Hello, the federal safety agency 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?
The worst 1999 BMW Z3 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 BMW Z3
Recalls 2
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the vehicle's differential and if involved, will replace it.
Recall number 99V272000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- Dealers will tighten the nut to the proper specifications.
Recall number 98V275000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 BMW Z3 11
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Bmw: when at lower speeds or stopping the engine idle dips too low because of a software problem
- Experiencing a buzzing or rattling noise heard coming from engine compartment
- Subject regarding short circuit causing various instrument cluster faults
- Information regarding the dsc III test cable
- Concerns with fuel gauge reading 1/4 when tank is full
- Conditions with fuel gauge reading 1/4 when tank is full
- Information regarding voluntary emission recall campaign no
- Subject on fuel gauge reading 1/4 when tak is full
- Customer may complain of engine running rough on cold start
- Subject regarding 2.5 and 2.8 liter six cylinder engines
1999 BMW Z3 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 24-25 | 19-20 |
| 2.8L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 24 | 19 |
What 1999 BMW Z3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Air bag light stays lit
The passenger air bag light is on and stays on. Whether car is stationary or in motion.
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
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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 99v272000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
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.
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
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.
Driver side (door) airbag deployed while driving on highway. Impact caused me to swerve into oncoming traffic lanes.
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.
Compare the 1999 BMW Z3
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Questions about the 1999 BMW Z3
Is the 1999 BMW Z3 reliable?
Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 1999 BMW Z3, 6.5 times a typical Z3 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 BMW Z3?
Body and structure, with 11 complaints, typically around 88,000 miles. Next is airbags (10).
How many recalls does the 1999 BMW Z3 have?
2 recalls, covering power train and electrical system.
What gas mileage does the 1999 BMW Z3 get?
Official estimates for the 1999 BMW Z3 range from 19 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 24-25 highway.
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