1997 BMW M3: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern visibility; the 1995 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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. The problem has been going on since purchase of the vehicle in august 2004. When the contact called the manufacturer,they said that it is the way they are designed. There are other year, make, and models that have the same issue. The contact feels that it is a manufacturer's design flaw. The contact states that it impairs the visibility of the driver.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 2004
“Rear shock mount tower tore from body of car, bolts and all. No modification done to suspension, normal driving, no advance notice. No track driving. Bmw makes a replacement kit to remedy this weak body area. Bmw message boards have many similar m3's with this problem. At high speed would prove fatal.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2001
“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. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“While attempting to make a turn traveling 10mph consumers heard a loud noise from the rear. Upon inspection of vehicle consumer found tire was bent. Dealer was contacted, and found that wheel mount tore away from frame. Dealer will not repair free of charge due to the fact that was not covered under warranty. Please provide further details.*ak”Owner report · Wheels · Jul 2001
“Consumers purchased a new set of bridgestone potenza tires (25540r17, dot ej0xjea030), several hours later one of the new tires experienced a blowout due to a torn bead which caused the the car to loose control, spin three times and slide off into the median, none of the occupants were injured, dealer refused consumers request for compensation (attorney for client). Nlm”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2000
“The right rear tire blewout while driving causing the driver to loose control of the vehicle and and caused the vehicle to spin around 3 times, this blowout caused extensive damage to the under carriage and front bumper, this tire was 5 hours old, the second incident involved the right rear tire which had a bubble and blewout while turning a corner, this tire was 6 months old (bridgestone potenza re730, 245/40zr17bw). Nlm”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2000
“Fuel hose clamps fittings and components failing - manufacturer issued a 95-97 model recall in japan but not in the us. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2000
“While driving in downtown traffic went around vehicle, and at that point the throttle was stuck wide open . Vehicle lunched out of control. Put it into park, shut the engine off, restarted and still the throttle was stuck wide open. Contacted the dealer, found the problem and replaced the part. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 1999
“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. Within 5 seconds, the vehicle went out of control and crashed.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 1998
“Air conditioning system has failed several times resulting in a burning smell, a mist coming from the a/c vents and a loud noise. Nlm”Owner report · Equipment · Jun 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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 SENSOR AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, LEFT AND RIGHT SATELLITE IMPACT SENSORS, AND ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS SYSTEM IS UNDULY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE CENTRAL COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE THAT REGULATES THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.
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 ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.
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 THE BUSHING.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1997 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact M3 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 BMW M3 reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 BMW M3. The most complained-about area is visibility.
Does the 1997 BMW M3 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:side/window. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.