Body Problems of BMW Z3

Rear subframe suspension weld bolt crack from the body subframe, can observe on the truck of the car the fracture weld bolds. Critical, because it hold on site the differential and rear drives components.

See all problems of the 2000 BMW Z3 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 1998 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...

See all problems of the 1999 BMW Z3 🔎.

Rear subframe / trunk floor / differential mount failure.

I purchased car 6-4-12 after driving the car I noticed a squeak and a clunking noise coming from trunk, after removing trunk lining the spot welds [4] were broke loose in trunk floor from cross member where rear end is supported. . I took the car to dealer where car was bought hoping the dealer had a service bullition on car I was told they would repair car at my exspence I asked if that was an engineered repair or just a temporary repair there response was its the first time it had ever happened. . After searching the internet I found it was not the first time welds had come loose in the sub frame and if not repaired would cause major damage and possable control issues. This car is in excellent shape no rust issues at all was always garaged never driven in winter I beleave the subframe and rear axle mounting is under designed for this car. ## VIN passed ## BMW Z3m roadster 2000 ##.

I heard a creaking from the rear of my car, I put it on jacks to check it out. To my surprise I found extensive damage to the floor pan mainly around the differential mount. The car is undrivable. , but yet BMW will not take full responsibility for the matter. I see it as a safety issue as if I did not check it and continued to drive the cracks and tears in the body metal that exist could have continued even further and led to an accident or worse. I was estimated at a whopping 5200 dollars which BMW said they would only pay 3000 of. I believe it is a manufacturer defect, so it should be paid in fully by the company, but they will not stand up the their fault. I have at this time no choice but to drive the vehicle in its current state, there are cases of similar subframe problems popping up all over forums online. Enthusiasts of the Z3 will recognize this issue if they tediously and carefully inspect their cars, however the average person who just buys their car and drives it around has absolutely no idea of the problem at hand and the possible safety issue that it may lead up to if not taken care of properly.

On 24jun2011, I swerved from a parallel lane to avoid being sideswiped. No contact was made between vehicles. However, I noticed a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehile has a manual transmission. I took the vehicle to an auto body repair shop. After examining the vehicle they told me that: the flange/bracket that held the differential in place had a complete hair-line fracture; and, that a substantial number of spot welds holding the body on to the frame had failed. I made contact with the local BMW dealership mcgrath BMW, ocated in westmont, IL and told them of the incident. They stated that they did not undertake body repairs and directed me to a firm which did all types of body and structural repairs and was accredited by BMW. I was given an estimate for the repair of between $5,000-$6,000, and was told that there was no program offered by BMW to share in the cost of the flange/bracket and body repair. I went back to my local body shop and told them to estimate the cost and I also reported the problem to my auto insurance (state farm). An adjuster from state farm reviewed the failures and stated that the condition was one of a problem in manufacture and not covered by my auto insurance. My body shop then gave me an estimate of a not to exceed figure of approximately $2,500. I told them to undertake the repair. The flange/bracket has been replaced and reinforced and the body and frame have since been rewelded at a total cost to me of $1600. Additionally, I spent an additional $100 for a alignment (firestone of countryside, IL) the local body shop is douglas auto body, 4015 eberly avenue, brookfield, IL (708) 485-7774 - they are a body and structural repair shop approved by state farm insurance. This vehicle has been used by me as a street vehicle and not for racing or track use of any kind. The failures seem to be a mfg. Design flaw.

1999 Z3 m coupe differential mount trunk floor support failure. . Read more...

I have 1999 BMW Z3 hatchback "coupe" , after getting a loud shuter in the rear of my car, I investigated the area and found that my body is tearing away from the frame of the car in the drivers rear side of the car. Also the single rear differential mount also has a tear inthe metal that eequals to one and half inch on the mount consisting that 33% of the mount has failed and is getting worse. Also the tearing frothe interior is all the was though the car allowing exaust fumes into the cabin of the car.

The battery compartment fills with water when to rains and does not empty. This problem also causes rust and moisture in the trunk.