Menu

1998 BMW Z3 RoadsterProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 19 owner complaints about the 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster, most often about the structure. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints192 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage75kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 17, 2017. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster has problems

19 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure70
Air bags30
Seats20
Tires20
Power train20
Suspension20
Electronic stability control11
Fuel system, gasoline10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

0 recalls

1998 BMW Z3 Roadster recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other Z3 Roadster year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Z3 Roadster median. How we score

'98'00'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Z3 Roadster owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT FILLS WITH WATER WHEN TO RAINS AND DOES NOT EMPTY. THIS PROBLEM ALSO CAUSES RUST AND MOISTURE IN THE TRUNK.
Complaint 10955460 · Feb 18, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW Z3M ROADSTER. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 25 MPH WHEN THE REAR FRAME OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE FRAME METAL WAS EXTREMELY WEAK AND CAUSED THE FRAME TO DROP AND THE REAR AXLE TO FRACTURE…
Complaint 10397393 · Apr 25, 2011 · 50,000 miles
1998 Z3 SUBFRAME FAILURE. I'M WORRIED MY DIFFERENTIAL OR REAR END WILL FAIL DURING DRIVING AND BMW REFUSES TO FIX IT. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR EVERYONE ON THE ROAD. BMW HAS INSPECTED MY CAR, ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM, AND BLAMED THE FAILURE ON THE MODIFICATIONS I MADE TO THE CAR, HOWEVER, THE…
Complaint 10372319 · Dec 24, 2010 · 90,000 miles

Own a 1998 Z3 Roadster?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.