MYRModel Year Report

1998 BMW Z3

○ Not enough data
1998 BMW Z3
RENDERED 2026-09-16T18:11:29.605Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW Z3 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1996: 30 complaints 1996 1997: 47 complaints 1998: 30 complaints 1998 1999: 39 complaints 2000: 34 complaints 2000 2001: 19 complaints 2002: 6 complaints 2002 2003: 2 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2004
1998: 30 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199630
199747
199830
199939
200034
200119
20026
20032
20040

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SEATS 27%

27% of complaints: seats — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power adjust and head restraint.

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WILL LAUNCH FORWARD WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS

NHTSA ODI report, 20021122

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20%

20% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and front underhood.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING, NO INDICATOR LIGHTS DISPLAYED AND NO ODOR OF RAW FUEL WAS APPARENT POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE, CONSUMER IS SEEKING MONETARY COMPENSATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER.*YH

NHTSA ODI report, 20010912

SUSPENSION 13%

13% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear.

Show complaint excerpts

I HAVE A 1998 Z3 M ROADSTER AND THE TRUNK WELDS HOLDING THE SUBFRAME IS FAILING. THIS IS A COMMONLY DOCUMENTED ISSUES. BMW DEALERS ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE BUT BMW NORTH AMERICA WILL NOT FIX IT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190109

Also filed under POWER TRAIN and STRUCTURE

POWER TRAIN 13%

13% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing park/neutral start interlock switch.

AIR BAGS 10%

10% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE DRIVER WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED IN THE FRONT AT 45 MPH. NEITHER OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE SEAT BELT ALSO FAILED TO PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE DRIVER. *AK *CB *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20030613

Also filed under SEAT BELTS

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20060403 — exterior lighting

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 S

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 BMW Z3 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seats issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 BMW Z3 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 BMW Z3?

The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 BMW Z3 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.