Bmw Z3 Roadster 2001

Model Z3 Roadster made in 2001 by Bmw got 20 consumer complains as well as 12 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to air bags and electrical system. Technical service bulletines regarding electrical system and engine and engine cooling. The car has 2 modeles with engines 2.5 and 3.0.

Model 2001

Engine [L]CylindersTransmissionDriveEstimate MPG (city/highway/combined)Unadjusted MPG (city/highway/combined)FuelFuel costClassRelease date
2.5 6Manual, 5 gearsR20/27/2322,1000/34,9000/26,4684Premium1011TWO SEATERS
2.5 6Semiautomatic, 5 gearsR19/26/2221,3701/33,5440/25,5414Premium1058TWO SEATERS
3.0 6Manual, 5 gearsR21/28/2423,3000/36,4523/27,8164Premium970TWO SEATERS
3.0 6Semiautomatic, 5 gearsR19/25/2120,7065/32,5370/24,7573Premium1107TWO SEATERS

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
00050008/01/2000614340Subject regarding z3 preliminary edition etm - 2001 model year. *tt10/06/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SI B12 12 1006/01/201010037702Ready06/03/2011
SI B12 12 1006/01/201010037702Bmw: when at lower speeds or stopping the engine idle dips too low because of a software problem. *rm06/03/2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
00020007/01/2001000200621535Subject regarding new vehicle preparation and maintenance requirements. *tt09/25/2001
00020010/01/2000000200618601Subject regarding new vehicle preparation and maintenance requirements. *tt04/17/2001
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SIB-63-02-0108/01/201010037025Ready04/27/2011
SIB-63-02-0108/01/201010037025Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty. *rm04/27/2011
STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
65050107/01/2001622274Subject regarding dwa alarm coding procedure. *tt10/16/2001
STEERING - ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
SIB-32-04-0706/01/201010036979Bmw: a new technical process has been created for bmw to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models. *rm04/25/2011
SIB-32-04-0706/01/201010036979Ready04/25/2011
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
SIB-32-04-0706/01/201010036979Ready04/25/2011
SIB-32-04-0706/01/201010036979Bmw: a new technical process has been created for bmw to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models. *rm04/25/2011

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
AIR BAGS - SIDE/WINDOW
08/20/2008680001
 I own a 2001 bmw z3 3.0i roadster that spontaneously deployed its driver's side door airbag when i shut off the ignition in the driveway, resulting in a large bruise and burn on my left arm. the airbag warning light had come on a few days earlier, but the owner's manual did not indicate any hazard of spontaneous deployment, and i had not yet gotten the car in to the dealer for diagnosis. the car has not been modified in any way and is otherwise in excellent condition. the car remains in my driveway and has not been driven, examined, diagnosed, or repaired since the malfunction. i have called bmw customer relations regarding the matter. they seemed rather unconcerned. i told them it is not my intention to sue, and likewise i will not let them cover up this problem. rather, i want their engineers to test-bench my car to pinpoint the source of the malfunction and to issue a recall if appropriate. i further expect them to fix the problem, replacing all suspect parts, at no cost to me. they said they will pass along my concerns to their corporate office in new jersey and that i will receive a call by next tuesday. i'm not impressed with their level of concern. *tr
185001
 Vehicle drove over a large chunk of concrete while driving about 25 mph when the side air bag on passenger's side deployed. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
06/19/2012120000
 I am driving as normal and then the car begins to have problems shifting and the transmission indicator light comes on. the owners manual tell you to pull over and shift the car into park and then apply the parking brake and turn the car off and then back on. it seems to temporarily correct the problem but it still occurs on days when the air temp. is high. i have had the car on the diagnostic a number of times with no cure. as far as i know there are no recalls on the transmission or ecu. but this could be a major problem at high speeds on the highway or in city traffic if the car stalls or locks up bmw 2001 z3 2.5i (steptronic shifting)
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
05/15/2009101000
 2001 bmw z3 3.0l. the abs/dsc system malfunctions. while driving at varying speeds the brakes engage on their own, causing the right front brake to apply and pull the car to the right. this has happened at various speeds on several occasions. it is incredibly dangerous since it could cause a driver to loose control. the activation of the brakes happens while driver's foot is on accelerator, no where near the brake pedal. after this occurs the brake and abs lights display on the instrument panel. this disappears when the car is turned off and then back on, however, the condition happens again. there is no road issues that would cause this. it happens while driving straight or on a curve. there is no reason for it to happen. it is dangerous!
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
02/16/200763745111/15/2003
 After leaving my vehicle overnight, i started my vehicle with an ambient air temperature of 9 degrees fahrenheit. i proceeded to let my vehicle warm while i cleaned off the snow. i then got into my vehicle and proceeded to drive to my destination. while driving i began to loose engine power, and my service engine soon light came on. i had to pull to the side of the road where i parked my car. i shut my car down and after trying to restart my car it would not start. upon having the vehicle towed to the dealer the failed part is a crankcase vent valve. the part is known to fail in cold weather. and i have to have other parts replaced such as dipstick, spark plugs, and seals due to the damage caused by this part. *jb
POWER TRAIN
06/19/2012120000
 I am driving as normal and then the car begins to have problems shifting and the transmission indicator light comes on. the owners manual tell you to pull over and shift the car into park and then apply the parking brake and turn the car off and then back on. it seems to temporarily correct the problem but it still occurs on days when the air temp. is high. i have had the car on the diagnostic a number of times with no cure. as far as i know there are no recalls on the transmission or ecu. but this could be a major problem at high speeds on the highway or in city traffic if the car stalls or locks up bmw 2001 z3 2.5i (steptronic shifting)
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
07/08/20053500906/30/2001
 On june 3,2005, i had new brakes & tires put on my 2001 z-3 bmw roadster by hendricks bmw of hickory,nc. on july 8,2005 while decending mountain rd in cherokee,nc, my clutch locked-up and i was unable to drive the car. i had the car towed to hendrick's where they claim i needed a new clutch for $875.00. there is only 35,000 miles on my car and i feel the bmw center didn't check the brake fluid when my brakes were replaced and that caused the clutch to lock-up. i would like you to investigate if any other z3 owners have had to replace their clutch before 36,000 miles as i almost lost my life going down hill last friday.
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
08/26/200310501007/30/2003
 I have a 2003 bmw z4 with sequential manual gearbox. the car automatically shifts into neutral without any warning. this is very dangerous when you are trying to merge into traffic. i was almost in an accident because i stepped on the gas and the car didn't move. the car is supposed to shift into 1st gear automatically when stopping but then it shifts to neutral without touching the shift knob and it does so whenever it decides to do it. this is a situation that needs to be addressed immediately and bmw states there is no recalls on it or service bulletins. i know of at least five others with the same problem as well from a website roadfly.org. please check this sit for more info under smg problems. *nlm
SUSPENSION
05/19/201278500
 I am the original owner of this auto. i noticed a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle on deceleration. upon inspecting the car, i found that the rear sub frame was almost broker in half. this is the part the holds the entire rear suspension for the car. from research i'm finding out that this is a common problem with z-3 bmw's in what appears to be a flaw in their engineering. i was very shocked to see the damage and that if i would have continued to drive the car, very shortly the part would have failed, wiping out the whole rear suspension. i am amazed that this was not a recall item or that i was not even notified that this was a potential issue so that i could monitor this and catch it before a major failure.

Car dealers selling


StateCityZipNamePhone
NCHICKORY28603HENDRICK MOTORS800-277-5640
PAPERKASIE18944EIMPORTS4LESS AUTO SALES INC.215-249-9100