1997 BMW M3
Only 19 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 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 19 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 12 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 40 |
| 2003 | 54 |
| 2004 | 31 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 82 |
| 2009 | 45 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Tires
4 of 19 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing bead.
Show complaint excerpts
Tires failed twice. In both cases the tires were worn through to the metal before stopping. Another case LED to an accident. In addition, felt softness in steering and vehicle began to slow down.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-08-15
Also filed under Steering
Visibility
4 of 19 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing motor and windshield.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt: when pulling into a stop the windshield wipers will slow down in the speed that they work. They will slow down to the delay, intermediate setting when the vehicle is stopped.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-10-12
Equipment
3 of 19 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner and radio/tape deck/cd etc..
Air bags
3 of 19 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle involved in a right frontal collision with another vehicle at approximately 40-45 MPH. Upon impact, both air bags did not deploy. Dealer/manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-11-29
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing exhaust system and belts and associated pulleys.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1997-10-30Vehicle speed control97V131000 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…
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…
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R
2000-02-07Air bags99V063001 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles are built with a side air bag system consisting of door-mounted thorax air bags (Rear door air bags are optional), a central electronic…
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the central computer control module that regulates the performance of all of the vehicle's occupant protection systems.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 BMW M3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Equipment: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V131000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 99V063001 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 BMW M3 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 M3?
- The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 BMW M3 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.