Model year guide

1999 BMW Z3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 BMW Z3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

1999 BMW Z3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1999 BMW Z3 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints39
Typical price$10,031

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1999 BMW Z3 recalls 3

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

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.

Fix: 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.

Power Train:driveline:differential Unit NHTSA Campaign #99V272000 · 07/10/1999

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S DIFFERENTIAL AND IF INVOLVED, WILL REPLACE IT.

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables NHTSA Campaign #98V275000 · 03/11/1998

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1999 BMW Z3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

What's a 1999 BMW Z3 worth?

Low
$3,000
Typical price
$10,031
High
$29,950

From 8 comparable 1999 BMW Z3 listings.

Dimensions & weight

Length
158.7 in
Width
66.5 in
Height
50.8 in
Wheelbase
96.5 in
Curb weight
2,723–2,844 lb
Front track
55.5 in
Rear track
55.9–58.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1999 BMW Z3 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 11

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 11.

BMW: WHEN AT LOWER SPEEDS OR STOPPING THE ENGINE IDLE DIPS TOO LOW BECAUSE OF A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. *RM

Bulletin SI B12 12 10 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2010

SUBJECT REGARDING SHORT CIRCUIT CAUSING VARIOUS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAULTS. *TT

Bulletin 620300 · Electrical System · Jun 2000

EXPERIENCING A BUZZING OR RATTLING NOISE HEARD COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TT

Bulletin 110500 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2000

INFORMATION REGARDING THE DSC III TEST CABLE. *TT

Bulletin 040600 · Equipment · Feb 2000

CONDITIONS WITH FUEL GAUGE READING 1/4 WHEN TANK IS FULL. *TT

Bulletin 620199 · Fuel System, Other · Jun 1999

CONCERNS WITH FUEL GAUGE READING 1/4 WHEN TANK IS FULL. *TT

Bulletin 160199 · Fuel System, Other · Jun 1999

CONCERNS WITH FUEL GAUGE READING 1/4 WHEN TANK IS FULL. *TT

Bulletin 620199 · Fuel System, Other · May 1999

SUBJECT ON FUEL GAUGE READING 1/4 WHEN TAK IS FULL. *TT

Bulletin 160199 · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 1999

INFORMATION REGARDING VOLUNTARY EMISSION RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 99E-A01. *TT

Bulletin 121099 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1999

CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH ON COLD START. *TT

Bulletin 120299 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 1999

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the Z3. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the BMW Z3

The BMW Z3 is a range of two-seater sports cars which was produced from 1995 to 2002. The body styles of the range are:2-door roadster 2-door coupé

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1999 BMW Z3 trims & engines on record

Trims
2.3 · Z3 M
Engines
2.5L 6-cyl 168 hp · 3.2L 6-cyl 240 hp

1999 BMW Z3 vehicles on record

1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3 2.34USCH9334XLG00901 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3 2.34USCH933XXLF82498 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3 2.34USCH9331XLG00743 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3 2.34USCH9334XLF79953 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3 2.34USCH9333XLG00078 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3 2.34USCH9332XLF81720 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3 Z3 MWBSCK9333XLC89218 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3 Z3 MWBSCK9332XLC89713 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3WBACM11030LF01713 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3WBACM11090LF03157 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3WBACM11010LF05713 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3WBACH9345YLG05876 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3WBACM11050LF06413 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3WBACH934XYLF88959 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3WBSCM91010LB57003 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z3WBSCM91080LB56253 1999 BMW Z3 1999 BMW Z34USCH3345YLF43292

Other BMW Z3 model years

2002 2001 2000 1998 1997 1996 1995

1999 BMW Z3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 BMW Z3 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1999 BMW Z3. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1999 BMW Z3?

Across all 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, air bags, power train.

How much is a 1999 BMW Z3 worth?

Comparable 1999 BMW Z3 listings run roughly $3,000–$29,950, typically around $10,031 (from 8 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.