Model year guide

1998 BMW Z3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 BMW Z3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 13 on record.

1998 BMW Z3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 BMW Z3 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints33
Typical price$7,057

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1998 BMW Z3 recalls 1

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1998 BMW Z3 common problems

Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
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.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

What's a 1998 BMW Z3 worth?

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

From 13 comparable 1998 BMW Z3 listings.

1998 BMW Z3 trims & engines on record

Trims
2.8 · 1.9 · Z3 M
Engines
3.2L 6-cyl 240 hp

1998 BMW Z3 vehicles on record

1998 BMW Z3 1998 BMW Z3 2.84USCJ3332WLG20676 1998 BMW Z3 1998 BMW Z3 2.84USCJ3324WLC11554 1998 BMW Z3 1998 BMW Z3 1.94USCH7329WLE07931 1998 BMW Z3 1998 BMW Z3 2.84USCJ3331WLC15053 1998 BMW Z3 1998 BMW Z3 1.94USCH7328WLD15709 1998 BMW Z3 1998 BMW Z3 2.84USCJ3331WLC14646 1998 BMW Z3 1998 BMW Z3 1.94USCH7339WLD16604 1998 BMW Z3 1998 BMW Z3 1.94USCH7321WLD15101 1998 BMW Z3 1998 BMW Z3 Z3 MWBSCK9338WLC85275 1998 BMW Z3 1998 BMW Z3 1.94USCH7324WLE05794 1998 BMW Z3 1998 BMW Z3 2.84USCJ3329WLC10321 1998 BMW Z3 1998 BMW Z3 1.94USCH7327WLE07233 1998 BMW Z3 1998 BMW Z3 2.84USCJ3326WLC12592

Other BMW Z3 model years

2002 2001 2000 1999 1997 1996

1998 BMW Z3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 BMW Z3 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1998 BMW Z3. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 BMW Z3?

Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are seats, suspension, power train.

How much is a 1998 BMW Z3 worth?

Comparable 1998 BMW Z3 listings run roughly $3,900–$12,750, typically around $7,057 (from 13 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.