1999 BMW Z3 Problems
- Complaints
- 39filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles, 25 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.8L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 BMW Z3 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1999 BMW Z3. The part named most often is body and structure, with 11 complaints (28% of the total), followed by air bags (10) and transmission and drivetrain (9). 25 of the complaints include a mileage, and 16% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 88,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure11 28%
- Air bags10 26%
- Seat belts7 18%
- Suspension6 15%
- Electrical system2 5.1%
- Other or unknown2 5.1%
- Seats2 5.1%
- Brakes1 2.6%
- Engine1 2.6%
Also reported: Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Steering (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10378233, filed 2011-01, 105,341 milesAir 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 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10310014, filed 2010-02, 82,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10170795, filed 2006-10, 86,410 milesSeat belts: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10010570, filed 2003-03, 23,250 milesMileage when problems were reported
16% of the 25 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 59,000 and 105,341 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1999 BMW Z3 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z3 Coupe RWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Z3 Coupe RWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Z3 Roadster RWD | 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Z3 Roadster RWD | 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Z3 Roadster RWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Z3 Roadster RWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 99V272000Oct 7, 1999Power train › Driveline › Differential unitCovers: BMW Z3 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.
- 98V275000Nov 3, 1998Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › CablesCovers: BMW Z3 1999
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…
Recall details for the 1999 BMW Z3 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10037702Jun 1, 2010Engine cooling. Bmw: when at lower speeds or stopping the engine idle dips too low because of a software problem.
Other model years of the BMW Z3
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 6 | 50,500 | 0 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 19 | 42,600 | 0 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2000 | 34 | 71,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 39 | 88,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 30 | 50,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 47 | 88,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 30 | 74,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All BMW Z3 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 BMW Z3 have?
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1999 BMW Z3 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 BMW Z3 is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 11 complaints (28% of the total), followed by air bags with 10.
Has the 1999 BMW Z3 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1999 BMW Z3 get?
The EPA rates the 1999 BMW Z3 (Z3 Coupe, 2.8L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1999 BMW Z3 reported?
Among the 25 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 88,000 miles and the middle half falls between 59,000 and 105,341 miles; 16% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.