Differential Unit problems of the 1999 BMW Z3

Very well known failure, just search for "BMW Z3 subframe failure". It is a design flaw by BMW that affects a lot of Z3's through all model years. Mine started to pop one weld at 88k miles. It can cause the rear alignment to be off, in worst case the trunk floor is torn out and the differential falls to the ground. Clunking from the back while shifting in the first two gears is one indicator this damage is not far away. . Read more...

The rear differential housing is separating from the subframe of the car, under or near the trunk area. This is a well documented issue with the Z3 series of vehicles. This could be a safety hazard while operating the vehicle if the read differential separates from the subframe, and could cause a hazard to other motorist. This appears to be due to a design flaw. The frame was designed for a 1. 9l engine, and BMW did not redesign the subframe to allow for the larger engines it later sold in the Z3 series of cars. BMW also had this same issue on 3xx series of vehicles, and agreed to repair those cars due to a class action law suite settlement. BMW should be held accountable for the design issue, and acknowledge the safety hazard.

I have subframe damage, in the trunk it's most visible with the carpet out, I can see the spot welds have popped, cracked, broke free, whatever. Thus can cause a massive risk to as if anymore pop the differential could possible tear next the bracket that holds it up.

The contact owns a 1999 BMW Z3. The contact stated that the vehicle was increasingly hard to control and the vehicle was taken to a local repair facility for an alignment. The mechanic advised the contact that the rear differential had failed and was causing the wheels to fracture from the sub frame. The mechanic also advised the contact of the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 99v272000 (power train: driveline: differential unit). The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed and the contact was awaiting diagnosis and repairs. The failure and current mileage was 105,000.

I purchased my car from rose imports in vallejo, CA. On 08-22-2006. Approximately 1 month later, I started to hear a noise from the rear. I would hear it occasionally. On 10-10-2006, I was driving home on I-80 and as I was driving, suddenly I hear a loud "pop". I pull over and did a visual check but found nothing I could see so I continued to drive home and heard metal sounds coming from the back. The next day while driving to work, I continued to hear the sound and when I returned home, me and a friend lifted the car and that's when I discovered the snap or break in the differential support bracket. It has completely separated from the differential. The dealer where I purchased the car told me good luck. They're not going to do anything since it passed their safety inspection. I called my local BMW dealer and spoke to the service dept. And they told me it was nothing they can or will do because it's 86k miles and out of warranty. Now I'm stuck with a car I just purchased and have a major bill 2 months later.

The vehicle was parked when the driver noticed that the differential was hanging from underneath the vehicle. The driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The mechanic informed the driver that the rear trunk sub frame needed replacement and welding.

I own a 1999 BMW Z3 2. 3 roadster. The differential mount has torn away from the underbody of the car where it was welded when designed. This is the third complaint about this particular defect on this website but there are several more on bimmerfest. Com. BMW na should be made aware of this design flaw and forced to do a recall on all cars they made with this flaw. I will seek all necessary legal action to hold them accountable. You don't pay $40,000 for a car they claim as the best car on the road to have a major safety issue like this exist.

The differential mount on my 1999 BMW Z3 coupe 2. 8 has cracked. Should this mount fail completely, I fear that serious harm may come to another driver, passenger or myself.