The 1999 BMW Z3 is a two-seat sports car that came with a choice of 2.5L 6-cyl and 2.8L 6-cyl engines. At 27 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Two Seaters |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.5L 6-cyl, 2.8L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 17 city / 24–25 highway / 19–20 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,350–$3,550 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 444–468 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 6 configurations: Z3 Coupe, Z3 Roadster |
| Age | 27 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 1999 BMW Z3. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
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.
Risk: The bolt or bolts could loosen leading to noise from the differential and if a bolt were to completely work loose from its mount, lockup of the rear axle could occur.
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.
Risk: If this occured while the engine was running, the engine could stop. Also, if the vehicle were being operated at night, the lighting system could shut off, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 1999 BMW Z3 with NHTSA. Owners reported 2 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 11 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1999 BMW Z3. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
BMW: when at lower speeds or stopping the engine idle dips too low because of a software problem. *rm
Experiencing a buzzing or rattling noise heard coming from engine compartment. *tt
Subject regarding short circuit causing various instrument cluster faults. *tt
Information regarding the dsc iii test cable. *tt
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 1999 Z3s that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1999 BMW Z3; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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