1999 BMW Z3 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 28%of 39 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,975miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the body and structure of the 1999 BMW Z3, 28% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,975 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10477242, filed 2012-09, 100,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10209219, filed 2007-11, 111,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10075106, filed 2004-06, 49,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10141850, filed 2005-11, 50,000 milesBody and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 BMW Z3
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 BMW Z3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology