE NEAR THE SEAT. DEALER WANTS $400 TO FIX WHAT SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Suspension | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 12.1%ODI 10946920 · 199,000 miVEHICLE JERKS, SHUTTERS AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. REAR SUB FRAME AND DIFFERENTIAL BUSHING FAILURE. | 310.0%ODI 10415652I PURCHASED A USED 1998 BMW Z3 WITH THE 1.9 LITER ENGINE ON 10/14/2010 WITH 90564 MILES. IN MID NOVEMBER I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHICH WAS SERVICED. THE MECHANIC INFORMS ME THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH Z3'S ALONG WITH OTHER MODEL BMW'S WITH THE WAY THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS ATTACHED. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE FLEXING IN THE SHEET METAL WHERE THE DIFFERENTIAL IS ATTACHED CAUSING FAILURE OF THE SPOT WELDS HOLDING THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY TOGETHER. HE SHOWED ME IN MY TRUNK WHERE TWO OF THE SIX SPOT WELDS HAD BROKEN. I HAVE RESEARC… | 25.1%ODI 10676809 · 101,000 miTHE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING IS SEPARATING FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE CAR, UNDER OR NEAR THE TRUNK AREA. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH THE Z3 SERIES OF VEHICLES. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE IF THE READ DIFFERENTIAL SEPARATES FROM THE SUBFRAME, AND COULD CAUSE A HAZARD TO OTHER MOTORIST. THIS APPEARS TO BE DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. THE FRAME WAS DESIGNED FOR A 1.9L ENGINE, AND BMW DID NOT REDESIGN THE SUBFRAME TO ALLOW FOR THE LARGER ENGINES IT LATER SOLD IN THE Z3 SERIES OF CARS. BMW ALSO HAD THIS SAME… | 411.8%ODI 10433570 · 70,000 miI HEARD A CREAKING FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR, I PUT IT ON JACKS TO CHECK IT OUT. TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FLOOR PAN MAINLY AROUND THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE., BUT YET BMW WILL NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MATTER. I SEE IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IF I DID NOT CHECK IT AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CRACKS AND TEARS IN THE BODY METAL THAT EXIST COULD HAVE CONTINUED EVEN FURTHER AND LED TO AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I WAS ESTIMATED AT A WHOPPING 5200 DOLLARS WHICH BMW SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PAY 3000 OF. I BELIEVE … | 15.3%ODI 11748391Component or System Failed: The critical safety component that failed, and was deliberately tampered with, is the ABS/DSC (Anti-lock Braking System / Dynamic Stability Control) module. The compromised component is currently on the vehicle and is readily available for physical inspection upon request. How Safety Was Put at Risk: My safety and the safety of the public were severely compromised because the selling dealership actively concealed a total failure of the primary braking and traction control systems. The ABS/DSC module was physically seve… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 10714743 · 29,000 miAS I HAVE LEARNED AS I RESEARCH WHAT I THOUGH WAS AN ISOLATED DANGEROUS STEERING ISSUE IS THAT THERE ARE MANY MANY BMW Z4 DANGEROUSLY DRIVING ON OUR PUBLIC ROADS. MY CAR STEERS IN MANY DIRECTIONS JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, ESPECIALLY IN HOTTER WEATHER WHERE AS THE TEMPERATURE STARTS TO GET HOTTER IT SEEMS THAT MY NEWLY PURCHASED USED BMW Z4 LOSSES ALL POWER STEERING, ITS LIKE DRIVING A CAR THAT IS TURNED OFF FROM THE STEERING PERSPECTIVE. I LIVE IN THE DALLAS METROPLEX SO AS IT BEEN GETTING HOTTER I HAVE FOUND OUT FIRST HAND THAT THIS CAR IS … |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 26.7%ODI 801463CONSUMER REARENDED SOMONE AND BOTH AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK | 36.4%ODI 550196NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING ACCIDENT WHICH RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL FRONTAL DAMAGE. CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO ARM, WRIST AND LOWER BACK. NLM | 13.3%ODI 10024010 · 53,500 miTHE 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 | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 514.7%ODI 10048281 · 48,000 miAFTER RUNNING OVER A METAL PANEL IN THE ROAD THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG AT NO CHARGE. *NM | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train | 13.3%ODI 10014703 · 24,000 miTHE SHIFTER POPPED OUT OF FIRST GEAR AND DROPPED INTO NEUTRAL, AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER. *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 310.0%ODI 10415652I PURCHASED A USED 1998 BMW Z3 WITH THE 1.9 LITER ENGINE ON 10/14/2010 WITH 90564 MILES. IN MID NOVEMBER I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHICH WAS SERVICED. THE MECHANIC INFORMS ME THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH Z3'S ALONG WITH OTHER MODEL BMW'S WITH THE WAY THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS ATTACHED. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE FLEXING IN THE SHEET METAL WHERE THE DIFFERENTIAL IS ATTACHED CAUSING FAILURE OF THE SPOT WELDS HOLDING THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY TOGETHER. HE SHOWED ME IN MY TRUNK WHERE TWO OF THE SIX SPOT WELDS HAD BROKEN. I HAVE RESEARC… | 410.3%ODI 10378668 · 105,000 miTL* 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 DEA… | 12.9%ODI 719441SPEEDOMETER SHOWS 6% OVER ACTUAL SPEED. THIS IS A SAFTY ISSUE DUE TO 1) NO ACCURATE SPEED KNOWN, 2) DRIVER'S ATTENTION IS DISTRACTED FROM DRIVING WHILE TRYING TO CALCULATE TRUE SPEED 3) DRIVER FINDS HIMSELF SPEEDING IN OTHER VEHICLES DUE TO HABITS OF COMPESATING FOR SPEEDOMETER ERROR IN Z3. BMW REFUSES TO REPAIR. *AK | 210.5%ODI 8001219SPEEDOMETOR 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 | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | 310.0%ODI 10025497 · 74,000 miPASSENGER SEAT BELT LOCKS UP WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION AND WILL NOT RELEASE. *AK | 24.3%ODI 10023167THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS UP MORE OFTEN THAN NORMAL AND AT UN-NEEDED TIMES. THIS CAUSES PAIN TO THE USER WITH THE END RESULT BEING THAT THE USER TENDS TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT, OR IS FORCED TO SIT THERE IN PAIN WITH THE SEAT BELT ON AND LOCKED UP. *NLM | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 37.7%ODI 861033ONGOING PROBLEM WITH PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILING TO RELEASE WHEN NEEDED. UNABLE TO USE SAFETY BELT. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND MADE REPAIRS ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS. BUT PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. *AK | 38.8%ODI 10128810 · 27,000 miI HAVE HAD VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH MY BMW Z3 2000''INTERNAL WATER PUMP FAILURE WHILE ON THE FREEWAY, RATTLING NOISES IN THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM, ETC. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE CONTINUALLY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM YEAR OVER YEAR SINCE I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE--THE SRS LIGHT ON THE DASH COMING ON DUE TO THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER BEING FAULTY. ON SERVICE DATES 8/22/03, 12/05/03, 12/18/03, 1/10/04, 3/20/04, 9/10/04, 1/24/05, I HAVE HAD THE SRS PROBLEM FIXED''AND THE PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE LAST TIME I CAME IN (1/24/05), I TALKED WITH THE… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Unknown Or Other | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 48.5%ODI 10010799FIRST FAILURE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE COMING LOOSE FROM THE TRACK THAT THE SEATS MOVE BACK AND FORTH ON. THE SEATS CAN MOVE BACK AND FORTH A FEW INCHES, WITHOUT DEPRESSING ON THE LEVEL TO MOVE THE SEATS BACK AND FORTH. THE AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE TRACK AND IT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER CONTENDS THIS IS A REPAIR ITEM AND DOES NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE DEFECT IN THE SEATS OR A SAFETY PROBLEM SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR. THE FACT THAT BOTH SEATS NOW DO THIS AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING… | 13.3%ODI 714824BMW Z3 IS A PIECE OF CRAP. DEALER NOW THINKS THAT THERE IS UNDERLYING PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE. 3 CD PLAYERS, 2 IGNITION SYSTEMS, 1 FUEL SENSOR, 1 ENGINE THAT WOULDN'T START DUE TO SOMETHING STUCK OPEN AND JUST GENERAL POOR QUALITY. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE FOR ANYONE. | 25.1%ODI 10040838SEATBELTS LOCK TIGHT, PINNING ME DOWN OR DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. BOLT ON DRIVER'S SEAT WAS REPLACED BUT THE SEAT STILL MOVES. CONVERTIBLE TOP IS MISALIGNED CAUSING LEAKS, GAPS COULD BE SEEN 1 WEEK AFTER PURCHASE AND THEY ARE GROWING. DEALER ARGUES NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. CAR HESITATES BUT HASN'T STALLED YET. | 411.8%ODI 11109874IN SHOP..... STATIONARY UP ON LIFT ...' DIFFERENTIAL BRACKET..... UNDERNEATH CAR..... THE WELD RIVETS SEPARATE...THE RIVETS GO ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE TRUNK UNDERNEATH.. .. HAS TOO BE TAKEN APART AND REINFORCED SOLID WELD NEEDED..... THERE ARE UTUBE VIDEOS ONLINE SHOWING THIS ISSUE.... I PUT MY CAR IN SHOP TOO GET IT CHECKED.... THANKS | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | Too few reports for a range | 92,500 mi | 4 (sparse) | ODI 10310014 · 82,000 miAIR 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 ODI 10491929 · 117,860 miDRIVER SIDE (DOOR) AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. IMPACT CAUSED ME TO SWERVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANES. *TR ODI 11288157 · 53,000 miTHE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON. WHETHER CAR IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. |
| Structure:Frame And Members | Too few reports for a range | 94,671 mi | 4 (sparse) | ODI 10141850 · 50,000 miI AM THE THIRD OWNER OF THIS CAR, IT WAS ALWAYS GARAGED AND USED AS A WEEKEND PLEASURE VEHICLE. CLEAN CARFAX, NEVER RACED, WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A GOOD PURCHASE. TWO SPOT WELDS IN THE TRUNK WERE NOT ACTUALLY HOLDING ANYTHING TOGETHER (ROBOT ERROR) AND THERE WAS A SMALL CRACK ON MY DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT. I PURCHASED A REINFORCEMENT KIT AND INSTALL FROM SPORTS CAR LLC, WHICH INCLUDES A NEW MOUNT (DUAL EAR FROM AN E36 M3) AND SEVERAL REINFORCING BRACKETS BEING WELDED INTO THE TRUNK AREA. THIS COST ME SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS JUST TO ENSURE MY PERSONA… ODI 10188514 · 84,000 mi1999 Z3 M COUPE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT TRUNK FLOOR SUPPORT FAILURE. I TOOK IN MY CAR FOR MY 90 THOUSAND MILE SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED BY THE SHOP (WWW.THEMSHOP.COM) LOCATED IN GLENDALE, CA. THAT MY SUBFLOOR WAS CRACKED AND UNLESS I FIXED IT MY CAR WOULD BE USELESS, AND NOT DRIVABLE. I HAD TO SPEND OVER $2,800 TO FIX MY CAR WHICH IS VERY DISAPPOINTING ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS IS A WEEKEND CAR NOW AND WHEN YOU PAY $46,000 FOR A BMW YOU DO NOT EXPECT THE FRAME TO FAIL.... *TR ODI 10378233 · 105,341 miMY 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 |
| Power Train | Too few reports for a range | 103,000 mi | 4 (sparse) | ODI 10378668 · 105,000 miTL* 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 DEA… ODI 10676809 · 101,000 miTHE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING IS SEPARATING FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE CAR, UNDER OR NEAR THE TRUNK AREA. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH THE Z3 SERIES OF VEHICLES. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE IF THE READ DIFFERENTIAL SEPARATES FROM THE SUBFRAME, AND COULD CAUSE A HAZARD TO OTHER MOTORIST. THIS APPEARS TO BE DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. THE FRAME WAS DESIGNED FOR A 1.9L ENGINE, AND BMW DID NOT REDESIGN THE SUBFRAME TO ALLOW FOR THE LARGER ENGINES IT LATER SOLD IN THE Z3 SERIES OF CARS. BMW ALSO HAD THIS SAME… ODI 10874771 · 140,000 miTL* 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. |
| Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit | Too few reports for a range | 115,000 mi | 3 (sparse) | ODI 10100977 · 118,000 miI OWN A 1999 BMW Z3 2.3 ROADSTER. THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT HAS TORN AWAY FROM THE UNDERBODY OF THE CAR WHERE IT WAS WELDED WHEN DESIGNED. THIS IS THE THIRD COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR DEFECT ON THIS WEBSITE BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL MORE ON BIMMERFEST.COM. BMW NA SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THIS DESIGN FLAW AND FORCED TO DO A RECALL ON ALL CARS THEY MADE WITH THIS FLAW. I WILL SEEK ALL NECESSARY LEGAL ACTION TO HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE. YOU DON'T PAY $40,000 FOR A CAR THEY CLAIM AS THE BEST CAR ON THE ROAD TO HAVE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE LIKE THIS EXIST. … ODI 10107383 · 115,000 miTHE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS HANGING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE REAR TRUNK SUB FRAME NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND WELDING. *NM *SC ODI 10170795 · 86,410 miI PURCHASED MY CAR FROM ROSE IMPORTS IN VALLEJO, CA. ON 08-22-2006. APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH LATER, I STARTED TO HEAR A NOISE FROM THE REAR. I WOULD HEAR IT OCCASIONALLY. ON 10-10-2006, I WAS DRIVING HOME ON I-80 AND AS I WAS DRIVING, SUDDENLY I HEAR A LOUD "POP". I PULL OVER AND DID A VISUAL CHECK BUT FOUND NOTHING I COULD SEE SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE HOME AND HEARD METAL SOUNDS COMING FROM THE BACK. THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, I CONTINUED TO HEAR THE SOUND AND WHEN I RETURNED HOME, ME AND A FRIEND LIFTED THE CAR AND THAT'S WHEN I DISCOVE… |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module | Too few reports for a range | 23,250 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10010570 · 23,250 miAIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINS ON CONTINUOUSLY. TOOK IN TO THE DEALER, HOWEVER THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND HAS NEVER GONE OFF, SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. PASSENGER SEAT BELT GETS STUCK WHILE PASSENGER IS BELTED AND WILL NOT RELEASE. *NLM |
| Structure:Body | Too few reports for a range | 84,000 mi | 3 (sparse) | ODI 10075106 · 49,000 miI HAVE 1999 BMW Z3 HATCHBACK "COUPE" , AFTER GETTING A LOUD SHUTER IN THE REAR OF MY CAR, I INVESTIGATED THE AREA AND FOUND THAT MY BODY IS TEARING AWAY FROM THE FRAME OF THE CAR IN THE DRIVERS REAR SIDE OF THE CAR. ALSO THE SINGLE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT ALSO HAS A TEAR INTHE METAL THAT EEQUALS TO ONE AND HALF INCH ON THE MOUNT CONSISTING THAT 33% OF THE MOUNT HAS FAILED AND IS GETTING WORSE. ALSO THE TEARING FROTHE INTERIOR IS ALL THE WAS THOUGH THE CAR ALLOWING EXAUST FUMES INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. *AK ODI 10188514 · 84,000 mi1999 Z3 M COUPE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT TRUNK FLOOR SUPPORT FAILURE. I TOOK IN MY CAR FOR MY 90 THOUSAND MILE SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED BY THE SHOP (WWW.THEMSHOP.COM) LOCATED IN GLENDALE, CA. THAT MY SUBFLOOR WAS CRACKED AND UNLESS I FIXED IT MY CAR WOULD BE USELESS, AND NOT DRIVABLE. I HAD TO SPEND OVER $2,800 TO FIX MY CAR WHICH IS VERY DISAPPOINTING ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS IS A WEEKEND CAR NOW AND WHEN YOU PAY $46,000 FOR A BMW YOU DO NOT EXPECT THE FRAME TO FAIL.... *TR ODI 11032127 · 88,000 miVERY 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… |
| Suspension:Rear | Too few reports for a range | 87,950 mi | 3 (sparse) | ODI 10171793 · 87,950 miDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH DURING CLEAR CONDITIONS, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO DEBRIS OR POTHOLES PRESENT. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CUTS, BRUISING AND SCARING TO THE LEFT ARM. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE AND INJURIES. UPDATED 11/16/2006 -THE GAS GAUGE AND ODOMETER WERE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE DRIVER'S DOOR GRAB HANDLE WAS REPLAC… ODI 10340816 · 91,318 mi1999 BMW Z M ROADSTER REAR GEARBOX(DIFF) TEARING FROM CAR. ALL WELDS ARE BROKEN AND SUPPORT IS TORN IN HALF IN PLACES AND CRACKED. *TR |
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2002: 0 complaints · 2003: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Air Bags | Structure:Frame And Members | Power Train | Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit | Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module | Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | Structure:Body | Suspension:Rear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure:Frame And Members | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 10188514 · 84,000 mi1999 Z3 M COUPE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT TRUNK FLOOR SUPPORT FAILURE. I TOOK IN MY CAR FOR MY 90 THOUSAND MILE SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED BY THE SHOP (WWW.THEMSHOP.COM) LOCATED IN GLENDALE, CA. THAT MY SUBFLOOR WAS CRACKED AND UNLESS I FIXED IT MY CAR WOULD BE USELESS, AND NOT DRIVABLE. I HAD TO SPEND OVER $2,800 TO FIX MY CAR WHICH IS VERY DISAPPOINTING ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS IS A WEEKEND CAR NOW AND WHEN YOU PAY $46,000 FOR A BMW YOU DO NOT EXPECT THE FRAME TO FAIL.... *TR | 0 |
| Power Train | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 11032127 · 88,000 miVERY 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… | 0 |
| Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Structure:Body | 0 | 1ODI 10188514 · 84,000 mi1999 Z3 M COUPE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT TRUNK FLOOR SUPPORT FAILURE. I TOOK IN MY CAR FOR MY 90 THOUSAND MILE SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED BY THE SHOP (WWW.THEMSHOP.COM) LOCATED IN GLENDALE, CA. THAT MY SUBFLOOR WAS CRACKED AND UNLESS I FIXED IT MY CAR WOULD BE USELESS, AND NOT DRIVABLE. I HAD TO SPEND OVER $2,800 TO FIX MY CAR WHICH IS VERY DISAPPOINTING ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS IS A WEEKEND CAR NOW AND WHEN YOU PAY $46,000 FOR A BMW YOU DO NOT EXPECT THE FRAME TO FAIL.... *TR | 1ODI 11032127 · 88,000 miVERY 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… | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Suspension:Rear | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
3 patterns with matching reports.
1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
SEATBELTS LOCK TIGHT, PINNING ME DOWN OR DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. BOLT ON DRIVER'S SEAT WAS REPLACED BUT THE SEAT STILL MOVES. CONVERTIBLE TOP IS MISALIGNED CAUSING LEAKS, GAPS COULD BE SEEN 1 WEEK AFTER PURCHASE AND THEY ARE GROWING. DEALER ARGUES NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. CAR HESITATES BUT HASN'T STALLED YET.
\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints
Median mileage: 87,950 mi (1 usable records).
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH DURING CLEAR CONDITIONS, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO DEBRIS OR POTHOLES PRESENT. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CUTS, BRUISING AND SCARING TO THE LEFT ARM. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE AND INJURIES. UPDATED 11/16/2006 -THE GAS GAUGE AND ODOMETER WERE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE DRIVER'S DOOR GRAB HANDLE WAS REPLAC…
\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b