Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your BMW Z3
BMW Z3 Models:
BMW Z3 Problems
Burning Smell or Oil Drips on the Ground Due to Engine Oil Leak
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.
Loss of Power Steering Fluid Due to Leaking Hoses
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.
Coolant Leak From Radiator
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
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
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
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.
Learn more »BMW Z3 Recall 97V131000
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.
Learn more »BMW Z3 Recall 98V275000
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.
Learn more »BMW Z3 Questions and Answers
Engine light on sometimes,
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...
bmw 1996 z3 owner manuals...where can I buy one? I'm not spending $100 for one either...thats crazy
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?
I have a squealing and scraping noise coming from the back of my BMW Z3. What could this be?
BMW Z3 Reviews
Bought new in 1996. Had to have heater repaired a few times. Tranny fixed immediately (a few weeks) after purchased. No problems since. Window motors went out. Need to replace. Replaced top twice. Door armrests both have pulled loose.
Leaks oil so need to replace some gaskets. Clutch still good. 125K miles. No other major issues. Still roles smoothly. Some minor issues with cracked plastic, some flooring plastic trim pulled loose, and such.
Most irritating thing is the squaky plastic they used to hold the top. That's been bugging me for years but no clear way to get up under the top and see what is the issue. Top drips at front corners where corrects to front window. I put some silicon and it lessened greatly.
One key is worn and only works when inserted one way. Had to disconnect ABS one time. On board "computer" still works. Replaced the radio (tape deck). Busted the plastic compartment between the seats and behind them. Will remote it.
Dad had roll bars installed. The sales agent told us the car had "pop up rollbars. They come up when the car leans more than 15 or maybe 30 degrees". Heh, I was young and foolish. Plus no kids so money to burn. LOL.
Overall, good car. Oh yeah, had to have it repainted fairly early. Seen several with paint clouding issue.
Oh yeah, really bad about fishtailing. Watch that on ice and wet streets. So, probably not a good car for a teenager. I had a few close calls but no wrecks. And can say it handles well on a dark night with a dead cow in the road on a back country road when you are going 70MPH. BTW, the speedometer is off like 5MPH. I guess you think you are going faster than you really are. Always been like that.
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.