1997 BMW Z3

2 recalls, 66 complaints - 13 TSBs

06E026000 Mar 23, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
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 D... Read more
Consequence
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
61,944 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
97V131000 Aug 19, 1997
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Defect Description
THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEP... Read more
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
410,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Complaint Statistics

66 total complaints 3 crashes 6 fires 9 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
SEATS11
AIR BAGS9
SEAT BELTS4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE3
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE3
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Mar 24, 2023
Incident date: Feb 14, 2017
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the instrument panel registered that the engine was hot. A message to turn off the vehicle was displayed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the engin... Read more
SUSPENSION Jan 23, 2017
Incident date: Jan 19, 2017
VEHICLE JERKS, SHUTTERS AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. REAR SUB FRAME AND DIFFERENTIAL BUSHING FAILURE.
SEATS Feb 4, 2014
Incident date: Oct 3, 2012
THE SEAT TRACKS OF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ALLOWED THE SEATS TO MOVE AT LEAST 10MM FORWARD AND REARWARD UNDER BRAKING AND ACCELERATION. THIS MOVEMENT CAUSES A PARTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
AIR BAGS May 30, 2011
Incident date: May 26, 2011
UPON STARTING THE CAR THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TWO TIME IT COST APPROXIMATELY $350 TO REPAIR. FOR THIS TO HAPPEN A THIRD TIME IS INDICATIVE OF A DESIGN FAULT.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 18, 2010
Incident date: Nov 12, 2010
I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED NORMALLY. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL (5 SPEED TRANS.) TO ALLOW IT TO WARM-UP FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES WHILE I CHECKED MY VOICE MAIL ON MY PHONE. AS I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND LOOKED OUT THE WINDSHIELD TO PULL OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE, I SAW DENSE WHITE SMOKE ... Read more
Fire
SEAT BELTS Dec 3, 2010
Incident date: Dec 2, 2010
MY 1997 BMW Z3 HAD THE AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON 2 YEARS AGO. THE TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY THE SEATBELT TENSIONER. HE REPLACED IT AND ALL WAS FINE. IT'S BACK ON AGAIN. IF THIS IS AS COMMON TO THESE MODELS AS I'VE HEARD WHY HASN'T BMW HAD A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS GETTING EXPENSIVE. *T... Read more
AIR BAGS Aug 13, 2008
Incident date: Apr 1, 2008
PASSENGER GOT INTO FRONT SEAT AND ADJUSTED IT DOWN AND BACK WITH THE POWER SEAT CONTROLS. AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND HAS BEEN ON EVER SINCE. I CHECKED FOR BROKEN OR DAMAGED WIRING BUT FOUND NOTHING OBVIOUS. BMW IS RECALLING MANY OF THEIR NEW CARS, BUT IT SEEMS THEIR OLD ONES EXHIBIT THE SAME FA... Read more
SEATS Mar 24, 2008
Incident date: Feb 10, 2008
SEAT RAILS DO NOT LOCK PROPERLY THEREBY ALLOWING SEAT(S) TO SLIDE FORWARD DURING BRAKING. CAN POTENTIALLY LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *TR
SEATS Aug 10, 2007
Incident date: Jan 1, 1901
1997 BMW Z3 WITH SLIDING SEAT PROBLEMS CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE SEAT WOULD SLIDE FORWARD WHEN HE PUSHED ON THE BRAKE AND SLIDE BACK WHEN HE ACCELERATED**CC THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE WORM GEAR ON THE SEAT BRACKET HAD WORN OUT BEYOND REPAIR AND A COMPLETE SEAT BRACKET WAS NEEDED. *JB
AIR BAGS Nov 23, 2004
Incident date: Nov 22, 2004
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 65 MPH ON I-95 WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE TRACTION CONTROL FEATURE ON THE VEHICLE FAILED TO WORK. THE CONSUMER HIT A GUARD RAIL AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *JB
Crash 1 injured
AIR BAGS Aug 16, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2002
MY 1997 BMW Z3 HAS THE SRS LIGHT CONSTANTLY ON, I GET IT FIXED AND IT GOES ON AGAIN. I'VE DONE THIS LIKE 3 TIMES, NOW MY MECHANIC IS SAYING IT'S LIKE 800 TO FIX. REDICULOUS! IT'A DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE, I'M NOT SUE THE SYSTEM WILL WORK NOW.*AK
AIR BAGS Mar 12, 2004
Incident date: Sep 1, 2003
REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. I HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND I PAID BMW TO FIX IT. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS SOMETHING WITH THE SEATBELT. THE LIGHT HAS COME ON AGAIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE Mar 12, 2004
Incident date: Oct 19, 2003
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, UNKNOWN REASON.*AK
STEERING Jan 29, 2004
Incident date: Jan 2, 2004
WHILE APPLYING BRAKES STEERING JERKS SIDE TO SIDE. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE CROSSES OVER TO DIFFERENT LANES WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATES THAT IS A NORMAL PROCEDURE OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
SEATS Jun 16, 2003
Incident date: Feb 5, 2003
THE SEAT TRACKS OF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ALLOWED THE SEATS TO MOVE AT LEAST 10MM FORWARD AND REARWARD UNDER BRAKING AND ACCELERATION. THIS MOVEMENT CAUSES A PARTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 32K MILES ON IT. THIS APPEARS TO BE A PREMATURE FAI... Read more
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR Jun 16, 2003
Incident date: Apr 6, 2003
THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS UP MORE OFTEN THAN NORMAL AND AT UN-NEEDED TIMES. THIS CAUSES PAIN TO THE USER WITH THE END RESULT BEING THAT THE USER TENDS TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT, OR IS FORCED TO SIT THERE IN PAIN WITH THE SEAT BELT ON AND LOCKED UP. *NLM
SEATS May 20, 2003
THE BRACKET WHICH HELD THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE FLOOR BECAME LOOSE. THIS CAUSED THE SEAT TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH WHEN A STOP WAS MADE. THE DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS NORMAL AND THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THE SEAT. *JB *CB *JB THE DEALER WITNESSED ALOT OF THIS PROBLEM. *SCC
SEATS Mar 20, 2003
Incident date: Mar 20, 2003
FIRST FAILURE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE COMING LOOSE FROM THE TRACK THAT THE SEATS MOVE BACK AND FORTH ON. THE SEATS CAN MOVE BACK AND FORTH A FEW INCHES, WITHOUT DEPRESSING ON THE LEVEL TO MOVE THE SEATS BACK AND FORTH. THE AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE TRACK AND IT ... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 20, 2003
Incident date: Mar 20, 2003
FIRST FAILURE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE COMING LOOSE FROM THE TRACK THAT THE SEATS MOVE BACK AND FORTH ON. THE SEATS CAN MOVE BACK AND FORTH A FEW INCHES, WITHOUT DEPRESSING ON THE LEVEL TO MOVE THE SEATS BACK AND FORTH. THE AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE TRACK AND IT ... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Dec 20, 2002
Incident date: Dec 11, 2002
WHILE DRIVING THE ACCELERATOR STUCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A TREE. THE CONSUME BELIEVES THIS ACCIDENT IS RELATED TO NHTSA RECALL #8324 97V-131000 OF THE CRUISE CONTROL THROTTLE CABLES CABLE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *TS *NLM
Crash 2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Nov 8, 2002
Incident date: Oct 23, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISON. ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS
SEATS Jun 20, 2002
Incident date: Jun 7, 2001
THE SEAT DOES NOT LOCK ON THE TRACK, IT SHIFTS BACK AND FORTH WHILE ACCELERATING OR BRAKING, IT WAS A DEFECT WHEN MANFURED BUT MANUFACTURER WILL NOT CORRECT, MANY Z 3 OWNERS HAVE THE PROBLEM, I FEEL IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR KILL SOMEONE, IF IT WAS A US COMPANY LIKE GM, FORD, OR CHRY I KNOW THE... Read more
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Jun 2, 2002
LEFT REAR FRAME RAIL CRACKED WITH CAUSE UNKNOWN. THIS CRACK WAS ONLY DETECTED BY OWNER WHEN CHANGING TIRE. DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THIS MAY HAVE COME FROM MANUFACTURE TIGHTNING FRAME TOO TIGHT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Mar 20, 2002
Incident date: Dec 15, 2001
BOTH SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LATCH PROPERLY. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Feb 6, 2002
Incident date: Jan 22, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED D... Read more
SEATS Feb 6, 2002
Incident date: Jan 22, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED D... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 6, 2002
Incident date: Jan 22, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED D... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY Feb 6, 2002
Incident date: Jan 22, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED D... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD Feb 6, 2002
Incident date: Jan 22, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED D... Read more
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER Feb 6, 2002
Incident date: Jan 22, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED D... Read more
SEAT BELTS Feb 6, 2002
Incident date: Jan 22, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED D... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY Feb 6, 2002
Incident date: Jan 22, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED D... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Feb 6, 2002
Incident date: Jan 22, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED D... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Feb 6, 2002
Incident date: Jan 22, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED D... Read more
AIR BAGS Feb 6, 2002
Incident date: Jan 22, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER AND HARNESS WAS CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE HOOD SENSOR FOR THE ALARM WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT THAT CAUSED D... Read more
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT Jan 28, 2002
Incident date: Jan 25, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 50-60 MPH WHEELS LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO VEER FROM SIDE TO SIDE, FINALLY SPUN AROUND. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT DIFFERENTIAL HAD LOCKED UP AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Jul 25, 2001
Incident date: Jun 1, 2001
AIRBAG LIGHT IN DASBOARD REMAINS ILLUMINATED. SEATBELTS APPEAR TO WORK, BUT I HAVE HAD THE CAR INSPECTED BY 2 DIFFERENT SERVICE SHOPS (DAVE WALTER BMW AND AUTOBAHN - BOTH IN AKRON, OH) AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CAUSE IS A FAULTY SEATBELT LOCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT.
AIR BAGS Jul 25, 2001
Incident date: Jun 1, 2001
AIRBAG LIGHT IN DASBOARD REMAINS ILLUMINATED. SEATBELTS APPEAR TO WORK, BUT I HAVE HAD THE CAR INSPECTED BY 2 DIFFERENT SERVICE SHOPS (DAVE WALTER BMW AND AUTOBAHN - BOTH IN AKRON, OH) AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CAUSE IS A FAULTY SEATBELT LOCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT.
SEAT BELTS Jul 13, 2001
Incident date: Jun 29, 2001
AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. THIS HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME IN NOVEMBER 1999. DEALERSHIP ANALYZED THE FAULT ON THEIR COMPUTER AND SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT RECEPTICLE. THIS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. IN JUNE OF 2001, AIRBAG LITE CAME ON AGAIN. DEALERSHIP DIAGN... Read more
AIR BAGS Jul 13, 2001
Incident date: Jun 29, 2001
AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. THIS HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME IN NOVEMBER 1999. DEALERSHIP ANALYZED THE FAULT ON THEIR COMPUTER AND SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT RECEPTICLE. THIS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. IN JUNE OF 2001, AIRBAG LITE CAME ON AGAIN. DEALERSHIP DIAGN... Read more
AIR BAGS Nov 27, 2000
Incident date: Feb 2, 2000
AIR BAG LIGHT ON. BROUGHT TO BMW CHARGED $80 TO DIAGNOSE, SAW INTERNET OTHER OWNERS SAME PROBLEM / THEN FOUNDOUT THERE IS A SERVICE BULLITEN
SEATS Sep 5, 2000
PASSENGER SEAT BELT TIGHTENS AROUND PASSENGERS NECK AND CHEST, CAUSING PAIN AND SHORTNESS OF BREATH. I HAVE INFORMED MY DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A DESIGN PROBLEM.
AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY May 22, 2000
REQUESTING AN ON/OFF AIR BAG SWITCH
SEAT BELTS Apr 26, 2000
Incident date: Sep 1, 1999
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT LOCK PERIODICALLY. YH
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER Mar 27, 2000
Incident date: Jun 1, 1999
BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS MOVE AND SHIFT OUT OF PLACE DURING NORMAL OPERATION AT ANY SPEED ALL OF THE TIME. REPORTED TO DEALER FOR CORRECTION UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS ADVISED THIS WAS A NORMAL CONDITION FOR THE SEAT TO MOVE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT ANY SPEED. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY HAZARD BE... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Mar 6, 2000
Incident date: Sep 15, 1999
NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING ACCIDENT WHICH RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL FRONTAL DAMAGE. CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO ARM, WRIST AND LOWER BACK. NLM
Crash 1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Nov 29, 1999
SEAT BELT LOCKING DEVICE FAILED, STICKING, NEW UNIT PERFORMS THE SAME. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Nov 15, 1999
Incident date: Mar 20, 1998
6 MONTH OLD AND THE HEAD GASKET BLOWS UP, WARPING THE CYLINDERS. BMW WAS NASTY TO DEAL WITH, REFUSED TO PROVIDE DETAILS OF PROBLEM SO WE REFUSED TO TAKE BACK CAR. SERVICE DEPARTMENT HINTED THAT THIS WAS KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 1.9L AND THAT THEY WOULD STOP SELLING THE ENGINE (WHICH THEY DID). *AK
SEATS Oct 5, 1999
Incident date: Jun 9, 1999
SEATS JUMP OUT OF GUIDES CAUSING THEM TO JUMP BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGER DEALER SAYS THEY WILL NOT FIX AND IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL BMW'S WHICH I FIND QUESTIONABLE TO THE SAFETY OF ALL
SEATS Sep 30, 1999
Incident date: Sep 15, 1999
BOTH SEATS COME OFF TRACK AND MOVE WHEN STOPPING, CAN NOT BE REPAIRED, NORMAL OPERATION. MJS

Showing 50 of 66 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 BMW Z3

13 manufacturer communications from 12 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
161000 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS2
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS1
116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE1
072200 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
176100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH1
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
SI B12 12 10 Jun 1, 2010
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
BMW: WHEN AT LOWER SPEEDS OR STOPPING THE ENGINE IDLE DIPS TOO LOW BECAUSE OF A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. *RM
121099 May 1, 1999
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
INFORMATION REGARDING VOLUNTARY EMISSION RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 99E-A01. *TT
121299 Apr 1, 1999
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
INFORMATION PERTAINING TO QUALITY MONITORING OF M44 / M62 CAMSHAFT SENSOR. *TT
16 01 98 Mar 1, 1998
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
INFORMATION ON EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL AND FUEL FILLER CAP / FILLER DOOR LABELS. *YC
51 09 97 Dec 1, 1997
176100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
INSTALLATION OF HOOD LATCH GUIDE PLATE. *AK
12 15 96 Nov 1, 1997
185000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
ROUGH IDLE
16 03 97 Aug 1, 1997
072200 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
REPOSITIONING OF FUEL LINE DUE TO INSTALLATION OF AN INCORRECT FUEL HOSE. *AK
51 08 96 Feb 1, 1997
161000 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
FRONT LICENSE PLATE BRACKET. *TW
12 15 96 Feb 1, 1997
116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
M44 MISFIRE FAULTS 50, 51, 52 OR 53. *TW
51 02 97 Jan 1, 1997
161000 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
INSTALLATION OF AIR DEFLECTORS. *TW
32 01 97 Jan 1, 1997
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. *TW
72/07/96 Dec 1, 1996
355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
CHILD AIRBAG LETTER, WARNING LABEL AND SAFETY REFERENCE CARD. *TW
00/11/96R Oct 1, 1996
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NEW VEHICLE PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS. *TW

BMW Z3 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the BMW Z3 across all model years (1996, 2004).

13 Total Recalls
300 Total Complaints
0 Investigations
16 Reported Crashes
10 Reported Fires
3 Reported Deaths

BMW Z3 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2004 1 0 View
2003 1 4 View
2002 1 9 View
2001 1 31 View
2000 1 54 View
1999 3 56 View
1998 1 45 View
1997 (current) 2 66
1996 2 34 View

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