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FaultScore report

1999 BMW Z3 problems

Owners have filed 56 complaints about the 1999 BMW Z3 with NHTSA between 2000 and 2024. The largest single group is the body & structure. Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 6 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the BMW Z3 All 1999 cars
C

FaultScore 52/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the BMW Z3.

How this is worked out

The numbers

56

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries reported

87,950 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

10%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 59 vs 50 Severity 65 vs 50 Early failure 17 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 59
Against the median year of the BMW Z3. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 65
12.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 17
10% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1999 compares with every other BMW Z3

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1999 BMW Z3

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Body & Structure 13 23.2%

Median failure at 87,975 miles

Airbags 10 17.9%

Median failure at 84,975 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 9 16.1%

Median failure at 103,000 miles

Seat Belts 7 12.5%

Median failure at 41,125 miles

Suspension 6 10.7%

Median failure at 89,659 miles

Other & Unspecified 2 3.6%

Median failure at 53,000 miles

Seats 2 3.6%

Median failure at 34,000 miles

Electrical System 2 3.6%

Median failure at 87,950 miles

Equipment & Accessories 1 1.8%
Doors, Latches & Locks 1 1.8%
Brakes 1 1.8%

Median failure at 59,000 miles

Steering 1 1.8%

Median failure at 87,950 miles

Engine & Cooling 1 1.8%

Median failure at 88,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Frame AND Members 5 20.8%
Differential Unit 4 16.7%
Sensor/Control Module 3 12.5%
Body 3 12.5%
Rear 3 12.5%
Retractor 3 12.5%
Underbody Shields 2 8.3%
Instrument Cluster/Panel 1 4.2%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 5.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 3 7.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 6 15.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 15 37.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 13 32.5%
150,000+ miles 1 2.5%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jan 2000 peak 7 Mar 2024

Recalls on the 1999 BMW Z3

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

06E026000

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 SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

99V272000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

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 THE DIFFERENTIAL.

Risk: 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.

98V275000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

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 THIS OCCURRED, THE CABLE COULD ULTIMATELY LOOSEN TO THE POINT WHERE ELECTRICAL CONTINUITY COULD BE INTERRUPTED.

Risk: 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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 117,860 miles Kula, HI 1 injured

AIR BAGS

DRIVER SIDE (DOOR) AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. IMPACT CAUSED ME TO SWERVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANES.

NHTSA complaint #10491929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,950 miles Galt, CA 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

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. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CUTS, BRUISING AND SCARING TO THE LEFT ARM. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE AND INJURIES. UPDATED 11/16/2006 -THE GAS GAUGE AND ODOMETER WERE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE DRIVER'S DOOR GRAB HANDLE WAS REPLACED. THE REAR SHOCKS AND MOUNTS WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS A POWER STEERING LEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING HOSE RES TO PUMP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FLEX COUPLER ON THE DRIVE SHAFT.

NHTSA complaint #10171793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,950 miles Galt, CA 1 injured

SUSPENSION:REAR

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. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CUTS, BRUISING AND SCARING TO THE LEFT ARM. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE AND INJURIES. UPDATED 11/16/2006 -THE GAS GAUGE AND ODOMETER WERE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE DRIVER'S DOOR GRAB HANDLE WAS REPLACED. THE REAR SHOCKS AND MOUNTS WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS A POWER STEERING LEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING HOSE RES TO PUMP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FLEX COUPLER ON THE DRIVE SHAFT.

NHTSA complaint #10171793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,950 miles Galt, CA 1 injured

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CUTS, BRUISING AND SCARING TO THE LEFT ARM. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE AND INJURIES. UPDATED 11/16/2006 -THE GAS GAUGE AND ODOMETER WERE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE DRIVER'S DOOR GRAB HANDLE WAS REPLACED. THE REAR SHOCKS AND MOUNTS WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS A POWER STEERING LEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING HOSE RES TO PUMP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FLEX COUPLER ON THE DRIVE SHAFT.

NHTSA complaint #10171793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,950 miles Galt, CA 1 injured

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CUTS, BRUISING AND SCARING TO THE LEFT ARM. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE AND INJURIES. UPDATED 11/16/2006 -THE GAS GAUGE AND ODOMETER WERE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE DRIVER'S DOOR GRAB HANDLE WAS REPLACED. THE REAR SHOCKS AND MOUNTS WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS A POWER STEERING LEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING HOSE RES TO PUMP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FLEX COUPLER ON THE DRIVE SHAFT.

NHTSA complaint #10171793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,950 miles Galt, CA 1 injured

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

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. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CUTS, BRUISING AND SCARING TO THE LEFT ARM. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE AND INJURIES. UPDATED 11/16/2006 -THE GAS GAUGE AND ODOMETER WERE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE DRIVER'S DOOR GRAB HANDLE WAS REPLACED. THE REAR SHOCKS AND MOUNTS WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS A POWER STEERING LEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING HOSE RES TO PUMP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FLEX COUPLER ON THE DRIVE SHAFT.

NHTSA complaint #10171793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Huntsville, AL

AIR BAGS

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. I have been trying to determine whether my '99 BMW has Takata airbags as well, thus far with no success. As of today, BMW will only tell me that there are no outstanding recalls for my car - they have not been willing to tell me what type of airbags they originally installed in it. Do your records indicate what type of airbags I have?

NHTSA complaint #11576189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 103,000 miles Council Bluffs, IA

AIR BAGS

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS LIT

NHTSA complaint #11288865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 53,000 miles Anacortes, WA

AIR BAGS

THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON. WHETHER CAR IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.

NHTSA complaint #11288157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 53,000 miles Anacortes, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON. WHETHER CAR IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.

NHTSA complaint #11288157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 88,000 miles Austin, TX

POWER TRAIN

VERY WELL KNOWN FAILURE, JUST SEARCH FOR "BMW Z3 SUBFRAME FAILURE". IT IS A DESIGN FLAW BY BMW THAT AFFECTS A LOT OF Z3'S THROUGH ALL MODEL YEARS. MINE STARTED TO POP ONE WELD AT 88K MILES. IT CAN CAUSE THE REAR ALIGNMENT TO BE OFF, IN WORST CASE THE TRUNK FLOOR IS TORN OUT AND THE DIFFERENTIAL FALLS TO THE GROUND. CLUNKING FROM THE BACK WHILE SHIFTING IN THE FIRST TWO GEARS IS ONE INDICATOR THIS DAMAGE IS NOT FAR AWAY. THIS IS ONE FORUM THREAD THAT DESCRIBES THE ISSUE WELL: HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFORUMS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?1979601-SUBFRAME-TRUNK-FLOOR-DIFFERENTIAL-MOUNT-FAILURE

NHTSA complaint #11032127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 88,000 miles Austin, TX

SUSPENSION

VERY WELL KNOWN FAILURE, JUST SEARCH FOR "BMW Z3 SUBFRAME FAILURE". IT IS A DESIGN FLAW BY BMW THAT AFFECTS A LOT OF Z3'S THROUGH ALL MODEL YEARS. MINE STARTED TO POP ONE WELD AT 88K MILES. IT CAN CAUSE THE REAR ALIGNMENT TO BE OFF, IN WORST CASE THE TRUNK FLOOR IS TORN OUT AND THE DIFFERENTIAL FALLS TO THE GROUND. CLUNKING FROM THE BACK WHILE SHIFTING IN THE FIRST TWO GEARS IS ONE INDICATOR THIS DAMAGE IS NOT FAR AWAY. THIS IS ONE FORUM THREAD THAT DESCRIBES THE ISSUE WELL: HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFORUMS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?1979601-SUBFRAME-TRUNK-FLOOR-DIFFERENTIAL-MOUNT-FAILURE

NHTSA complaint #11032127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 88,000 miles Austin, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY

VERY WELL KNOWN FAILURE, JUST SEARCH FOR "BMW Z3 SUBFRAME FAILURE". IT IS A DESIGN FLAW BY BMW THAT AFFECTS A LOT OF Z3'S THROUGH ALL MODEL YEARS. MINE STARTED TO POP ONE WELD AT 88K MILES. IT CAN CAUSE THE REAR ALIGNMENT TO BE OFF, IN WORST CASE THE TRUNK FLOOR IS TORN OUT AND THE DIFFERENTIAL FALLS TO THE GROUND. CLUNKING FROM THE BACK WHILE SHIFTING IN THE FIRST TWO GEARS IS ONE INDICATOR THIS DAMAGE IS NOT FAR AWAY. THIS IS ONE FORUM THREAD THAT DESCRIBES THE ISSUE WELL: HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFORUMS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?1979601-SUBFRAME-TRUNK-FLOOR-DIFFERENTIAL-MOUNT-FAILURE

NHTSA complaint #11032127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Gretna, LA

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW Z3. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND PLACED INTO REVERSE, A CLANKING SOUND EMERGED FROM THE REAR END WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V272000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #10874771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 101,000 miles Simpsonville, SC

POWER TRAIN

THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING IS SEPARATING FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE CAR, UNDER OR NEAR THE TRUNK AREA. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH THE Z3 SERIES OF VEHICLES. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE IF THE READ DIFFERENTIAL SEPARATES FROM THE SUBFRAME, AND COULD CAUSE A HAZARD TO OTHER MOTORIST. THIS APPEARS TO BE DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. THE FRAME WAS DESIGNED FOR A 1.9L ENGINE, AND BMW DID NOT REDESIGN THE SUBFRAME TO ALLOW FOR THE LARGER ENGINES IT LATER SOLD IN THE Z3 SERIES OF CARS. BMW ALSO HAD THIS SAME ISSUE ON 3XX SERIES OF VEHICLES, AND AGREED TO REPAIR THOSE CARS DUE TO A CLASS ACTION LAW SUITE SETTLEMENT. BMW SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DESIGN ISSUE, AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA complaint #10676809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 101,000 miles Simpsonville, SC

SUSPENSION

THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING IS SEPARATING FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE CAR, UNDER OR NEAR THE TRUNK AREA. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH THE Z3 SERIES OF VEHICLES. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE IF THE READ DIFFERENTIAL SEPARATES FROM THE SUBFRAME, AND COULD CAUSE A HAZARD TO OTHER MOTORIST. THIS APPEARS TO BE DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. THE FRAME WAS DESIGNED FOR A 1.9L ENGINE, AND BMW DID NOT REDESIGN THE SUBFRAME TO ALLOW FOR THE LARGER ENGINES IT LATER SOLD IN THE Z3 SERIES OF CARS. BMW ALSO HAD THIS SAME ISSUE ON 3XX SERIES OF VEHICLES, AND AGREED TO REPAIR THOSE CARS DUE TO A CLASS ACTION LAW SUITE SETTLEMENT. BMW SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DESIGN ISSUE, AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA complaint #10676809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Asheboro, NC

SEATS

DRIVER SEAT BECAME LOOSE AND WOULD SLIDE FORWARD WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND BACKWARD ON ACCELERATION. THE MOVEMENT WAS ABRUPT ENOUGH TO BE DISCONCERTING, ESPECIALLY IN AN EMERGENCY MANEUVER. BMW DEALERSHIP ADVISED IT WAS EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR AND NOT DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE SEAT WAS NOT AT RISK OF FULLY DETACHING. I HAVE LIVED WITH IT, BUT IT IS A POTENTIAL CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS AND IT FEELS UNSAFE - AS IF THE SEAT MIGHT COME LOOSE. IT IS VERY DISTRACTING TO ANY DRIVER WHO IS NOT ACCUSTOMED TO IT AND EVEN TO ME - A LIKELY CAUSE OF DRIVER ERROR OR LOSS OF CONTROL DURING ABRUPT MANEUVERS. RECENTLY AS I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET FOR SOLUTIONS I FOUND THAT THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1999 M ROADSTER VERSION OF THE Z3. I THINK IT IS SUFFICIENT TO MERIT RECALL, BUT THAT IS WHAT YOU FOLKS DO FOR A LIVING... I HOPE YOU WILL LOOK INTO IT CAREFULLY. PS: THE DATE THAT I ENTERED IS A VERY ROUGH ESTIMATE. I DO NOT RECALL PRECISELY WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED. THANK YOU

NHTSA complaint #10622505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 88,000 miles Huntington, WV

ENGINE

MY 1999 BMW ROADSTER ENGINE BEGAN TORQUING FROM IDLE TO VERY FAST WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MECHANICS AND THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT WOULD CAUSE THIS. IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE THEN. IT WILL STOP THIS WHEN I SHUT OFF ENGINE AND TURN IT BACK ON. I FEAR THIS COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PLEASE ADVISE ON WHAT TO DO.

NHTSA complaint #10578088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 117,860 miles Kula, HI 1 injured

AIR BAGS

DRIVER SIDE (DOOR) AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. IMPACT CAUSED ME TO SWERVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANES.

NHTSA complaint #10491929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Spring Hill, FL

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

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. THUS CAN CAUSE A MASSIVE RISK TO AS IF ANYMORE POP THE DIFFERENTIAL COULD POSSIBLE TEAR NEXT THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS IT UP.

NHTSA complaint #10477242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 175,556 miles SAN Rafael, CA

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

REAR SUBFRAME ON VEHICLE HAS TORN FROM THE REAR UNDER PANEL ON VEHICLE. THE TRUNK FLOOR ON VEHICLE IS FALLING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH, THIS POSES A MASSIVE SAFETY ISSUE. WAS TOLD BY TECHNICIAN VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO OPERATE.

NHTSA complaint #10389650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles Vancouver, WA

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW Z3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCREASINGLY HARD TO CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY FOR AN ALIGNMENT. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAD FAILED AND WAS CAUSING THE WHEELS TO FRACTURE FROM THE SUB FRAME. THE MECHANIC ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT OF THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V272000 (POWER TRAIN: DRIVELINE: DIFFERENTIAL UNIT). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

NHTSA complaint #10378668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,341 miles Vancouver, WA

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

MY 1999 BMW Z3 ROADSTER BEGAN DRIVING FUNNY AND MAKING SQUEAKING NOISES, IN THE REAR. THEN I NOTICED THE BACK TIRES, WERE STARTING TO KICK OUT AND LOOK STRANGE. THEN MY CAR BEGAN MAKING A BAD VIBRATING SOUND, COMING FROM THE BACK TIRES, WHEN I WAS IN FIRST GEAR. I TOOK IT TO SHOP. THEY JACKED IT UP, AND FOUND, THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL UNIT, HAS SEPARATED FROM THE SUB-FRAME.

NHTSA complaint #10378233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 91,318 miles NLR, AR

SUSPENSION:REAR

1999 BMW Z M ROADSTER REAR GEARBOX(DIFF) TEARING FROM CAR. ALL WELDS ARE BROKEN AND SUPPORT IS TORN IN HALF IN PLACES AND CRACKED.

NHTSA complaint #10340816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 82,000 miles Clarksville, TN

AIR BAGS

AIR BAG LIGHT ON. SHOP MECHANIC STATED "RETRIEVED DTC CODE FOR DRIVERS SEAT BELT SWITCH OPEN OR SHORT CIRCUIT. CLEANED CONNECTORS, CLEARED DTC INFO OPERATIONAL CHECK OK. IF FAULT RECURS, RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT OF DRIVERS SEAT BELT LATCH ASSEMBLY." PROBLEM FIXED JUNE 18, 2008. NOW PROBLEM WITH AIR BAG LIGHT ON IS BACK. THERE SEEM TO BE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAG SENSORS AND SEAT BELT LATCHES ON VARIOUS BSM VEHICLES ACCORDING TO INTERNET SEARCHES.

NHTSA complaint #10310014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 111,000 miles SAN Francisco, CA

STRUCTURE

I NOTICED A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY 1999 BMW Z3 COUPE. WHEN I HAD IT CHECKED I FOUND IT WAS A SMALL CRACK WHERE THE SUBFRAME HAD BEEN FACTORY REINFORCED. THE REINFORCEMENTS WERE FAILING IN THE BACK OF THE CAR NEAR THE TRUNK FLOORING AND THE SWAYBAR. THE MECHANIC STATED IT WOULD COST $6500 TO REPLACE THE CRACKING FRAME, OR I COULD GO TO ANOTHER SHOP AND HAVE IT SPOT WELDED TO REINFORCE AND STOP THE CRACK FROM GETTING LARGER.

NHTSA complaint #10209219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 111,000 miles SAN Francisco, CA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR

I NOTICED A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY 1999 BMW Z3 COUPE. WHEN I HAD IT CHECKED I FOUND IT WAS A SMALL CRACK WHERE THE SUBFRAME HAD BEEN FACTORY REINFORCED. THE REINFORCEMENTS WERE FAILING IN THE BACK OF THE CAR NEAR THE TRUNK FLOORING AND THE SWAYBAR. THE MECHANIC STATED IT WOULD COST $6500 TO REPLACE THE CRACKING FRAME, OR I COULD GO TO ANOTHER SHOP AND HAVE IT SPOT WELDED TO REINFORCE AND STOP THE CRACK FROM GETTING LARGER.

NHTSA complaint #10209219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 111,000 miles SAN Francisco, CA

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

I NOTICED A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY 1999 BMW Z3 COUPE. WHEN I HAD IT CHECKED I FOUND IT WAS A SMALL CRACK WHERE THE SUBFRAME HAD BEEN FACTORY REINFORCED. THE REINFORCEMENTS WERE FAILING IN THE BACK OF THE CAR NEAR THE TRUNK FLOORING AND THE SWAYBAR. THE MECHANIC STATED IT WOULD COST $6500 TO REPLACE THE CRACKING FRAME, OR I COULD GO TO ANOTHER SHOP AND HAVE IT SPOT WELDED TO REINFORCE AND STOP THE CRACK FROM GETTING LARGER.

NHTSA complaint #10209219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 84,000 miles Lawndale, CA

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

1999 Z3 M COUPE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT TRUNK FLOOR SUPPORT FAILURE. I TOOK IN MY CAR FOR MY 90 THOUSAND MILE SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED BY THE SHOP (WWW.THEMSHOP.COM) LOCATED IN GLENDALE, CA. THAT MY SUBFLOOR WAS CRACKED AND UNLESS I FIXED IT MY CAR WOULD BE USELESS, AND NOT DRIVABLE. I HAD TO SPEND OVER $2,800 TO FIX MY CAR WHICH IS VERY DISAPPOINTING ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS IS A WEEKEND CAR NOW AND WHEN YOU PAY $46,000 FOR A BMW YOU DO NOT EXPECT THE FRAME TO FAIL....

NHTSA complaint #10188514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 84,000 miles Lawndale, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY

1999 Z3 M COUPE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT TRUNK FLOOR SUPPORT FAILURE. I TOOK IN MY CAR FOR MY 90 THOUSAND MILE SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED BY THE SHOP (WWW.THEMSHOP.COM) LOCATED IN GLENDALE, CA. THAT MY SUBFLOOR WAS CRACKED AND UNLESS I FIXED IT MY CAR WOULD BE USELESS, AND NOT DRIVABLE. I HAD TO SPEND OVER $2,800 TO FIX MY CAR WHICH IS VERY DISAPPOINTING ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS IS A WEEKEND CAR NOW AND WHEN YOU PAY $46,000 FOR A BMW YOU DO NOT EXPECT THE FRAME TO FAIL....

NHTSA complaint #10188514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,950 miles Galt, CA 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

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. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CUTS, BRUISING AND SCARING TO THE LEFT ARM. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE VEHICLE AND INJURIES. UPDATED 11/16/2006 -THE GAS GAUGE AND ODOMETER WERE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE DRIVER'S DOOR GRAB HANDLE WAS REPLACED. THE REAR SHOCKS AND MOUNTS WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS A POWER STEERING LEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING HOSE RES TO PUMP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FLEX COUPLER ON THE DRIVE SHAFT.

NHTSA complaint #10171793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.