MYRModel Year Report

1997 BMW Z3

○ Not enough data
1997 BMW Z3
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:48:51.053Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW Z3 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1996: 30 complaints 1996 1997: 47 complaints 1997 1998: 30 complaints 1998 1999: 39 complaints 2000: 34 complaints 2000 2001: 19 complaints 2002: 6 complaints 2002 2003: 2 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2004
1997: 47 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199630
199747
199830
199939
200034
200119
20026
20032
20040

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SEATS 23%

23% of complaints: seats — 11 distinct reports on file.

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. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20140204

AIR BAGS 21%

21% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 1997 BMW Z3 Roadster.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230324

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. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20041123

SEAT BELTS 9%

9% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.

SEAT BELTS 6%

6% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 6%

6% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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, 19981002

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19971030 — vehicle speed control

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 ENVI

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 TH

Campaign 97V131000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20060403 — exterior lighting

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 S

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.

Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 BMW Z3 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seats issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 97V131000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 seats, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 BMW Z3 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.