1999 BMW Z3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 BMW Z3: 2 recalls, 39 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #98V275000 · 1998 · 1,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 where electrical continuity could be interrupted.
Why it matters: If this occured while the engine was running, the engine could stop. Also, if the vehicle were being operated at night, the lighting system could shut off, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the nut to the proper specifications.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V272000 · 1999 · 36 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The bolt or bolts could loosen leading to noise from the differential and if a bolt were to completely work loose from its mount, lockup of the rear axle could occur.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's differential and if involved, will replace it.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (11): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4).
- Airbags (10): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (9): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Seat belts (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1999 BMW Z3 has 39 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 8 Z3 model years for complaints (1.5× the average Z3 year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 88,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (30 complaints, 0 recalls), 2000 (34 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
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 1999 BMW Z3.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 BMW Z3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1999 BMW Z3, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 BMW Z3 problems?
Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (11), airbags (10), transmission & drivetrain (9).
What gas mileage does the 1999 BMW Z3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 BMW Z3 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.