CarRecallWatchThe 1997 BMW Z3 has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA, including 4 crashes, 2 fires, 6 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (16 reports).
1Recalls
47Owner complaints
4Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Z3?
1997 BMW Z3 recalls
Most common 1997 BMW Z3 problems
Problem areas named in the 47 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 16 |
| Seats | 14 |
| Seat Belts | 11 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 6 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Structure | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 |
What owners report
The contact owned a 1997 BMW Z3 Roadster. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was a multi-car rear-end accident involving two other vehicles after she fell asleep at the wheel and rear-ended the vehicle in front of her. The contact stated that no other passengers were in her vehicle; however, only the driver's side air bag had failed to deploy. The contact required hospitalization and was in a coma. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and later auctioned. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed the VIN was not included in an air bag recall. The approximate failure mileage was 199,000. The VIN was not available.
VEHICLE JERKS, SHUTTERS AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. REAR SUB FRAME AND DIFFERENTIAL BUSHING FAILURE.
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
UPON STARTING THE CAR THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TWO TIME IT COST APPROXIMATELY $350 TO REPAIR. FOR THIS TO HAPPEN A THIRD TIME IS INDICATIVE OF A DESIGN FAULT.
I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED NORMALLY. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL (5 SPEED TRANS.) TO ALLOW IT TO WARM-UP FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES WHILE I CHECKED MY VOICE MAIL ON MY PHONE. AS I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND LOOKED OUT THE WINDSHIELD TO PULL OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE, I SAW DENSE WHITE SMOKE ROLLING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I LOOKED AT THE DASH FOR ANY WARNING OR INDICATOR LIGHTS; THERE WERE NONE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE CAR OFF, POPPED THE HOOD, AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. I WANTED TO WAIT UNTIL THE SMOKE WAS NO LONGER ROLLING OUT BEFORE ACTUALLY OPENING THE HOOD, AS I WAS AFRAID OF INTRODUCING A RUSH OF AIR IF SOMETHING WAS ON FIRE. AS THE SMOKE RAPIDLY INCREASED A
1997 BMW Z3 questions
Does the 1997 BMW Z3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1997 BMW Z3: Vehicle Speed Control. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 BMW Z3?
Based on 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (16), Seats (14), Seat Belts (11).
How do I check if a recall on my 1997 BMW Z3 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.