BMW Z3 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 8,057 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Total Tests (2024)
8,057
Avg Mileage
87,787 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1998 BMW Z3 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 26 years old, 77% of BMW Z3s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 8,057 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 87,787 miles.
How does the 1998 BMW Z3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 BMW Z3 has 87,787 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a BMW Z3?
The most reliable year is the 2002 model with a 83% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 75%. The 1998 sits between the two at 77%.
How much does a 1998 BMW Z3 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW Z3 by Year
Checking a specific BMW Z3?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 BMW Z3
The 1998 BMW Z3 is a premium performance with a 2800cc petrol engine. 8,057 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 87,787 miles at 26 years old, BMW Z3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1998 BMW Z3 Fuel Costs
The 2800cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 BMW Z3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW Z3 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW Z3s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 BMW Z3
At 26 years old, the BMW Z3 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2002 model has the highest pass rate at 83%. With 8,057 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 1998 BMW Z3
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-10%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+1%) from 7,815 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2000) 82% pass rate (+5%) from 3,688 tests
- MERCEDES C (1999) 82% pass rate (+5%) from 2,683 tests