2001 BMW Z3 Roadster
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › BMW › Z3 Roadster › 2001
These records cover every 2001 BMW Z3 Roadster. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
8 complaints1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Power train
I am driving as normal and then the car begins to have problems shifting and the transmission indicator light comes on. The owners manual tell you to pull over and shift the car into park and then apply the parking brake and turn the car off and then back on. It seems to temporarily correct the…
I am driving as normal and then the car begins to have problems shifting and the transmission indicator light comes on. The owners manual tell you to pull over and shift the car into park and then apply the parking brake and turn the car off and then back on. It seems to temporarily correct the problem but it still occurs on days when the air temp. IS high. I have had the car on the diagnostic a number of times with no cure. As far as I know there are no recalls on the transmission or ecu. But this could be a major problem at high speeds on the highway or in city traffic if the car stalls or locks up BMW 2001 Z3 2.5I (steptronic shifting) *js
- Suspension
I am the original owner of this auto. I noticed a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle on deceleration. upon inspecting the car, I found that the rear sub frame was almost broker in half. this IS the part the holds the entire rear suspension for the car. from research I'm finding out that…
I am the original owner of this auto. I noticed a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle on deceleration. upon inspecting the car, I found that the rear sub frame was almost broker in half. this IS the part the holds the entire rear suspension for the car. from research I'm finding out that this IS a common problem with Z-3 bmw's in what appears to be a flaw in their engineering. I was very shocked to see the damage and that if I would have continued to drive the car, very shortly the part would have failed, wiping out the whole rear suspension. I am amazed that this was not a recall item or that I was not even notified that this was a potential issue so that I could monitor this and catch it before a major failure. *tt
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes, hydraulic
2001 BMW Z3 3.0L. The abs/dsc system malfunctions. While driving at varying speeds the brakes engage on their own, causing the right front brake to apply and pull the car to the right. This has happened at various speeds on several occasions. It IS incredibly dangerous since it could cause a driver…
2001 BMW Z3 3.0L. The abs/dsc system malfunctions. While driving at varying speeds the brakes engage on their own, causing the right front brake to apply and pull the car to the right. This has happened at various speeds on several occasions. It IS incredibly dangerous since it could cause a driver to loose control. The activation of the brakes happens while driver's foot IS on accelerator, no where near the brake pedal. After this occurs the brake and ABS lights display on the instrument panel. This disappears when the car IS turned off and then back on, however, the condition happens again. There IS no road issues that would cause this. It happens while driving straight or on a curve. There IS no reason for it to happen. It IS dangerous! *Tr
- Air bags › Side/window
I own a 2001 BMW Z3 3.0I roadster that spontaneously deployed its driver's side door airbag when I shut off the ignition in the driveway, resulting in a large bruise and burn on my left arm. the airbag warning light had come on a few days earlier, but the owner's manual did not indicate any hazard…
I own a 2001 BMW Z3 3.0I roadster that spontaneously deployed its driver's side door airbag when I shut off the ignition in the driveway, resulting in a large bruise and burn on my left arm. the airbag warning light had come on a few days earlier, but the owner's manual did not indicate any hazard of spontaneous deployment, and I had not yet gotten the car in to the dealer for diagnosis. the car has not been modified in any way and IS otherwise in excellent condition. the car remains in my driveway and has not been driven, examined, diagnosed, or repaired since the malfunction. I have called BMW customer relations regarding the matter. they seemed rather unconcerned. I told them it IS not my intention to sue, and likewise I will not let them cover up this problem. rather, I want their engineers to test-bench my car to pinpoint the source of the malfunction and to issue a recall if appropriate. I further expect them to fix the problem, replacing all suspect parts, at no cost to me. they said they will pass along my concerns to their corporate office in new jersey and that I will receive a call by next tuesday. I'm not impressed with their level of concern. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
After leaving my vehicle overnight, I started my vehicle with an ambient air temperature of 9 degrees fahrenheit. I proceeded to let my vehicle warm while I cleaned off the snow. I then got into my vehicle and proceeded to drive to my destination. while driving I began to loose engine power, and…
After leaving my vehicle overnight, I started my vehicle with an ambient air temperature of 9 degrees fahrenheit. I proceeded to let my vehicle warm while I cleaned off the snow. I then got into my vehicle and proceeded to drive to my destination. while driving I began to loose engine power, and my service engine soon light came on. I had to pull to the side of the road where I parked my car. I shut my car down and after trying to restart my car it would not start. upon having the vehicle towed to the dealer the failed part IS a crankcase vent valve. the part IS known to fail in cold weather. and I have to have other parts replaced such as dipstick, spark plugs, and seals due to the damage caused by this part. *jb
- Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
On june 3,2005, I had new brakes & tires put on my 2001 Z-3 BMW roadster by hendricks BMW of hickory,nc. on july 8,2005 while decending mountain rd in cherokee,nc, my clutch locked-up and I was unable to drive the car. I had the car towed to hendrick's where they claim I needed a new clutch for…
On june 3,2005, I had new brakes & tires put on my 2001 Z-3 BMW roadster by hendricks BMW of hickory,nc. on july 8,2005 while decending mountain rd in cherokee,nc, my clutch locked-up and I was unable to drive the car. I had the car towed to hendrick's where they claim I needed a new clutch for $875.00. There IS only 35,000 miles on my car and I feel the BMW center didn't check the brake fluid when my brakes were replaced and that caused the clutch to lock-up. I would like you to investigate if any other Z3 owners have had to replace their clutch before 36,000 miles as I almost lost my life going down hill last friday.
- Air bags › Side/window
Vehicle drove over a large chunk of concrete while driving about 25 mph when the side air bag on passenger's side deployed. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
I have a 2003 BMW Z4 with sequential manual gearbox. the car automatically shifts into neutral without any warning. this IS very dangerous when you are trying to merge into traffic. I was almost in an accident because I stepped on the gas and the car didn't move. the car IS supposed to shift…
I have a 2003 BMW Z4 with sequential manual gearbox. the car automatically shifts into neutral without any warning. this IS very dangerous when you are trying to merge into traffic. I was almost in an accident because I stepped on the gas and the car didn't move. the car IS supposed to shift into 1ST gear automatically when stopping but then it shifts to neutral without touching the shift knob and it does so whenever it decides to do it. this IS a situation that needs to be addressed immediately and BMW states there IS no recalls on it or service bulletins. I know of at least five others with the same problem as well from a website roadfly.org. please check this sit for more info under smg problems. *nlm
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.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10036979BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10033130BMW vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it IS necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet assembly) do not need to be replaced as well. In some cases, epc does not show that the repair kit IS available separately in the illustration, but it IS available in the parts description. All models. No model years listed.
- 622274Subject regarding dwa alarm coding procedure.
- 621535Subject regarding new vehicle preparation and maintenance requirements.
- 618601Subject regarding new vehicle preparation and maintenance requirements.
- 614340Subject regarding Z3 preliminary edition etm - 2001 model year.
Every BMW Z3 Roadster model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.