1997 BMW E46
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 4 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 3 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 6 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 18 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Structure
1 of 4 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
I own a 2000 BMW 323I and about a month ago I had started to notice a faint squeaking sound from the rear when my car was moving, the squeaking progressively got worse and worse until the sound was so severe that it could be heard even with all the...
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-01-03
Seats
1 of 4 total reports mentions: seats.
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing catalytic convertor.
Show complaint excerpts
On 1/31/07 I took my car to have the nc inspection done. I was given at that time a recall for my vehicle on the catalytic converter. I was told to call the dealership and give them my VIN number to verify.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-02-21
Air bags
1 of 4 total reports mentions: air bags, most commonly citing side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
On Wednesday September 20, 2006 I was driving down the interstate at about 70-75 MPH when my side airbag on the driver side deployed for no reason. I have a 1997 BMW 528I with approximately 230K miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-09-22
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2006-05-10Exterior lighting06E040000 Certain e speed racing combination lamps sold as replacement equipment for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors…
Remedy: E speed racing will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began May 10, 2006. Owners may contact e speed racing 909-923-3636.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 BMW E46 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
- Seats: 1 report on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E040000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 1997 BMW E46 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 BMW E46?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 BMW E46 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.