Model year guide

1997 BMW Z3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 BMW Z3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8 on record.

1997 BMW Z3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 BMW Z3 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints49
Typical price$4,144

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1997 BMW Z3 recalls 2

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

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 SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: 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.

Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA Campaign #97V131000 · 19/08/1997

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, …

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1997 BMW Z3 common problems

Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

What's a 1997 BMW Z3 worth?

Low
$2,200
Typical price
$4,144
High
$8,900

From 8 comparable 1997 BMW Z3 listings.

1997 BMW Z3 trims & engines on record

Trims
1.9 · 2.8

1997 BMW Z3 vehicles on record

1997 BMW Z3 1997 BMW Z3 1.94USCH7322VLE01113 1997 BMW Z3 1997 BMW Z3 2.84USCJ3325VLC01307 1997 BMW Z3 1997 BMW Z3 1.94USCH7328VLB80455 1997 BMW Z3 1997 BMW Z3 1.94USCH7327VLB80592 1997 BMW Z3 1.94USCH7324VLE02621 1997 BMW Z3 1997 BMW Z3 1.94USCH732XVLB84457 1997 BMW Z3 2.84USCJ3328VLC01737 1997 BMW Z3 1.94USCH7325VLB84009

Other BMW Z3 model years

2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996

1997 BMW Z3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 BMW Z3 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1997 BMW Z3. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 BMW Z3?

Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, seats, suspension.

How much is a 1997 BMW Z3 worth?

Comparable 1997 BMW Z3 listings run roughly $2,200–$8,900, typically around $4,144 (from 8 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.