Owners have filed 54 complaints
about the 2000 BMW Z3 with NHTSA between 2000 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 6 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 57
Against the median year of the BMW Z3. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
37% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 23
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
418.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
940.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
29.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
522.7%
150,000+ miles
29.1%
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.
Feb 2000peak 10Aug 2025
Recalls on the 2000 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 63,000 milesGreensburg, PA1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2000 BMW Z3. The contact’s wife stated that while coming to a stop, the driver’s side front air bag inadvertently deployed with no warning light illuminated. The contact’s wife sustained a bruised arm; no medical attention was provided. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not towed, and the contact’s wife was able to drive the vehicle home.. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a leaky strut on the front left side, and the guibo driveshaft flat disk had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #11683639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesFranklin, TN1 injured1 killed
SUSPENSION
THE SUBFRAME IS TEARING APART FROM THE FRAME ITSELF IN THE TRUNK. SPOT WELDS HAVE FAILED AND SEPARATION IS OBVIOUS. ## VIN PASSED ## BMW 2000#VPIC# 4 - VIN CORRECTED, ERROR IN ONE POSITION ONLY (INDICATED BY ! IN SUGGESTED VIN), MULTIPLE MATCHES FOUND; 14 - UNABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR ALL THE CHARACTERS IN THE VIN. #VPIC# ##
NHTSA complaint #11383581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesFranklin, TN1 injured1 killed
ENGINE
THE SUBFRAME IS TEARING APART FROM THE FRAME ITSELF IN THE TRUNK. SPOT WELDS HAVE FAILED AND SEPARATION IS OBVIOUS. ## VIN PASSED ## BMW 2000#VPIC# 4 - VIN CORRECTED, ERROR IN ONE POSITION ONLY (INDICATED BY ! IN SUGGESTED VIN), MULTIPLE MATCHES FOUND; 14 - UNABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR ALL THE CHARACTERS IN THE VIN. #VPIC# ##
NHTSA complaint #11383581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesFranklin, TN1 injured1 killed
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
THE SUBFRAME IS TEARING APART FROM THE FRAME ITSELF IN THE TRUNK. SPOT WELDS HAVE FAILED AND SEPARATION IS OBVIOUS. ## VIN PASSED ## BMW 2000#VPIC# 4 - VIN CORRECTED, ERROR IN ONE POSITION ONLY (INDICATED BY ! IN SUGGESTED VIN), MULTIPLE MATCHES FOUND; 14 - UNABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR ALL THE CHARACTERS IN THE VIN. #VPIC# ##
NHTSA complaint #11383581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesFernadina Beach, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW Z3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED VERTEBRAE DAMAGE, A STERNUM CONTUSION, AND BREATHING ISSUES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. IT WAS NOT DETERMINED IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11111226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fernandina Beach, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW Z3. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL. IN THE PROCESS, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS ENTERING THE SAME LANE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO SWERVE INTO A MEDIAN TO AVOID CRASHING INTO EACH OTHER. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT'S HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A RUPTURED LEFT BREAST, BACK BRUISES, AND NECK PAINS. MEDICAL TREATMENT WAS REQUIRED, INCLUDING AN MRI. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR FACILITY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED MONTHS AFTER THE CRASH TO DETERMINE IF THEY COULD INVESTIGATE WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11102371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 63,000 milesGreensburg, PA1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2000 BMW Z3. The contact’s wife stated that while coming to a stop, the driver’s side front air bag inadvertently deployed with no warning light illuminated. The contact’s wife sustained a bruised arm; no medical attention was provided. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not towed, and the contact’s wife was able to drive the vehicle home.. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a leaky strut on the front left side, and the guibo driveshaft flat disk had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #11683639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
SUSPENSION
Rear subframe suspension weld bolt crack from the body subframe, Can observe on the truck of the car the fracture weld bolds. Critical, because it hold on site the differential and rear drives components.
NHTSA complaint #11553671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear subframe suspension weld bolt crack from the body subframe, Can observe on the truck of the car the fracture weld bolds. Critical, because it hold on site the differential and rear drives components.
NHTSA complaint #11553671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesFranklin, TN1 injured1 killed
SUSPENSION
THE SUBFRAME IS TEARING APART FROM THE FRAME ITSELF IN THE TRUNK. SPOT WELDS HAVE FAILED AND SEPARATION IS OBVIOUS. ## VIN PASSED ## BMW 2000#VPIC# 4 - VIN CORRECTED, ERROR IN ONE POSITION ONLY (INDICATED BY ! IN SUGGESTED VIN), MULTIPLE MATCHES FOUND; 14 - UNABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR ALL THE CHARACTERS IN THE VIN. #VPIC# ##
NHTSA complaint #11383581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesFranklin, TN1 injured1 killed
ENGINE
THE SUBFRAME IS TEARING APART FROM THE FRAME ITSELF IN THE TRUNK. SPOT WELDS HAVE FAILED AND SEPARATION IS OBVIOUS. ## VIN PASSED ## BMW 2000#VPIC# 4 - VIN CORRECTED, ERROR IN ONE POSITION ONLY (INDICATED BY ! IN SUGGESTED VIN), MULTIPLE MATCHES FOUND; 14 - UNABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR ALL THE CHARACTERS IN THE VIN. #VPIC# ##
NHTSA complaint #11383581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesFranklin, TN1 injured1 killed
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
THE SUBFRAME IS TEARING APART FROM THE FRAME ITSELF IN THE TRUNK. SPOT WELDS HAVE FAILED AND SEPARATION IS OBVIOUS. ## VIN PASSED ## BMW 2000#VPIC# 4 - VIN CORRECTED, ERROR IN ONE POSITION ONLY (INDICATED BY ! IN SUGGESTED VIN), MULTIPLE MATCHES FOUND; 14 - UNABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR ALL THE CHARACTERS IN THE VIN. #VPIC# ##
NHTSA complaint #11383581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 192,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
AIR BAGS
BOTH AIRBAGS POPPED WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED AT 711. MY DASH AND WINDSHIELD CRACKED. THE CAR WAS NOT STARTED. I WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVER SEAT. HAD JUST PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION
NHTSA complaint #11354641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 192,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
BOTH AIRBAGS POPPED WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED AT 711. MY DASH AND WINDSHIELD CRACKED. THE CAR WAS NOT STARTED. I WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVER SEAT. HAD JUST PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION
NHTSA complaint #11354641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Simi Valley, CA
AIR BAGS
THE AIR BAG COMES ON ALL THE TIME . I THINK IT MIGHT HAVE TAKAT A AIR BAGS
NHTSA complaint #11348677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesYucaipa, CA
AIR BAGS
HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM COMPLAINT MADE IN DEC., REF. #11288210. FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED CAUSING FRONT WINDOW TO SHATTER AND DASH IS DAMAGED. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION. THE PERSON SAT IN THE DRIVER SEAT AND IT EXPLODED.
NHTSA complaint #11316436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesFernadina Beach, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW Z3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED VERTEBRAE DAMAGE, A STERNUM CONTUSION, AND BREATHING ISSUES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. IT WAS NOT DETERMINED IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11111226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lockhart, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IN SHOP..... STATIONARY UP ON LIFT ...' DIFFERENTIAL BRACKET..... UNDERNEATH CAR..... THE WELD RIVETS SEPARATE...THE RIVETS GO ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE TRUNK UNDERNEATH.. .. HAS TOO BE TAKEN APART AND REINFORCED SOLID WELD NEEDED..... THERE ARE UTUBE VIDEOS ONLINE SHOWING THIS ISSUE.... I PUT MY CAR IN SHOP TOO GET IT CHECKED.... THANKS
NHTSA complaint #11109874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lockhart, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IN SHOP...' STATIONARY...'. DRAIN PLUGS UNDERNEATH THE CAR..... CONVERTIBLE ROOF MOTOR.... DRAIN PLUGS BECOME BLOCKED.... THE ROOF MOTOR FILLS UP WITH WATER AND THE MOTOR RUST IN ITS CASING..... UTUBE VIDEOS ONLINE SHOW THIS ISSUE..... THANKS
NHTSA complaint #11109875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fernandina Beach, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW Z3. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL. IN THE PROCESS, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS ENTERING THE SAME LANE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO SWERVE INTO A MEDIAN TO AVOID CRASHING INTO EACH OTHER. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT'S HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A RUPTURED LEFT BREAST, BACK BRUISES, AND NECK PAINS. MEDICAL TREATMENT WAS REQUIRED, INCLUDING AN MRI. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR FACILITY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED MONTHS AFTER THE CRASH TO DETERMINE IF THEY COULD INVESTIGATE WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11102371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesCooper City, FL
SEAT BELTS
AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE SHOWS WARNING SIGN ALL TIMES
NHTSA complaint #11018864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesCooper City, FL
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE SHOWS WARNING SIGN ALL TIMES
NHTSA complaint #11018864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brookfield, IL
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ON 24JUN2011, I SWERVED FROM A PARALLEL LANE TO AVOID BEING SIDESWIPED. NO CONTACT WAS MADE BETWEEN VEHICLES. HOWEVER, I NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHILE HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THEY TOLD ME THAT: THE FLANGE/BRACKET THAT HELD THE DIFFERENTIAL IN PLACE HAD A COMPLETE HAIR-LINE FRACTURE; AND, THAT A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF SPOT WELDS HOLDING THE BODY ON TO THE FRAME HAD FAILED. I MADE CONTACT WITH THE LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP MCGRATH BMW, OCATED IN WESTMONT, IL AND TOLD THEM OF THE INCIDENT. THEY STATED THAT THEY DID NOT UNDERTAKE BODY REPAIRS AND DIRECTED ME TO A FIRM WHICH DID ALL TYPES OF BODY AND STRUCTURAL REPAIRS AND WAS ACCREDITED BY BMW. I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR OF BETWEEN $5,000-$6,000, AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO PROGRAM OFFERED BY BMW TO SHARE IN THE COST OF THE FLANGE/BRACKET AND BODY REPAIR. I WENT BACK TO MY LOCAL BODY SHOP AND TOLD THEM TO ESTIMATE THE COST AND I ALSO REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO MY AUTO INSURANCE (STATE FARM). AN ADJUSTER FROM STATE FARM REVIEWED THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE CONDITION WAS ONE OF A PROBLEM IN MANUFACTURE AND NOT COVERED BY MY AUTO INSURANCE. MY BODY SHOP THEN GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF A NOT TO EXCEED FIGURE OF APPROXIMATELY $2,500. I TOLD THEM TO UNDERTAKE THE REPAIR. THE FLANGE/BRACKET HAS BEEN REPLACED AND REINFORCED AND THE BODY AND FRAME HAVE SINCE BEEN REWELDED AT A TOTAL COST TO ME OF $1600. ADDITIONALLY, I SPENT AN ADDITIONAL $100 FOR A ALIGNMENT (FIRESTONE OF COUNTRYSIDE, IL) THE LOCAL BODY SHOP IS DOUGLAS AUTO BODY, 4015 EBERLY AVENUE, BROOKFIELD, IL (708) 485-7774 - THEY ARE A BODY AND STRUCTURAL REPAIR SHOP APPROVED BY STATE FARM INSURANCE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN USED BY ME AS A STREET VEHICLE AND NOT FOR RACING OR TRACK USE OF ANY KIND. THE FAILURES SEEM TO BE A MFG. DESIGN FLAW.
NHTSA complaint #10436004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brookfield, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON 24JUN2011, I SWERVED FROM A PARALLEL LANE TO AVOID BEING SIDESWIPED. NO CONTACT WAS MADE BETWEEN VEHICLES. HOWEVER, I NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHILE HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THEY TOLD ME THAT: THE FLANGE/BRACKET THAT HELD THE DIFFERENTIAL IN PLACE HAD A COMPLETE HAIR-LINE FRACTURE; AND, THAT A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF SPOT WELDS HOLDING THE BODY ON TO THE FRAME HAD FAILED. I MADE CONTACT WITH THE LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP MCGRATH BMW, OCATED IN WESTMONT, IL AND TOLD THEM OF THE INCIDENT. THEY STATED THAT THEY DID NOT UNDERTAKE BODY REPAIRS AND DIRECTED ME TO A FIRM WHICH DID ALL TYPES OF BODY AND STRUCTURAL REPAIRS AND WAS ACCREDITED BY BMW. I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR OF BETWEEN $5,000-$6,000, AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO PROGRAM OFFERED BY BMW TO SHARE IN THE COST OF THE FLANGE/BRACKET AND BODY REPAIR. I WENT BACK TO MY LOCAL BODY SHOP AND TOLD THEM TO ESTIMATE THE COST AND I ALSO REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO MY AUTO INSURANCE (STATE FARM). AN ADJUSTER FROM STATE FARM REVIEWED THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE CONDITION WAS ONE OF A PROBLEM IN MANUFACTURE AND NOT COVERED BY MY AUTO INSURANCE. MY BODY SHOP THEN GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF A NOT TO EXCEED FIGURE OF APPROXIMATELY $2,500. I TOLD THEM TO UNDERTAKE THE REPAIR. THE FLANGE/BRACKET HAS BEEN REPLACED AND REINFORCED AND THE BODY AND FRAME HAVE SINCE BEEN REWELDED AT A TOTAL COST TO ME OF $1600. ADDITIONALLY, I SPENT AN ADDITIONAL $100 FOR A ALIGNMENT (FIRESTONE OF COUNTRYSIDE, IL) THE LOCAL BODY SHOP IS DOUGLAS AUTO BODY, 4015 EBERLY AVENUE, BROOKFIELD, IL (708) 485-7774 - THEY ARE A BODY AND STRUCTURAL REPAIR SHOP APPROVED BY STATE FARM INSURANCE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN USED BY ME AS A STREET VEHICLE AND NOT FOR RACING OR TRACK USE OF ANY KIND. THE FAILURES SEEM TO BE A MFG. DESIGN FLAW.
NHTSA complaint #10436004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesDayton, OH
SUSPENSION
I HEARD A CREAKING FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR, I PUT IT ON JACKS TO CHECK IT OUT. TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FLOOR PAN MAINLY AROUND THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE., BUT YET BMW WILL NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MATTER. I SEE IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IF I DID NOT CHECK IT AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CRACKS AND TEARS IN THE BODY METAL THAT EXIST COULD HAVE CONTINUED EVEN FURTHER AND LED TO AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I WAS ESTIMATED AT A WHOPPING 5200 DOLLARS WHICH BMW SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PAY 3000 OF. I BELIEVE IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, SO IT SHOULD BE PAID IN FULLY BY THE COMPANY, BUT THEY WILL NOT STAND UP THE THEIR FAULT. I HAVE AT THIS TIME NO CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN ITS CURRENT STATE, THERE ARE CASES OF SIMILAR SUBFRAME PROBLEMS POPPING UP ALL OVER FORUMS ONLINE. ENTHUSIASTS OF THE Z3 WILL RECOGNIZE THIS ISSUE IF THEY TEDIOUSLY AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THEIR CARS, HOWEVER THE AVERAGE PERSON WHO JUST BUYS THEIR CAR AND DRIVES IT AROUND HAS ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA OF THE PROBLEM AT HAND AND THE POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE THAT IT MAY LEAD UP TO IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #10433570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesDayton, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
I HEARD A CREAKING FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR, I PUT IT ON JACKS TO CHECK IT OUT. TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FLOOR PAN MAINLY AROUND THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE., BUT YET BMW WILL NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MATTER. I SEE IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IF I DID NOT CHECK IT AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CRACKS AND TEARS IN THE BODY METAL THAT EXIST COULD HAVE CONTINUED EVEN FURTHER AND LED TO AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I WAS ESTIMATED AT A WHOPPING 5200 DOLLARS WHICH BMW SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PAY 3000 OF. I BELIEVE IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, SO IT SHOULD BE PAID IN FULLY BY THE COMPANY, BUT THEY WILL NOT STAND UP THE THEIR FAULT. I HAVE AT THIS TIME NO CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN ITS CURRENT STATE, THERE ARE CASES OF SIMILAR SUBFRAME PROBLEMS POPPING UP ALL OVER FORUMS ONLINE. ENTHUSIASTS OF THE Z3 WILL RECOGNIZE THIS ISSUE IF THEY TEDIOUSLY AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THEIR CARS, HOWEVER THE AVERAGE PERSON WHO JUST BUYS THEIR CAR AND DRIVES IT AROUND HAS ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA OF THE PROBLEM AT HAND AND THE POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE THAT IT MAY LEAD UP TO IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #10433570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesSUN Lakes, AZCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW Z3. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH INTO AN INTERSECTION, UNEXPECTEDLY AN OPPOSING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES CONSISTING OF A BROKEN COLLAR BONE, EIGHT BROKEN RIBS AND PUNCTURED LUNGS. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A COLLISION FACILITY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10360272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW Z3. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANG. HE NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT NO ONE WAS STRUCK. HE FILED A REPORT WITH BMW AND WAS INFORMED THAT SOMEONE FROM THE CORPORATE OFFICE WOULD CALL HIM REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #10246665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesNorth Middle Town, NJ
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW Z3. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS AN 8 INCH FRACTURE IN THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WELDED THE FRAME. ONE YEAR LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR TIRES, WHERE THE CRACK WAS LOCATED, HAD ABNORMAL WEAR. SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE BACK TO A MECHANIC AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING IT INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
NHTSA complaint #10244305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,639 milesSacramento, CA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
NIELLO BMW OF SACRAMENTO CHECKED MY Z3 2000 FOR TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON ADVISE, AND SOME FLUTTERING NOISE CAME OUT DURING ACCELERATION. THEY FOUND OUT THAT THERE'S METAL SHAVINGS IN THE DIFFERENTIAL. THEY REPAIRED IT AND REPLACED IT WITH NEW ONE AS WHAT THEY ADVISED TO ME, PLUS THEY REPLACED THR BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, SENSOR DRIVE BELTS, COVER AIR BAG AND THAT COST $3200.18 WHICH I PAID. I QUESTIONED THEM IF THAT'S STILL BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY SINCE I BOUGHT THAT CAR IN MAY 1999, AND THEY SAID," NO IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY." SO I PAID THE WHOLE AMOUNT OF $3200.18. SO I DROVE MY CAR AND IN A MATTER OF DAYS THE CAR BROKE AGAIN, STOPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF FREEWAY, AND THAT TIME I HEARD SOME FLUTTERING NOISE AGAIN UNDERNEATH, WHICH SCARED ME. SO I IMMEDIATELY CALLED SOME HELP AND TOOK MY CAR TO NIELLO BMW IN SACRAMENTO FOR REPAIR AND IT THEM A WEEK TO REPAIR MY CAR. AFTER IT WAS BEING REPAIRED I TRADED IT IN WITH LEXUS RX 330 IN ROSEVILLE SINCE I'M SCARED ALREADY DRIVING BMW AND DON'T TRUST THAT CAR AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10149470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,639 milesSacramento, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
NIELLO BMW OF SACRAMENTO CHECKED MY Z3 2000 FOR TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON ADVISE, AND SOME FLUTTERING NOISE CAME OUT DURING ACCELERATION. THEY FOUND OUT THAT THERE'S METAL SHAVINGS IN THE DIFFERENTIAL. THEY REPAIRED IT AND REPLACED IT WITH NEW ONE AS WHAT THEY ADVISED TO ME, PLUS THEY REPLACED THR BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, SENSOR DRIVE BELTS, COVER AIR BAG AND THAT COST $3200.18 WHICH I PAID. I QUESTIONED THEM IF THAT'S STILL BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY SINCE I BOUGHT THAT CAR IN MAY 1999, AND THEY SAID," NO IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY." SO I PAID THE WHOLE AMOUNT OF $3200.18. SO I DROVE MY CAR AND IN A MATTER OF DAYS THE CAR BROKE AGAIN, STOPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF FREEWAY, AND THAT TIME I HEARD SOME FLUTTERING NOISE AGAIN UNDERNEATH, WHICH SCARED ME. SO I IMMEDIATELY CALLED SOME HELP AND TOOK MY CAR TO NIELLO BMW IN SACRAMENTO FOR REPAIR AND IT THEM A WEEK TO REPAIR MY CAR. AFTER IT WAS BEING REPAIRED I TRADED IT IN WITH LEXUS RX 330 IN ROSEVILLE SINCE I'M SCARED ALREADY DRIVING BMW AND DON'T TRUST THAT CAR AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10149470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.