Bmw Z3 roadster problems
The BMW Z3 is a range of two-seater sports cars which was produced from 1995 to 2002. The body styles of the range are:
- 2-door roadster (E36/7 model code)
- 2-door coupé (E36/8 model code)
The Z3 was based on the E36/5 compact platform, a shortened version of the conventional E36 platform. This smaller and cheaper platform used the rear semi-trailing arm suspension design from the older E30 3 Series. It is the first mass-produced Z Series car.
M models were introduced in 1998 in roadster and coupé body styles and were powered by the S50, S52, or S54 straight-six engine depending on country and model year. The M models came with a 5-speed manual transmission. The regular Z3s were offered with straight-sixes or four-cylinder engines.
Production ended on June 28, 2002, with the Z3 line replaced by the E85 Z4.
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Bmw Z3 roadster model years
Common Bmw Z3 roadster problems
The BMW Z3 roadster is a classic and interesting weekend cruiser, but it is not without its common problems. One of the most prevalent issues is corrosion, particularly in the bodywork. If the car has not been well cared for, it may have corrosion, especially in areas where there has been accident damage or neglect. This can be a significant issue, as it can affect the structural integrity of the vehicle and lead to more extensive and expensive repairs.
Another common problem with the BMW Z3 is wet seats. This is caused by a leaking roof, where it connects with the front window. This issue is particularly prevalent in models equipped with a soft top. To resolve this problem, a replacement seal must be fitted to stop the leak.
The plastic bush clips on the seats are also known to break, causing the seat to rattle. This is a relatively easy problem to fix, as it simply requires replacing the plastic bush clips.
Exhaust manifold failure is another common issue, particularly on the 1.9L engine. This can be identified by a loud cracking noise coming from the top of the engine, which is more audible with the bonnet open. Fitting a replacement exhaust manifold will resolve this issue.
Engine misfiring is another problem that has been reported by BMW Z3 owners. This is caused by a known issue with the valve timing, particularly on the 1.9L engine. This can be resolved by having the valve timing modified by a specialist.
Finally, the BMW Z3 is known to have issues with the alarm going off on its own accord. This is caused by faulty micro switches, particularly on the door or bonnet. Fitting a replacement micro switch will resolve this issue.
In summary, while the BMW Z3 is a classic and interesting car, it is not without its common problems. These include corrosion, wet seats, rattling seats, exhaust manifold failure, engine misfiring, and alarm problems. However, with proper maintenance and care, these issues can be resolved, and the BMW Z3 can be a reliable and enjoyable car to own and drive.
How long do BMW Z3 engines last?
I've seen BMW blocks with 300k miles with factory cross hatching still visible on the cylinder walls. They're fantastic engines. If you properly maintain it, it will outlast the rest of the car.
What is the difference between Z3 and Z3 roadster?
The Z3 Coupé shares the identical platform and parts with the roadster, but features a chassis-stiffening hatch area and is 2.7 times stiffer in comparison. The Z3 Coupé was unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Can you daily drive a Z3?
For years I've recommended Z3 Coupes for people looking for daily drivers, and I needed to validate my recommendations. I pretty much drove it whenever there wasn't snow on the ground and I had one or fewer kids with me.
How much is a BMW Z3 roadster worth?
A: The average price of a BMW Z3 Roadster - E36/7 is $16,949.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw Z3 roadster years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw Z3 roadster cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Bmw Z3 roadster model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw Z3 roadster model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw Z3 roadster years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw Z3 roadster car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw Z3 roadster , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Structure problems
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Suspension problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw Z3 roadster vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Z3 roadster model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Z3 roadster model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 44 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw Z3 roadster . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw Z3 roadster vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Bmw Z3 roadster 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-15
- Date Complaint: 2020-12-15
- VIN: WBSCK9341YL
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE
- Summary: I 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 CLAIMED TO BE UNDRIVABLE BY BMW, BUT YET THEY 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 IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, SO IT SHOULD BE PAID IN FULLY BY THE COMPANY, BUT THEY WILL NOT STAND UP THE THEIR FAULT. I HAVE AT THIS TIME NO CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN ITS CURRENT STATE, I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT WHO DOESNT HAVE THE LARGEST INCOME AROUND SO PICKING 2000 OR MORE DOLLARS OUT OF NOWHERE IS QUITE IMPOSSIBLE. AND I STILL HAVE TO GO TO WORK FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TIME I AM HOME, AND SO WITHOUT A LOANER FROM BMW OR THEM TAKING FULL BLAME AND PAYING IN FULL I AM FORCED TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE CAR, FOR HOWEVER LONG. I HOPE THIS SITUATION CAN BE TAKEN CARE OF AS THERE ARE CASES OF SIMILAR SUBFRAME PROBLEMS POPPING UP ALL OVER FORUMS ONLINE. ENTHUSIASTS OF THE Z3 WILL RECOGNIZE THIS ISSUE IF THEY TEDIOUSLY AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THEIR CARS, HOWEVER THE AVERAGE PERSON WHO JUST BUYS THEIR CAR AND DRIVES IT AROUND HAS ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA OF THE PROBLEM AT HAND AND THE POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE THAT IT MAY LEAD UP TO IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF PROPERLY.
Bmw Z3 roadster 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-20
- Date Complaint: 2019-12-10
- VIN: WBACH9343YL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED BREAKING THE WINDSHIELD. THE KEY WASN'T EVEN IN THE IGNITION.
Bmw Z3 roadster 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2017-06-17
- VIN: WBSCK9337WL
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM REAR END WAS NOTICED. UPON INSPECTION, BY BMW DEALERSHIP IT WAS DETERMINED THE REAR SUBFRAME HOLDING REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS SEPARATED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE (SPOT WELD FAILURE). I WAS TOLD IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND TO FIX IMMEDIATELY. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. HIGHER DISPLACEMENT MODELS ARE A HIGHER OCCURRENCE DUE TO CREATING MORE TORQUE ON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL BRACKET. MINE IS THE M VERSION WHICH IS ALMOST A GUARANTEED FAILURE.
Bmw Z3 roadster 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-03
- Date Complaint: 2017-04-06
- VIN: 4USCH9348YL
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR SUBFRAME / TRUNK FLOOR / DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT FAILURE
Bmw Z3 roadster 1998
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2017-02-18
- VIN: 4USCJ3329WL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT FILLS WITH WATER WHEN TO RAINS AND DOES NOT EMPTY. THIS PROBLEM ALSO CAUSES RUST AND MOISTURE IN THE TRUNK.
Bmw Z3 roadster 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-13
- Date Complaint: 2016-02-15
- VIN: WBSCK9348YL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IS LOCKED IN THE RETRACTED POSITION. AND ALSO LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AS WELL. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS. I RARELY HAVE PASSENGERS SO THIS IS THE FIRST TIME NOTICED THAT IT HAS HAPPENED WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT. IT HAPPENS WHILE STATIONARY.
Bmw Z3 roadster 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-18
- Date Complaint: 2013-09-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 4USCH3345YL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW Z3 ROADSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS, BRUISING, AND HAIR LOSS AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,754.
Bmw Z3 roadster 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-04
- Date Complaint: 2012-07-31
- VIN: WBSCK9346YL
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: I PURCHASED CAR 6-4-12 AFTER DRIVING THE CAR I NOTICED A SQUEAK AND A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK, AFTER REMOVING TRUNK LINING THE SPOT WELDS [4] WERE BROKE LOOSE IN TRUNK FLOOR FROM CROSS MEMBER WHERE REAR END IS SUPPORTED.. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER WHERE CAR WAS BOUGHT HOPING THE DEALER HAD A SERVICE BULLETIN ON CAR I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPAIR CAR AT MY EXPENSE I ASKED IF THAT WAS AN ENGINEERED REPAIR OR JUST A TEMPORARY REPAIR THERE RESPONSE WAS ITS THE FIRST TIME IT HAD EVER HAPPENED.. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND IT WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME WELDS HAD COME LOOSE IN THE SUB FRAME AND IF NOT REPAIRED WOULD CAUSE MAJOR DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE CONTROL ISSUES. THIS CAR IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE NO RUST ISSUES AT ALL WAS ALWAYS GARAGED NEVER DRIVEN IN WINTER I BELIEVE THE SUBFRAME AND REAR AXLE MOUNTING IS UNDER DESIGNED FOR THIS CAR. *TR
Bmw Z3 roadster 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2012-06-25
- VIN: 4USCH3344YL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TRAVELING EASTBOUND ON HIGHWAY 101 IN AGOURA HILLS, CA A SMALL ROCK APPEARING IN MY LANE MADE A CLANKING SOUND WITH THE UNDERSIDE OF MY VEHICLE AT WHICH TIME THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *TR
Bmw Z3 roadster 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-19
- Date Complaint: 2012-06-19
- VIN: WBACN33441L
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
Bmw Z3 roadster 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2012-05-19
- Date Complaint: 2012-05-23
- VIN: WBACN53441L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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
Bmw Z3 roadster 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-05
- Date Complaint: 2011-10-16
- VIN: 4USCJ3333WL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AT 86K MILES ON MY 1998 BMW Z3, THE THIN SHEET METAL BRACKET HOLDING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL UP IN PLACE WELDED TO THE CHASSIS SPLIT IN HALF CAUSING THE REAR END TO HANG. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED, ALSO AT 93,500 MILES, JUST 8 MONTHS LATER. THE CLUTCH IS STILL ORIGINAL AND THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED, OR RACED. I ALWAYS BABY THE CAR BECAUSE GAS IS SO EXPENSIVE, AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH ALOT OF OTHER Z3'S THAT I HAVE SEEN ONLINE. THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING FLAW. BMW CLAIMS THE CAR MUST HAVE HAD SOME REAR END IMPACT, EVEN THOUGH THIS IS CLEARLY NOT THE CASE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM REPLACE THIS PART WITH THICKER, OR STRONGER METAL AS IT CAN BE A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM IF THE DIFFERENTIAL FALLS OUT AT HIGH SPEEDS. *TR
Bmw Z3 roadster 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-10
- Date Complaint: 2011-04-25
- VIN: WBSCK9339WL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW Z3M ROADSTER. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 25 MPH WHEN THE REAR FRAME OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE FRAME METAL WAS EXTREMELY WEAK AND CAUSED THE FRAME TO DROP AND THE REAR AXLE TO FRACTURE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE HE COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH IF HE WERE TRAVELING FASTER IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Bmw Z3 roadster 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2010-12-24
- VIN: 4USCJ332XWL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 1998 Z3 SUBFRAME FAILURE. I'M WORRIED MY DIFFERENTIAL OR REAR END WILL FAIL DURING DRIVING AND BMW REFUSES TO FIX IT. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR EVERYONE ON THE ROAD. BMW HAS INSPECTED MY CAR, ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM, AND BLAMED THE FAILURE ON THE MODIFICATIONS I MADE TO THE CAR, HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING IN A VERY HIGH NUMBER OF UN-MODIFIED Z3 VEHICLES AS WELL. THERE IS ALSO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM ON E46 MODELS (Z3 IS NOT AN E46) AND BMW IS FIXING THE E46 BUT NOT THE Z3. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED EVENTUALLY B/C OF THIS ISSUE. *TR
Bmw Z3 roadster 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-08
- Date Complaint: 2010-10-13
- VIN: 4USCJ3329WL
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: NORMAL DRIVING RESULTED IN FRAME FAILURE AT THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING POINT. THE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT BROKE LOOSE FROM THE FRAME AND THE CROSS FRAME IS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES.. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS TRUNK FLOOR PAN SPOT WELDS BREAKING LOOSE. THE PROBLEMS RESULT IN A REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY THAT IS LOOSE AND STEERS THE CAR ERRATICALLY. THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT THIS TIME DUE TO ERRATIC HANDLING. *TR
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