1998 BMW Z3: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 BMW Z3?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 BMW Z3 than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)1.9× usual
  BMW Z3

  8.7% All 1998 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 4.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Airbag warning light3.6× usual
  BMW Z3

  3.6% All 1998 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.8% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Suspension arm1.8× usual
  BMW Z3

  4.9% All 1998 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes1.9× usual
  BMW Z3

  4.1% All 1998 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 1998 BMW Z3 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 BMW Z3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  37% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  34% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  19% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 BMW Z3

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1998 BMW Z3 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 1998 BMW Z3 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 1998 BMW Z3 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?