MYRModel Year Report

1997 BMW E46

○ Not enough data
1997 BMW E46
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:23:29.421Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW E46 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 6 complaints 1996: 1 complaints 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaints 2000: 18 complaints 2000 2001: 0 complaints 2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 1 complaints 2004: 4 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2005
1997: 4 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19902
19910
19920
19933
19943
19956
19961
19974
19980
19991
200018
20010
20022
20031
20044
20050

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.

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, 20070103

SEATS

1 of 4 total reports mentions: seats.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

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, 20070221

AIR BAGS

1 of 4 total reports mentions: air bags.

INJURY
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, 20060922

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20060510 — exterior lighting

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 FAIL

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.

Campaign 06E040000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 BMW E46 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seats issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E040000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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:frame and members, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.