MYRModel Year Report

1999 BMW Z3

○ Not enough data
1999 BMW Z3
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:09:33.907Z

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, 1999 highlighted. 1996: 30 complaints 1996 1997: 47 complaints 1998: 30 complaints 1998 1999: 39 complaints 1999 2000: 34 complaints 2000 2001: 19 complaints 2002: 6 complaints 2002 2003: 2 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2004
1999: 39 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.

STRUCTURE 33%

33% of complaints: structure — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and body.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH DURING CLEAR CONDITIONS, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO DEBRIS OR POTHOLES PRESENT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20061025

Also filed under AIR BAGS and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAVE SUBFRAME DAMAGE, IN THE TRUNK IT'S MOST VISIBLE WITH THE CARPET OUT, I CAN SEE THE SPOT WELDS HAVE POPPED, CRACKED, BROKE FREE, WHATEVER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120927

AIR BAGS 26%

26% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensor/control module and side/window.

INJURY
Show 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

POWER TRAIN 23%

23% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing differential unit and driveshaft.

INJURY
SEAT BELTS 18%

18% of complaints: seat belts — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

INTERMITTENTLY SEAT BELTS ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDES WILL NOT COME OUT OF RETRACTOR. SOMETIMES WHEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD, SEAT BETS LOCK UP AND WILL NOT RELEASE. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI report, 20000727

ONGOING PROBLEM WITH PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILING TO RELEASE WHEN NEEDED. UNABLE TO USE SAFETY BELT. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND MADE REPAIRS ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS. BUT PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20000426

CONSUMER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SEAT BELTS RETRACTING AFTER EXITING THE AUTOMOBILE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20000131

SUSPENSION 15%

15% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and stabilizer bar.

INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19981130 — electrical system

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

R 19991210 — power train

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

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

1999 BMW Z3 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (9 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 structure, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1999 BMW Z3 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

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