1998 BMW Z3 Roadster review from UK and Ireland
"Great Fun - beware minor niggles though"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Problems between 22000 and 40000 miles:
Power Hood failed
Drivers seat became loose on mountings.
ABS warning light comes on - usually when traveling at constant motorway speed. Stays lit for anything between 1 and 14 days then goes out again. Dealer can find no fault.
Problems in the last 5000 miles (wait for it)
Alarm failed - would not disable, had to drive around with siren going every five minutes and hazards flashing. Keys reprogrammed by dealer, fault reappeared three weeks later. New control unit required = £350.
CAT / Exhaust failed - should last for 12 years! Warrantied for 4 years, failed after 4.5 (typical!). Replacement cost £1349 from dealer (not had it fixed yet - not required until MOT!)
Fuel Gauge keeps flicking between full and empty when the tank is full.
Temperature gauge on trip computer keeps telling me it is -3.0 oC when it is at least 20 oC outside!
Bits of trim starting to fall off interior of car
General comments?
Was thrilled to bits when I got the car, but the last year has been a let down with lots of niggly faults - and at less than 5 years old and 45000 miles it is not what I expect from a quality German car.
Love driving it, but it is not great for long motorway journeys. If you can afford it, make one your second car for summer days!
All the niggles are small - it has never failed to start or left me stranded, but I will not buy BMW again.
Currently looking to change it.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 22000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 46000 miles |
| Previous car | Vauxhall Calibra |
| Date of Entry | 1st June, 2003 |