MYRModel Year Report

1999 BMW Z3

○ Not enough data
1999 BMW Z3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:53:25.825Z

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
39
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1999

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Structure

33% of complaints

Complaints per year

1996: 30 complaints 1996 1997: 47 complaints 1998: 30 complaints 1999: 39 complaints 1999 39 2000: 34 complaints 2001: 19 complaints 2002: 6 complaints 2002 2003: 2 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2004
1996: 30 complaints 1996 1997: 47 complaints 1997 1998: 30 complaints 1998 1999: 39 complaints 1999 39 2000: 34 complaints 2000 2001: 19 complaints 2001 2002: 6 complaints 2002 2003: 2 complaints 2003 2004: 0 complaints 2004
1996: 30 complaints 1996 1997: 47 complaints 1997 1998: 30 complaints 1998 1999: 39 complaints 1999 39 2000: 34 complaints 2000 2001: 19 complaints 2001 2002: 6 complaints 2002 2003: 2 complaints 2003 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% · 13 reports

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, 2006-10-25

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, 2012-09-27

Air bags

26% · 10 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-09

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, 2024-03-08

Air bag light stays lit

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-12-13

Power train

23% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing differential unit and driveshaft.

INJURY

Seat belts

18% · 7 reports

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, 2000-07-27

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-04-26

Consumer having problems with seat belts retracting after exiting the automobile.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-01-31

Suspension

15% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing rear and stabilizer bar.

INJURY

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1998-11-30Electrical system98V275000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will tighten the nut to the proper specifications.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1999-12-10Power train99V272000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's differential and if involved, will replace it.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1999 BMW Z3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 98V275000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 99V272000 · Power train
  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.