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Cars » BMW » Z3

Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your BMW Z3

BMW Z3 Models:

Image for car images BMW 1996 1998 BMW Z3 size thumb Image for car images BMW 1999 2002 BMW Z3 size thumb

BMW Z3 Problems

Loss of Power Steering Fluid Due to Leaking Hoses

Suspension & Steering -- Verified

A fluid leak may develop from one or more power steering hose. When a leak is being repaired, it is not uncommon for multiple hoses to be replaced.

Burning Smell or Oil Drips on the Ground Due to Engine Oil Leak

Engine -- Verified

Valve cover gasket leaks are common after 60,000 miles. Symptoms will include oil drips under the vehicle and burning oil smell from the engine compartment.

Coolant Leak From Radiator

Engine -- Verified

It is not uncommon for the radiator to develop a coolant leak. A leaking radiator will require replacement. When a leaking radiator is replaced the entire cooling system should be inspected and if any additional leaks are found they should be repaired also.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and have your vehicle towe...

Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank

Engine -- Verified

An engine coolant leak may develop from the expansion tank resulting in engine overheating. When a cooling system component fails the entire cooling system should be inspected. It is not uncommon to find additional component have failed or are leaking.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and have your vehicle towed to a rep...

Water Pump May Develop Coolant Leak

Engine -- Verified

The low coolant light may illuminate and/or the engine may overheat as a result of a coolant leak from the water pump. The leaking pump will require replacement and the entire cooling system should be inspected for leaks as it is not uncommon to find multiple leaks on higher mileage vehicles.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available locati...

BMW Z3 Recalls (Recent)

BMW Z3 Recall 99V272000

Drive Train, December 10, 1999

Summary: 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.

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BMW 740i Recall 97V131000

Drive Train, October 30, 1997

Summary: 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 SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.

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BMW Z3 Recall 98V275000

Electrical & Lights, November 30, 1998

Summary: 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.

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BMW Z3 Questions and Answers

tpmpe, 1996 BMW Z3, Long Branch, NJ

Engine light on sometimes,

Visitor, 1996 BMW Z3, Middleboro, MA

I had the cam sensor replaced and was told to do a drive cycle and the codes would clear.I drove 2000 miles and they never cleared.The service light is not on,just not ready codes when they do emis...

Visitor, 1996 BMW Z3, Conowingo, MD

bmw 1996 z3 owner manuals...where can I buy one? I'm not spending $100 for one either...thats crazy

Glenn Clarke, 1996 BMW Z3, Playa Del Rey, CA

The turn signal & Hazard lights have failed on my 1996 BMW Z3. Is it a relatively easy DIY fix? And, if so how do go about doing it myself?

Visitor, 1996 BMW Z3, Lansing, MI

I have a squealing and scraping noise coming from the back of my BMW Z3. What could this be?

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BMW Z3 Stories

love this car, steel grey metalic. very sweet looking, driver seat leather worn a little. not too practical for my husband since knee replacement, now have grandchildren, so need more room.

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Bought the car used in 2005 with 39000 miles. Read the owners manual and stayed with that maintenance program. Now have 62000 on it. I love the car it's a 3 liter Roadster & will perform when you ask it.

I have had a few problems but more with dealership crapy repair of a problem. The driver seat stop moving forward with wiring that moved around, passenger side seat belt holder broke in 3rd year, water leak around windows and alarm system to name just a few. My other major complaint is the oil they require you to use. After about 5,000 miles I'm having to add more oil on a regular bases because the engine uses up the castrol oil. It has been that way since I bought the car new. Only have a problem with this brand of oil. But I must say overall I love the car.

Overall great vehicle. I purchased new and have over 203,000 miles on vehicle. All maintenance done on time as suggested. Only recurring problems are with a/c, I am on my 3rd one. First one obtained a hole after I hit a bird that bounced up off the road, obviously my fault, but second one at a cost of $1,300 was defective and now the third one after not quite two years is not working eiher. Other recurring issue is gas cap needs replacing approximately every two to three years.

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