Top Ten Problems: BMW Z3!

Today we look at the top 10 problems on the BMW Z3. I think you'll see that the Z3 has some quirks and issues that need to be addressed; but at the end of the day, it's still a great car! Please comment and tell me what I've left out. Below are some links mentioned in the video:
3D Printed Cup Holders:
www.bmwcupholder.com/
Terri's Video:
• BMW Z3 Major Problems!
Please send me pics and descriptions of your cars for Zed of the Week! Send a few high quality jpegs (landscape/16:9 format) and a brief description (year, engine, transmission, work done, etc.) as well as where you're from (and your name!) to:
[e-mail]
Also the address for any other reason to contact me- look forward to hearing from you!

[@MomentofZed]

Appreciate all the comments below! As soon as I published, I thought about the rear subframe weld issues. Have to admit as a "low-torque" 1.9 owner, it's not top of mind. Still should have included it!

[@Anonymous-sb9rr]

A lot of old German cars don't even have cup holders. Germans view eating and drinking as a driving distraction, something you shouldn't do while driving.

[@MomentofZed]

I get that. But, gotta have the coffee on my way to work.

[@Anonymous-sb9rr]

@@MomentofZed I have breakfast on my way to work. I don't judge.

[@guitariste47]

Get your coffee at home....

[@Wiperrinm1]

The guy I bought my z from was a a bit of an eccentric, he 3D printed a cup holder that slots in the centre console

[@draufganger620]

Grew up in Germany. Live in states now. I've come to fully embraced the drive and slurp your big gulp and stuff your face with fries on the open road mentality of the US

[@jimmyk6336]

One of the most annoying problems has to be the seat bushings. Luckily for most of us we have convertibles, I couldn't imagine how much harder the job would be if a coupe... Great video Mark, keep up the good work!!!

[@MomentofZed]

Very true! Thank you!

[@rx7driver1]

‘I’m not saying if you don’t own one already that you’re a loser…’ 🤣🤣🤣

[@MomentofZed]

Hope I didn't sound like a jerk!

[@rx7driver1]

@@MomentofZed if i didn’t own one I might have been a tiny bit offended. Instead, I just busted out laughing 😬🤣

[@The1DUIGuy]

Sometimes the truth hurts… 🤷‍♂️

[@MomentofZed]

@@The1DUIGuy Often!

[@reneehaas9438]

1st time I've pulled up to valet and the head valet said the cute blue convertible.

[@CTSpook6]

On the seatbelt guide problem, I've come up with a very nice, easy, inexpensive, functional and beautiful fix, KZbin video coming. 😀

[@MomentofZed]

Sounds good! I have one on a separate vid as well.

[@ManuelFresh100]

Love your enthusiasm! Thats one clean Z3

[@MomentofZed]

Thanks! Appreciate it!

[@bartoszuczak5730]

Great video! I have fixed some of the problems mentioned in my Z. It feels like the "to repair" list never gets shorter for my Z3... I'd also mention problems with rust - this is obviously age related bu there are areas in Z3's that have been really badly protected from the rust

[@MomentofZed]

Good point- as a Florida guy I don't even think about it- but I do know for folks up north and in Europe, it's an issue. Shows how far I've strayed from my rust belt roots! I know the interior rocker panels have problems specifically.

[@CoolcatTerri]

Great video Mark! All important things to know and fix for all Z3 owners.

[@MomentofZed]

Thanks and hope your fan didn't hurt you too much!

[@CoolcatTerri]

@@MomentofZed I've already been ordering parts. Had to return the water pump I ordered cuz the one they gave me looked like a really poorly done refurbishment instead of a brand new part that they advertised. So I bought a different one through a different company to ensure good quality. Should have everything this week and into next week. Hopefully be making some videos on the process soon.

[@MomentofZed]

@@CoolcatTerri Sorry to hear it's not smooth. I'll be copying you again eventually, but I need to do the pump, belts, fan, hoses, and front main seal all together if I'm going to take everything apart.

[@CoolcatTerri]

@@MomentofZed Yeah that's what I want to do. All together would be nice but I need to break it into different videos which makes it harder. I'm going to have to spend more time to segment it so people can just pick the video they need.

[@DAVEXR2007]

Very informative and well presented. Thanks 👍🏾

[@MomentofZed]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@markstclair6426]

Great video as usual. I recently tackled the aerial grommet but didn’t want to do it by taking out the power roof equipment or aerial component. I did from the top. Lots of masking tape to protect the paintwork and then VERY carefully cut away the rubber being careful to not cut the nylon core where the metal thread is. Then as advised on another posts, I squirted silicon on the nylon core piece, put the new grommet in boiling water (not just hot water) and in it went. So easy it shocked me.

[@MomentofZed]

Sounds smart! Appreciate that. You guys are motivating me to do it.

[@wsurferdude]

I use a rear window cover, made for the Z3, placed on the window before folding. It prevents scuffing. It works quite well. Found it on Amazon years ago. 98 Z3 M Roadster S52

[@MomentofZed]

Still available I think for around 50 bucks

[@dougweiss2368]

Anxiously waiting for your subwoofer fix video!

[@MomentofZed]

Maybe soon? I just broke the top cover accidently 🙄

[@steveschwab922]

Great video Mark! Reminds me that I need to examine my DISA valve.

[@MomentofZed]

Mine needs done😐

[@martinvanherwijnen]

@@MomentofZed How does one know that it needs to be done?

[@MomentofZed]

@@martinvanherwijnen Listen for rattling noises emanating from the DISA. I heard mine stopping to open my garage door one day. If you have a six, there are inexpensive non-OEM available. You might feel a small power loss as well if it's bad. I need to do a video, haven't decided if I want to rebuild or drop the $450-500.

[@williammaya2010]

You should mention the rear Subframe/Trunkfloor Issue on 3.0l, M roadsters and sometimes 2.8l It was the reason I had to get rid of mine :(

[@MomentofZed]

Yep! See pinned comment at the top.

[@silverdude9]

Great video!!

[@MomentofZed]

Thanks for watching!

[@dauletramazanov4745]

Awesome video 👍I love my z3 anyway 😍hello from Kazakhstan 🇰🇿

[@MomentofZed]

Thank you so much! Wow, Kazakhstan! Love to have you on zed of the week if you can.

[@machomie]

Great video. I only have 47k on my '97 2.8 (bought in 2001) so only seat bushings, shift knob, and glove box sags a little on the right side so far. No sub-frame issues. Bass is weak on the sound system, but I didn't buy it to listen to music.

[@MomentofZed]

Sounds like a great car! Thanks for watching!

[@CoolcatsAlley]

Don't forget the annoying air bag light haha. Also in the major category the weak shock mounts and strut towers. Highly recommend installing rear shock braces and a strut brace for added support.

[@MomentofZed]

Yeah, definitely the air bag light was an oops on my part, funny because I dealt with it. Senior moment!

[@pepefrog7456]

hello was wondering if you had personally installed mods such as the rear shock braces and strut brace aforementioned. and if so what parts are compatible and where could i get them. having a bit of trouble in this area. and i would appreciate any info or help. thank you

[@MomentofZed]

@@pepefrog7456 waiting on the rear shock mounts, coming in August supposedly, then I will make a video. Have the shocks and reinforcements

[@andrewsmith5511]

Great video! Hate to bring it up but a Lesser known major problem is the differential mount separating from the chassis welds.

[@MomentofZed]

It's about half the thickness it should be

[@TooChEASY]

Great video! I will say give the z some credit for at least having cupholders tho lol

[@MomentofZed]

They do exist- have to admit I just contort and make do with them. But my commute is on a tranquil rural road, where a slight veer isn't typically a problem.

[@aliasmari]

Thank you very much , I have 1997 z3 1.9 , I love it soooooooo much , as you said it is the most beautiful car in the world ❤😍, I have problem with overheating, but I hope I fix it

[@MomentofZed]

Keep an eye on that water pump!

[@acumenautomotive2276]

Great video Mark...cooling system parts should be replaced after 100000km distance. Our 99 2l 6 had cooling system issures, replaced rad, w.p. and thermostat assembly plus antifreeze. Runs nice now...kind regards...William

[@MomentofZed]

Thanks! Gotta do mine! I'm on borrowed time.

[@alecjones7299]

I had a beautiful 2000 2.8. It was wonderful. However, I sold it and bought a Boxster and that was a step up lol

[@MomentofZed]

Never driven the boxster. Willing to try but I won't switch! 😉

[@cawse3429]

would you say a 2.8 was too much for the car? not sure whether to look at getting a 1.9 or a 2.8 z3

[@MomentofZed]

@cawse3429 the 1.9 is fun, but I often wish I had a little more power. Both are reliable. I'd go with the 2.8 given the choice.

[@AM-xf8mu]

This would be such a good series if you can do this with multiple cars, they can act as quick buying guide problems to loon out for

[@MomentofZed]

Never thought about that!

[@Slidinsidewayz2009]

You forgot to mention the OTHER plastic coolant fittings, at least on the 1.9, under the inlet manifold, and around the back of the head. Nasty failure points indeed.

[@MomentofZed]

Good points! Access problems both.

[@draufganger620]

I've 3D printed upgraded cup holders. If you have a printer, it's not too hard to find the STL files

[@MomentofZed]

Thank you!

[@bimerev]

Hi Mark , great video :;) , some of these I have to adress :)

[@MomentofZed]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@gilesgriffin9479]

Useful, thank you; but surely cupholders were never fitted at all - mine has none at all... defs have some of the other issues, but electrical issues are the bane... seats, hood, airbag light etc etc... and the leaking hood and the crap glovebox and and...

[@MomentofZed]

I should have included the airbag light at least! What is the hood issue? Just curious.

[@user-yf2tv2kx8t]

QUESTION ABOUT IMPELLOR AND DISA VALVE - I have an ‘01 3.0 inline 6 cylinder. Obviously way different than the engine you showed. Do I have those dangerous parts on mine? Or just other cheap plastic parts that could tank the motor? I’m no mechanic at all, so if there are specifics to mine I should have checked out, please let me know. I plan on viewing many more information videos. The leaking top rubber pieces is definitely the first I’ll tackle. Then the glove box repair very soon after. Those both looked doable, but both with huge value. I could drive it on a rainy day - finally!!! I have a big list of quirks with mine; only 3 matched your list. He’s a beautiful boy with 68k miles and gorgeous chrome rims. Light blue/tan top and interior. Automatic. Worst stereo system I’ve ever heard, ever. Multiple fluid drops. But I’ve rarely driven him without at least one compliment.

[@MomentofZed]

Just researching both things. You have a DISA valve. Yours is only $130; mine is 500 :( Near as I can tell, your original water pump has a plastic impeller. Replacement for yours is about the same $130 for a new OEM, which now uses a composite impeller. There are other options as well. Good luck!

[@bessiebynum-bryant1404]

Hello everyone. New owner of Z3. I have a white Z3 which I want to paint sienna. Share thoughts as to whether it will compromise resale value if I choose to sale some day or authenticity. Thanks in advance.

[@tankprice1951]

I got one that overheated and shut off now we cant get it to start back, any suggestions

[@tm5346]

Love it

[@MomentofZed]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimayers7461]

I have a 2000 Z3 M roadster E36. 90k miles. Can you make a video on how to clear the convertible top rain rail drain tubes, and the tubes in the doors? I'm getting water in the trunk, and inside near the doors.

[@MomentofZed]

I can try! Appreciate the suggestion

[@StuckOnAFireHydrant]

Are there adjustments for panel gaps on the z3? Since it's the clean title ones I've been looking at had inconsistent his gaps passenger vs driver side

[@MomentofZed]

Not that I'm aware of, but a weakness of mine is bodywork to be honest. Of course does clean title mean accident free also?

[@StuckOnAFireHydrant]

@@MomentofZed most of the time a clean title should unless the accident wasn't reported. I also saw a rebuilt title car where it looked pretty pristine, but a couple spots in the bumper were sticking out like they weren't clipped in. I might take a look at that one cause the price wasn't too bad for what it looked like to be honest. 5.8k. A bit much typing it out like this. Maybe I'll wait it out and see if any better deals come along.

[@MomentofZed]

@@StuckOnAFireHydrant Don't rush! They're out there.

[@ronniebrunson8283]

I have a 98 Z3 2.8 I had to change the radiator so I ended up losing some fluid and decided to change the fluid and the filter it may still be a little low but it runs great except it's slow down shifting into second and or first do you know anything about this

[@MomentofZed]

Automatic I assume?

[@fleenorandreap]

What to do about a bad abs pump on 98? Not pumping to right front brake

[@BiggCliph]

Z3’s are my favorite cars, despite the problems 🙂 I was thinking about tracking a 2.8 but I’ve heard from people that the rear suspension on Z3’s was subpar for tracking. What’s your take on that?

[@MomentofZed]

I think it can be improved. Rear shock mounts are a weak point but not hard nor expensive to change. I'm getting ready to buy a set and change out my rear shocks to Koni sports. Video soon.

[@sebastianstoian6233]

Same suspension geometry as an E30. Can be twitchy at the limit but nothing that cant be tuned correctly to be a fun, competent track toy.

[@wsurferdude]

Did the S52 engine have a DESA valve? Only seen it listed for M5X engines.

[@MomentofZed]

www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?737823-What-is-a-DISA-valve/page2 Apparently you don't have one, which is nice.

[@pedrofigueiredo64]

What about the sticky center of the driving wheel when its sunny and we are driving without roof ? ?

[@gilesgriffin9479]

Yip, that too... mine looks crap even in winter...

[@MomentofZed]

That's a new one to me- the material is deteriorating in the sun I assume, or just because of age.

[@GreenWitch1]

Oh! I just looked at the cup holders. They just say E30, E34, etc. which one do we have? We have the same model.

[@MomentofZed]

E36 www.bmwcupholder.com/collections/e36/products/e36-double-cup-holders

[@GreenWitch1]

@@MomentofZed Thanks Mark. Wouldn’t it be nice if they reversed it & put the cup holders in front?

[@MomentofZed]

@@GreenWitch1 Would have been!

[@northnorth1644]

Do you suggest z3 or Slk for less gas money and less expensive problems? Cause I don’t want to give 7k on a car an another 5k to fix it by the years

[@MomentofZed]

Ill admit ignorance! Not a Mercedes guy. I don't dislike them, but never owned one.

[@teslamx4lifeunedited887]

On my son's 1996 Z3. When he plugs a phone charger into the cigarette lighter it pops right back out. Just like it would do if using the lighter after it has heated up. Do you have a resolution for that?

[@MomentofZed]

Have to admit I dont, first ive heard of that. Have you tried other phone chargers to see if its the cord and not the car?

[@teslamx4lifeunedited887]

@@MomentofZed yes we tried two different chargers. The charger lights up then pops out. First thought it was the fuse blowing, but wasn't.

[@MomentofZed]

@@teslamx4lifeunedited887 thats weird, ive never used mine for anything to be honest. I feel like the socket must be worn out. Its probably replaceable. Access maybe from the shifter hole after removing the boot.

[@CommentingTheTruth]

Thinking about a 2000 Z3 with 137k miles. What are some things to watch for? Are parts for these cars out there and reasonably priced?

[@MomentofZed]

Parts are out there and prices vary. Oem tends to be expensive, but substitutes for many parts are available. Not too many unobtaniums. Watch out for trunk welds on M models especially (Google for details). See my latest video for the good things.

[@user-et1xy1pp5i]

Can I remove the passenger seat with seat in the forward position, seat won’t move, 2000 Z-3?? Thanks RG

[@MomentofZed]

If you can get to the front bolts, maybe. Might have to do it by feel. See details in my video about how to replace the seat bushings in the how to playlist. Could be tough.

[@user-et1xy1pp5i]

@@MomentofZed Okay, will give it a try Thanks. RG

[@MomentofZed]

@@user-et1xy1pp5i good luck. Disconnect the battery prior to seat electrical disconnects if you get it loose.

[@mattkiss3]

Do you by chance have a part number for the seat bushings? Mine is starting to develop a little give and slide and I want to get that fixed soon. Ps: just sent you an email with photos of my 98 M Roadster, hope you like it enough to feature it! thanks again, keep up the videos!

[@MomentofZed]

Should be 52107137499. Check out my video for more details. Look forward to featuring your M!

[@MomentofZed]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2XNgnSLZpeqnMUsi=eGo72Fo_evJP470a

[@dick6738]

Hi Mark, I have a 2001 Z3 Roadster with a battery drain. The battery only lasts a few days. I've replaced the battery three times, so I'm sure it's not the battery. It appears it could be the door sensors or dome light. The dome light works when it is permanently on but does not work when the doors open. I looked at the door sensors and they look worn out. How would I test the door sensors or dome light to determine which one is faulty? Love your videos. Thanks Dick

[@MomentofZed]

First thing I'd do is turn the dome light off and leave it off. Have you taken the car to one of the parts stores and had them run a diagnostic ? If not I'd do that next.

[@dick6738]

Good idea. I did turn the dome off but the battery still went dead.

[@MomentofZed]

@dick6738 check the trunk light as well. Ill research the door switches.

[@philclark6418]

Try pulling the radio fuse. That works for me.

[@lefteris696]

Did my antenna, and converted it to short with a new grommet, not really a difficult fix. You just have to push hard on the new grommet to fit it in the body, some lube helps.

[@MomentofZed]

Thank you for this. I'm tempted to do it for the video more than anything; i.e. I don't mind the long antenna, I'm not married to it either, and my grommet is fine. How's the reception with the shorty? People have made it sound very difficult to fit the new grommet.

[@lefteris696]

@@MomentofZed Haven't noticed any difficulties and sometimes I get radio even in my apartment's underground garage (of course not perfect signal underground). You will probably have to fight the grommet to fit it but there is no "technical" difficulty. I did it from outside unlike some people that do it from trunk

[@MomentofZed]

@@lefteris696 Thank you! Shorty antenna from Amazon?

[@jimmyk6336]

I had a problem getting my antenna grommet to seat all the way down as well and asked what would Macgyver do? I used a piece of 1/2" dia. schedule 40 pvc pipe about 8" inches long and the grommet easily pushed down. I asked myself why didn't I think of that sooner?

[@MomentofZed]

@@jimmyk6336 nice job. I think ol mac would be proud!

[@samcolonius2566]

Hey I have a 99 z3 and it’s making a arf arf arf noise like a seal but when I take the oil cap off it goes away, please help

[@MomentofZed]

Which engine?

[@kuchikirukia2464]

Not a mechanic, but I'd say CCV valve or you have bad piston rings pressurizing your crankcase.

[@niallbeattie7909]

I just bought my 1999 1.9 roadster and seems like it is running cold even after driving 200+ miles any ideas why it’s not up to temp?

[@MomentofZed]

Sounds like a thermostat stuck open.

[@niallbeattie7909]

@@MomentofZed thanks for that I’ll have a look at that tomorrow taking it round to unit to work some things out on it

[@jerrywebb4107]

Speaking of problems I have a 98 z3 windows are not working and I can't find the relay or maybe the right fuze location

[@MomentofZed]

Let me take a look at mine when I get home

[@reneehaas9438]

I wish I could find the roof cover thingy. For when it's down.

[@MomentofZed]

Which thingy?

[@reneehaas2533]

@@MomentofZed i think its called a boot cover. it covers up the roof when the roof is open

[@MomentofZed]

@@reneehaas2533 yep, i dont have one either.

[@GreenWitch1]

I haven’t experienced any of those issues. Mine have all been pretty major, very expensive issues 😢

[@MomentofZed]

Yes, I remember! Don't give up!

[@rzr2ffe325]

Like what?

[@GreenWitch1]

@@rzr2ffe325 Pretty much everything but the engine has been replaced.

[@limbogt747]

​@earthcandleco how much was all after the repairs?

[@GreenWitch1]

@@limbogt747 My repairs were done by a friend, so the labor was fairly inexpensive. I have a little over $2000 in parts. The car has been sold now & I got my investment back.

[@guitariste47]

Can you replace the water pump with a better one?

[@MomentofZed]

Absolutely! On my list for this year, check out coolcat Terri's channel as well, she did it last year.

[@reneehaas2533]

so i have the console bmw phone. god i wish i could get it to work. but found that phone cradle actually works as a cup holder. haaa. also my car has the heated seats and upper and lower storage compartments where your sub woofer is.

[@MomentofZed]

Very cool! You're better off without the subwoofer!

[@cora0928]

Any clue on my Z3 2001 draining the battery?

[@MomentofZed]

Could be many things. Look for a light that should be off but is on. Trunk is a possible culprit.

[@philclark6418]

I have a 2001 with the Harmon Kardon radio and even though it was working fine it would drain the battery. I pulled the radio fuse and that stopped the battery drain. Try it.

[@jondredge2584]

awesome the 007 car it’s perfect to me :-) very mainly car Fast and Furious made a mistake not using it.

[@MomentofZed]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@reneehaas9438]

That damn glovebox

[@jas2819]

Was considering getting one. Not now. MX 5 for me. 🤗🤗

[@MomentofZed]

I get that, but all of them have quirks. My non roadsters cars are mazdas and I'm very happy with them, they make quality cars though.

[@porkchop4604]

You should drive a 6cyl Z. After the miata, you WILL want one.

[@Scott-sb1xi]

I heard a BMW engineer say if you need a cup holder in your BMW, maybe your driving the wrong car.

[@MomentofZed]

Not a morning person apparently!

[@DrewM91105]

FYI: At 2;30, he finally gets to the problems. The rest is self-celebration.

[@MomentofZed]

Pretty sure i spent most of that time celebrating some of my viewers cars, but ok.

[@tm5346]

Do you know if your car was formally from Kentucky?

[@MomentofZed]

I don't. Its possible, I'm the sixth or seventh owner i think.

[@tm5346]

I pretty sure I own it

[@tm5346]

I'm didn't have 1 problem regular maintenance I Think 2008 I sold it

[@MomentofZed]

@@tm5346 interesting! Do you have a record of the VIN?

[@tm5346]

No it not mine had tan top it's not it

[@billhayden9590]

Isn't this car a copy of the Mazda Miata?

[@MomentofZed]

Inspired by, improved on

[@hans-joachim-klaus1087]

It is a BMW if you want to have coffee go into your living room ;)

[@c_wonder]

The hardest part is all the girls I been driving around. With gas prices these days, it’s been taking a toll on my wallet

[@MomentofZed]

Dangers of the zed!

[@user-ud9ml2qz7n]

Viele grũße aus Bremen !!

[@MomentofZed]

Danke!

[@rivaroci]

silicon oil is a great way to treat the plastics

[@MomentofZed]

Thank you! Have to take a look at that.

[@ScorpioIsland]

Solution for poor speakers: get an I6 car

[@tm5346]

Way too much work

[@MomentofZed]

Labor of love!

[@boabie1463]

Worst cup holder position on the planet. Lots of spilled coffee when you change gear😅

[@MomentofZed]

No doubt! And I've been excoriated by some viewers for drinking coffee in the car at all!