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1996 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9 5MT

The 1996 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9 5MT is a 138-hp 1.9-liter convertible with a 5-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $28,750 MSRP and is rated at 23 mpg combined.

It makes 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 133 lb-ft of torque at 4300 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway (23 mpg combined).

The Z3 Roadster measures 158.5 inches long on a 96.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,690 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeConvertible
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$28,750 ($59,552 *)
MSRP with Destination$29,320 ($60,733 *)
Destination Charge$570
Engine
Engine TypeM44B19
Displacement1.9 L
Horsepower138 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque133 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual (Getrag 250 / ZF S5-31)
Fuel Economy
City23 MPG
Highway31 MPG
Combined23 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tank Capacity13.5 gal
Suspension
Turning Diameter32.8 ft
Dimensions & Weight
Length158.5 in
Width66.6 in
Height50.7 in
Wheelbase96.3 in
Curb Weight2,690 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37.6 in
Shoulder Room Front51.7 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1996 BMW Z3. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Mar 23, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

NHTSA campaign 06E026000

Aug 19, 1997 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.

NHTSA campaign 97V131000

30 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1996 BMW Z3

Owner Complaints

30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 BMW Z3 (4 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags9
Seat Belts5
Seats5
Power Train4
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Fuel System2
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
May 28, 2018 · Seats
“DRIVER SEAT SLIDING BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING IN MOTION”
Apr 25, 2017 · Seats Fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BMW Z3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT HEATER BURNED A HOLE IN THE LEATHER SEAT AND ALSO BURNED…”
Oct 25, 2014 · Air Bags, Seats, Fuel/Propulsion System
“DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS MOVE FORWARD/BACKWARDS DURING ACCELERATION AND BREAKING AT ANY SPEED, GAS GAUGE READS EMPTY ON FULL TANK OR FLUXES ON DASH AND AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON FOR 3-5 MIN. AT A TIME…”
Jul 15, 2013 · Air Bags, Seat Belts
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BMW Z3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT COULD NOT BE UNLATCHED WHEN THE DRIVER WOULD DEPRESS OR…”
Aug 29, 2011 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BMW Z3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN EXHAUST FUMES AND A RATTLING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE CATALIC CONVERTER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT EROSION IN…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1996 BMW Z3. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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