MotorDeets

1998 BMW Z3 Roadster: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster: 0 recalls, 19 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
19owner complaints
1mention a crash
24best combined mpg
1998 BMW Z3 Roadster
Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Body & structure7
Airbags3
Tires2
Seats2
Transmission & drivetrain2
Suspension2
Electronic Stability Control1
Fuel system1

What owners describe

The 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster has 19 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 3 Z3 Roadster model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 15). Complaints peaked in 2005 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 72,800 miles.

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.9 L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive202924Regular
1.9 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive202823Regular
2.8 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive172419Regular
2.8 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive162218Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster manual

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FAQ

Does the 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster problems?

Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (7), airbags (3), tires (2).

What gas mileage does the 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster get?

EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Z3 Roadster years

199820002001