Most common 2000 BMW Z3 Roadster problems
Share of the 17 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW Z3 Roadster complaints by model year
Best Z3 Roadster years: 2001. Compare all years →
What 2000 BMW Z3 Roadster owners say
Body & structure
While on a trip I noticed an odd knocking noise from the left rear of vehicle during accelleration while in 1st gear. Upon further inspection I found the car's sub frame in the area supporting the rear differential mount fractured and breaking away from the vehicle. The noise was due to the emergency brake cable that had popped out of its retention clip, due to the physical movement of the supporting material around it. If this had not happened, I would not have noticed the failure until the mount had broken away entirely. Since this mounts the rear axle of the vehicle, it is possible for this to fail at high speed causing loss of control of the vehicle with a high potential of accident and/or injury. I am having this repaired immediately before driving the vehicle any further. …
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 bulletin on car I was told they would repair car at my expense 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 possible control issues. This car is in excellent shape no rust issues at all was always garaged never driven in winter I believe the subframe and rear axle mounting is under designed for this car.
Air bags
The SRS air bag warning keeps coming on. I had the opportunity to have it looked at the BMW plant in south carolina where the car was manufactured. A technician from the factory investigated the problem, reported that nothing was wrong and that it was just a malfunction. He reset the SRS air bag warning light. The next day it came on again. The dealer can rest it again, but it just keeps happening. I am concerned that the airbag May not operate during an accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 BMW Z3 Roadster. The contact stated that while traveling 55 MPH, the front driver's side air bag erroneously deployed. The contact sustained burns, bruising, and hair loss as a result. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 82,754.
Suspension
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 claimed to be undrivable by BMW, but yet they 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, I am a college student who doesnt have the largest income around so picking 2000 or more dollars out of nowhere is quite impossible. …
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 bulletin on car I was told they would repair car at my expense 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 possible control issues. This car is in excellent shape no rust issues at all was always garaged never driven in winter I believe the subframe and rear axle mounting is under designed for this car.
2000 BMW Z3 Roadster engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 BMW Z3 Roadster a good car?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 Z3 Roadster rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Z3 Roadster at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2000 BMW Z3 Roadster?
The body & structure — 8 complaints, 47% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frame and members. Next are the air bags (4) and suspension (3).
How many recalls does the 2000 BMW Z3 Roadster have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2000 BMW Z3 Roadster. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW Z3 Roadster?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001. See the full BMW Z3 Roadster years comparison.
At what mileage do 2000 BMW Z3 Roadster problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 62,000 miles; 31% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.