1999 BMW Z3
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 30 |
| 1997 | 47 |
| 1998 | 30 |
| 1999 | 39 |
| 2000 | 34 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER SIDE (DOOR) AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. IMPACT CAUSED ME TO SWERVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANES. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130109
Hello, NHTSA released a recall warning for BMWs made from 2000 to 2006, regarding Takata airbags. "The risk to vehicle occupants is dire," it said. My 1999 BMW Z3 was made one year before this, and is not included in the recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240308
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS LIT
NHTSA ODI report, 20191213
13% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.
INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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 T
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
Campaign 98V275000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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 T
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S DIFFERENTIAL AND IF INVOLVED, WILL REPLACE IT.
Campaign 99V272000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1999 BMW Z3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V275000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V272000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1999 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 1999 BMW Z3?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 BMW Z3 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.