VIN Vehicle Report

1998 BMW Z3

WBACH71050LA39730

Vehicle record for the 1998 BMW Z3 (VIN WBACH71050LA39730). Blue, convertible, gasoline. 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.

1 recall campaign → Gasoline
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No photo of this model yet1998 BMW Z3 · Blue on the registration record

We show a representative photo when one is available for this make, model and year.

Full vehicle history report

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Everything below is in the paid report for VIN WBACH71050LA39730, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 1 recall campaign for this model year are shown free further down.

Title & Salvage Check · $4.99 Full report · $9.95 (everything)

📜 Title & ownership

  • Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)
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  • Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means
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  • Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace
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  • Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign
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🛞 Odometer

  • Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline
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  • Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards
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  • Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average
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💥 Damage, loss & theft

  • Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date
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  • Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags
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  • Theft screenActive and recovered theft records
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  • Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)
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  • Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane
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💰 Liens & value

  • Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records
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  • Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition
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  • DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection
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  • Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid
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🧰 Factory warranty & equipment

  • Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer
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  • Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in
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🚨 Recalls on this VIN

  • Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time
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History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.

At a glance

ColorBlue
Recall campaigns1

Vehicle identity & specifications

Make
BMW
Model
Z3
Year
1998
Body style
Convertible
Vehicle type
Passenger car
Displacement
1.9 L
Fuel type
Gasoline
Country of origin
Germany

🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1998 BMW Z3 data →

📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)

🏭 Manufacturing & other

sourceua_mvs
Registration regionunknown
Last operation date2025-12-20
Last operation254 - НАЛЕЖНИЙ КОРИСТУВАЧ. РЕЄСТРАЦІЯ
PurposeZahalnyy
Engine cc1895
Own weight kg1275
Total weight kg1450

Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.

What's a 1998 BMW Z3 worth?

What comparable 1998 BMW Z3 vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.

Low
$3,900
Typical price
$7,057
High
$12,750

Most 1998 BMW Z3 listings fall between $3,900 and $12,750, from 13 comparable cars.

Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.

Exact-VIN valuations are part of the history report, available for US-titled vehicles.

Dimensions & weight

Length
158.7 in
Width
66.5 in
Height
50.8 in
Wheelbase
96.5 in
Curb weight
2,723–2,877 lb
Front track
55.5 in
Rear track
55.9–58.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 BMW Z3 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 21

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 21.

BMW: WHEN AT LOWER SPEEDS OR STOPPING THE ENGINE IDLE DIPS TOO LOW BECAUSE OF A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. *RM

Bulletin SI B12 12 10 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2010

SUBJECT REGARDING SHORT CIRCUIT CAUSING VARIOUS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAULTS. *TT

Bulletin 620300 · Electrical System · Jun 2000

EXPERIENCING A BUZZING OR RATTLING NOISE HEARD COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TT

Bulletin 110500 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2000

CONSUMER COMPLAINTS REGARDING COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE FLUCTUATES (IN AND OUT OF RED ZONE) AND / OR HEATER OUTPUT TOO LOW. **MR

Bulletin 110300 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2000

CONDITIONS WITH FUEL GAUGE READING 1/4 WHEN TANK IS FULL. *TT

Bulletin 620199 · Fuel System, Other · Jun 1999

CONCERNS WITH FUEL GAUGE READING 1/4 WHEN TANK IS FULL. *TT

Bulletin 160199 · Fuel System, Other · Jun 1999

CONCERNS WITH FUEL GAUGE READING 1/4 WHEN TANK IS FULL. *TT

Bulletin 620199 · Fuel System, Other · May 1999

SUBJECT ON FUEL GAUGE READING 1/4 WHEN TAK IS FULL. *TT

Bulletin 160199 · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 1999

INFORMATION REGARDING VOLUNTARY EMISSION RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 99E-A01. *TT

Bulletin 121099 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1999

PROCEDURES ON INSTALLING I-BUS WIRE FOR THE CD CHANGER. *TT

Bulletin 651698 · Equipment · Feb 1999

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the Z3. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the BMW Z3

The BMW Z3 is a range of two-seater sports cars which was produced from 1995 to 2002. The body styles of the range are:2-door roadster 2-door coupé

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

Safety recall campaigns 1

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.

These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

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Common problems & what to inspect

Based on all 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 BMW Z3, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.

💥 2 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 2 reported injuries

Seats 8 reports

🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Electrical System 7 reports

🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Suspension 4 reports

🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Power Train 4 reports

🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Air Bags 3 reports

🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Seat Belts 3 reports

🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

Pre-purchase checklist

Owner complaints 33

Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1998 BMW Z3.

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

The BMW E36 Z3 1996-2002 (I have the 1998 1.9) are prone to having a separation of the Rear subframe from the differential causing the drivetrain to hang off the vehicle and/or rip out of the trunk's weak aluminum sheet subframe. BMW Germany has acknowledged the problem for a few individuals over the past decade and a half and kept it on the low for them to…

NHTSA ODI #11461944

SEATS

SEATS MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATES OR DECELERATES, ITS A KNOWN ISSUE OF DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT THAT SHOULD NOT FALL ON THE CONSUMER FOR REPAIR

NHTSA ODI #11257526

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE

I HAVE A 1998 Z3 M ROADSTER AND THE TRUNK WELDS HOLDING THE SUBFRAME IS FAILING. THIS IS A COMMONLY DOCUMENTED ISSUES. BMW DEALERS ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE BUT BMW NORTH AMERICA WILL NOT FIX IT. THIS IS A WELDING/MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT CAN LEAD TO THE DIFFERENTIAL AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS IN THE REAR TO COMPLETELY SEPARATE.

NHTSA ODI #11165993

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

I PURCHASED A USED 1998 BMW Z3 WITH THE 1.9 LITER ENGINE ON 10/14/2010 WITH 90564 MILES. IN MID NOVEMBER I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHICH WAS SERVICED. THE MECHANIC INFORMS ME THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH Z3'S ALONG WITH OTHER MODEL BMW'S WITH THE WAY THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS ATTACHED. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE FLEXING IN THE SHEET METAL…

NHTSA ODI #10415652

SEATS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW Z3. DURING ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTOR RAIL FAILED. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE SEAT MOVED BACK AND FORTH WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDAT…

NHTSA ODI #10285850

SEATS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW Z3. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY RATE OF SPEED, THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOVES BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #10197346

SEATS

MARCH 2007 DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND UPON STOPPING AT RED LIGHT SEAT JOLTS FORWARD CAUSING FOOT TO SLIP OFF OF BRAKE AND NEARLY CAUSING ACCIDENT. THIS HAPPENS CONSTANTLY NOW ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT OF 1998 BMW Z-3. UPON TAKING CAR TO SHOP AFTER SHOP AND DEALER I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST $470.00 A SEAT TO FIX. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS PART WAS DETERMI…

NHTSA ODI #10197347

SEATS

WHILE BRAKING AND SPEEDING THE DRIVER'S SEAT LURCHED FORWARD/BACKWARDS ON THE SEAT TRACKS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10115415

+ 25 more complaints on record.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?

No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.

Is the VIN WBACH71050LA39730 valid?

WBACH71050LA39730 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in Germany. It decodes to the 1998 BMW Z3.

Are there safety recalls on the 1998 BMW Z3?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1998 BMW Z3 model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What is a fair price for a 1998 BMW Z3?

Comparable 1998 BMW Z3 listings run roughly $3,900–$12,750, typically around $7,057 (from 13 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.

Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.