1999 BMW Z3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1999 BMW Z3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1999 BMW Z3. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
39 complaints2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
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…
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?
- Air bags
Air bag light stays lit
- Air bags · Unknown or other
The passenger air bag light IS on and stays on. Whether car IS stationary or in motion.
- Power train · Structure › Body · Suspension
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…
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
- Power train
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.
- Power train · Suspension
The 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…
The 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 issue on 3XX series of vehicles, and agreed to repair those cars due to a class action law suite settlement. BMW should be held accountable for the design issue, and acknowledge the safety hazard. *tr
- Seats
Driver seat became loose and would slide forward when brakes were applied and backward on acceleration. the movement was abrupt enough to be disconcerting, especially in an emergency maneuver. BMW dealership advised it was expensive to repair and not dangerous because the seat was not at risk of…
Driver seat became loose and would slide forward when brakes were applied and backward on acceleration. the movement was abrupt enough to be disconcerting, especially in an emergency maneuver. BMW dealership advised it was expensive to repair and not dangerous because the seat was not at risk of fully detaching. I have lived with it, but it IS a potential cause of accidents and it feels unsafe - as if the seat might come loose. it IS very distracting to any driver who IS not accustomed to it and even to me - a likely cause of driver error or loss of control during abrupt maneuvers. recently as I looked on the internet for solutions I found that this IS an extremely common problem with 1999 m roadster version of the Z3. I think it IS sufficient to merit recall, but that IS what you folks do for a living... I hope you will look into it carefully. ps: the date that I entered IS a very rough estimate. I do not recall precisely when the problem first occurred. thank you *tr
- Engine
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
- Air bags
Driver side (door) airbag deployed while driving on highway. impact caused me to swerve into oncoming traffic lanes. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
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
- Structure › Frame and members
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
- Power train
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…
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.
- Structure › Frame and members
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
- Suspension › Rear
1999 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
- Air bags
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. 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
- Structure · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension › Front › Stabilizer bar
I noticed a squeaking noise coming from the back of my 1999 BMW Z3 coupe. when I had it checked I found it was a small crack where the subframe had been factory reinforced. the reinforcements were failing in the back of the car near the trunk flooring and the swaybar. the mechanic stated it…
I noticed a squeaking noise coming from the back of my 1999 BMW Z3 coupe. when I had it checked I found it was a small crack where the subframe had been factory reinforced. the reinforcements were failing in the back of the car near the trunk flooring and the swaybar. the mechanic stated it would cost $6500 to replace the cracking frame, or I could go to another shop and have it spot welded to reinforce and stop the crack from getting larger. *tr
- Structure › Body · Structure › Frame and members
1999 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…
1999 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
- Air bags › Side/window · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections · Structure › Body › Door · Suspension › Rear
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.…
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 replaced. the rear shocks and mounts were replaced. there was a power steering leak. the dealer replaced the power steering hose res to pump. the dealer replaced the flex coupler on the drive shaft. *nm
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
I 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…
I 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 discovered the snap or break in the differential support bracket. It has completely separated from the differential. The dealer where I purchased the car told me good luck. They're not going to do anything since it passed their safety inspection. I called my local BMW dealer and spoke to the service dept. And they told me it was nothing they can or will do because it's 86K miles and out of warranty. Now I'm stuck with a car I just purchased and have a major bill 2 months later. *nm
- Structure › Frame and members
I 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…
I 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 personal safety and keep my car at the same time. *nm
- Structure › Frame and members
The welds connecting the subframe to the floor on the underside of the rear of the car have begun to fail. this was found after the area began to make noises when shifting the car or going over bumps.
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
The 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
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
I 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…
I 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. *ak
- Seats
The 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
- Structure › Body
I 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…
I 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
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10037702BMW: when at lower speeds or stopping the engine idle dips too low because of a software problem.
- 614294Subject regarding short circuit causing various instrument cluster faults.
- 614292Experiencing a buzzing or rattling noise heard coming from engine compartment.
- 611241Information regarding the dsc III test cable.
- 606628Conditions with fuel gauge reading 1/4 when tank IS full.
- 606627Concerns with fuel gauge reading 1/4 when tank IS full.
- 606356Subject on fuel gauge reading 1/4 when tak IS full.
- 606353Information regarding voluntary emission recall campaign no. 99E-a01.
- 606263Concerns with fuel gauge reading 1/4 when tank IS full.
- 604633Customer may complain of engine running rough on cold start.
- 601927Subject regarding 2.5 and 2.8 liter six cylinder engines.
Every BMW Z3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.