1997 BMW Z3
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
- Complaints
- 47
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
34% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 47 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 30 |
| 1997 | 47 |
| 1998 | 30 |
| 1999 | 39 |
| 2000 | 34 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
34% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 1997 BMW Z3 Roadster.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-03-24
The consumer was driving 65 MPH on i-95 when all of a sudden he lost control of the vehicle. The traction control feature on the vehicle failed to work. The consumer hit a guard rail and the air bags did not deploy. The consumer was injured.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-23
After vehicle was vacuumed it would not start; the vehicle was pushed to the side and the driver turned the key again to start it, and a puff of smoke came from the steering column.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-02
Also filed under Electrical system
Seats
30% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing recliner and seat heater/cooler.
Show complaint excerpts
The seat tracks of both the driver and passenger side of the vehicle allowed the seats to move at least 10MM forward and rearward under braking and acceleration. This movement causes a partial loss of control of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-02-04
Seat belts
23% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing anchorage and retractor.
Engine and engine cooling
11% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Structure
6% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and hood.
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
2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 BMW Z3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V131000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 1997 BMW Z3 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 Z3?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 BMW Z3 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.