NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 6 owner complaints for the 2002 BMW Z3. Most complaints involve air bags (2) and steering (2). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“AIR BAG FAULT LIGHT IS COMING IN AND OUT ON THE VEHICLE DISPLAY”
“2002BMW Z3. THE ABS/DSC SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40MPH. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ENGAGES AND ABRUPTLY FORCES THE CAR TO PULL HARD RIGHT. THE ABS LIGHTS ON THE DISPLAY PANEL. NO BUMPS OR BAD ROAD CONDITIONS WERE EXPERIENCED PRIOR TO OR AT THE TIME THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURS. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE ENDANGERING NOT ONLY THE DRIVER, BUT ALL VEHICLE DRIVERS IN PROXIMITY.”
“WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON THE LEFT BLINKERS STARTS BLINKING RAPIDLY AND IS VERY DIM SO NOT REALLY VISIBLE. WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE OFF IT OPERATES NORMALLY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN STATIONARY AND WHEN MOVING. I HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF SAME PROBLEMS REPORTED ON BMW FORUMS LIKE FOLLOWS: HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=537810://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=537810”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z3 Coupe Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| Z3 Roadster Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| Z3 Coupe Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| Z3 Roadster Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| Z3 Roadster Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| Z3 Roadster Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (2), steering (2), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 BMW Z3 at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).