2001 bmw z3. consumer writes in regards to several vehicle problems and unsatisfactory customer service from dealership. *smd the consumer stated he purchased the vehicle on ebay. when the vehicle was arrived and then evaluated, he was informed the tires were over 10 years old, several lights were inoperable, both fog light and left parking and turning lights did not work. there was a crack in the dashboard, the seat belt guide on the driver's seat was broken, the seats slid forward when stopping which caused him, to unexpectedly step on the accelerator the rear window was scratched and faded to zero visibility, the main speaker was blown. in addition, a manifold hose required replacement due to a leak, the keys had to be reprogrammed to unlock the doors and trunk. *jb the dashboard was cracked, the rear brakes failed updated 04/15/15*jb
The seat motor did not work, dealer replaced the motor. *jb
This defect was not caused by an accident, however the potential danger to the passengers in the vehicle is an open question. the driver's seat in my 2001 z3 rocks back and forth when accellerating, coming to a stop or even when merely shifting my weight on my right leg when moving my right foot from accellerator to brake. i have notified both my dealer, bmw cleveland, and bmw north america of the problem. the dealer initially denied that a problem existed then, after getting bmw north america's customer service involved, admitted the problem and attempted to fix the problem. however, by october of 2002 the problem has returned. the dealer has now upon a later visit stated nothing can be done. i am once again in contact with bmw north america who denies that i have a problem and denies being aware that this problem is a pervasive design defect among z3's. i have located and forwarded to bmw north america documentation that loose seats are in fact a pervasive problem among z3's. that countless owners have reported this problem to their dealers and that other owners have communicated the existence of this problem to bmw north america representatives. i have also directed bmw to an internet forum where at least 70 other owners have corroborated that they have the same problem. in addition, one of the owners on that website has engineered nylon bushings in an attempt to remedy this problem. he has reported to me that he has distributed bushings to approximately 150 z3 owners. however, to date, bmw north america has not responded to my most recent allegations and supporting documentation. dt
All interior and exterior lights dim in brightness unexpectedly when air conditioning system cycles. dealership has examined vehicle and informed consumer this it is an inherent problem with vehicle, and there is nothing that can be done to remedy the problem, on last visit dealer replaced alternator, consumer and dealer working out trade-in deal.*ak *tt consumer states while driving, engine idle starts going up and down, and vehicle also loses power when the a/c is on, dealer stated this is normal reaction of the voltage regulator to the sudded increase in electrical load. right side seat switch is loose and gets stuck, dealer replaced seat switch. consumer hears a squeaking/popping noise at rear of drivers door or convertible top near drivers shoulder area. *slc