1999 BMW Z3 BMW Z3 1999

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1999 BMW Z3 repairs by problem area

Engine (27%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (0%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (13%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (27%)

Other (10%)

Chart based on 30 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 1999 BMW Z3.

1999 BMW Z3 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (7%)

$500 - $999 (19%)

$100 - $499 (48%)

< $100 (26%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 27 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

1999 BMW Z3

Engine not specified

BMW in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2011 - Mar 2013
Mar 2012

53000 mi

US $200
The intake boot from the air cleaner had a hidden crack and was letting "false air" into the engine screwing up emissions readings. I failed my emissions test. 
Jul 2012

54000 mi
Paint on wheel is peeling. 
Aug 2012

54500 mi

US $200
Paintwork on the peeling wheel finally replaced 
BMW in California, United States
Jun 2013 - Jun 2014
May 2014

81000 mi

US $250
leak traced to valve cover/gasket - R&R 
BMW in Virginia, United States
Jun 2012 - Jun 2014
Dec 2013

63000 mi

US $260
Left tie-rod end at steering rack was moving nearly an inch in the bearing. 
BMW in Great Britain
Jun 2013 - Jun 2014
Nov 2013

49300 mi

£200
tracking out replaced front kerbside suspension wishbone to bring back into line 
Jun 2014

50000 mi
Rust bottom trailing edge on rear wing both sides + bubble on nearside rear of sill one side. 
BMW in New Hampshire, United States
Jun 2013 - Jun 2014
Oct 2013

100700 mi

US $300
Replaced bad rear shocks with Bilstein (also added the reinforcement plates and new mounts). This is a normal maintenance item. the old rears were banging loudly on any road imperfection. Nice and quiet and smooth now. 
BMW in California, United States
Feb 2013 - Jun 2014
Aug 2013

204300 mi

US $120
Light switch malfunction. Couldn't turn on any vehicle lights. 
BMW in California, United States
Aug 2015 - Aug 2015
Aug 2015 Manufacturer defect resulting in complete subframe failure due to weak factory welds. Common in 3 series and Z3 series cars 

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1999 BMW Z3 2-door

6-cylinder manual 2WD

BMW in Virginia, United States
Oct 2012 - Jun 2018
Jul 2017

61854 mi

US $1005
replaced malfunctioning abs hydraulic control unit 
BMW in California, United States
Jun 2011 - Dec 2011
Sep 2011

150000 mi

US $10
replaced right passenger seat adjustment knob (broke off myself)  
Dec 2011

151000 mi

US $10
needs windows lubricated and new roundels (150 for lubrication at dealer or $20 lube and a few hours of my time, roundels are $27 each x 4. haven't done it yet, will do when i get to it) needs seat bushings fixed (800 at dealer or $5 in parts and a few hours of my time) airbag light on 
BMW in Oklahoma, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2018
Feb 2014

88300 mi

US $138
Window regulator on drivers side failed. Window "popped" when going up. Ordered part and replaced. 
BMW in North Carolina, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2012
Oct 2011

32000 mi

US $800
re-charged AC, replaced battery, inspection one service (oil, filter, fluids, etc) 
BMW in California, United States
Jun 2011 - Jan 2022
Sep 2011

122000 mi

US $30
Seat motor bushings wear out, allowing seat travel when braking or cornering. Aftermarket replacement can be user-installed. Repaired passenger side. Driver side OK for now. 
Mar 2012

127000 mi

US $100
Blown brake light fuse led to finding major break in wiring harness where it enters the coupe rear hatch. Brake lights restored but don't have rear wiper, defroster, 3rd brake light. Known coupe issue & will require some moderate rewiring. 
Jun 2012

130000 mi

US $200
valve cover gasket, belts 
Sep 2012

134000 mi

US $200
Gasket leak where oil filter housing enters block. Have to remove a lot of things to address it. 
Mar 2013

138000 mi

US $25
Plastic interior hood release cracked. Replaced with aluminum aftermarket model. 
Feb 2014

145000 mi

US $25
Power steering leak. Attributed to worn reservoir seal/o-ring. Replaced with OEM part from ebay. 
Feb 2018

178000 mi

US $500
Window regulator 
Jul 2021

207000 mi

US $1150
ignition coils and spark plugs 
Dec 2021

210000 mi

US $576
radiator core and expansion tank 
BMW in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2011 - Apr 2014
Jun 2012

91000 mi

US $850
Microfracture in radiator that was initially misdiagnosed as only a broken temperature gauge 
Sep 2013

97000 mi

US $750
The rubber seals between the windows and convertible top shrunk over time and allowed water into the car during heavy rains. 
BMW in North Carolina, United States
Mar 2011 - Jul 2012
Apr 2012

112000 mi

US $277
Car started fine from home. 10 Minute drive to the bank and then wouldn't restart. All systems dead. No warning like slow crank. Wouldn't jump off a running vehicle. All electrical still dead. Battery was replaced and all systems back. 
Jul 2012

139000 mi

US $250
Water pump leak. Replaced water pump, thermostat and housing with upgraded parts. 

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1999 BMW Z3 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 1999 BMW Z3 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.