BMW Z3: which year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year
Of 5 model years of the BMW Z3 on record, 1997 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about air bags). It also has the most recall campaigns (2). 2000 has the most complaints mentioning a crash, a fire or an injury (10).
How to read this
Each row counts what official sources have on record for that model year: recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many of those complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability. Fewer complaints can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, so open the year before you decide. 🇺🇸 Local data
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury | Most reported | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 6 | 0 | AIR BAGS | 21 MPG |
| 2001 | 1 | 19 | 0 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 21 MPG |
| 2000 | 1 | 32 | 10 | AIR BAGS | 19 MPG |
| 1997 | 2 | 40 | 6 | AIR BAGS | — |
| 1996 | 2 | 30 | 5 | AIR BAGS | — |
Recalls: NHTSA campaigns only, so a defect also recalled in Canada is not counted twice. Stars: NHTSA overall rating. Fuel economy: EPA.
All years of the BMW Z3Questions
- Which BMW Z3 year has the most complaints?
- Of 5 model years of the BMW Z3 on record, 1997 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about air bags).
- Which BMW Z3 year has the most recalls?
- 1997 has the most recall campaigns (2).
- How is this comparison made?
- We count, for each model year, the recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability: raw counts also depend on how many cars were sold and how old they are.