1997 BMW M3 problems
Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 BMW M3. Tires is the most reported problem area, at 14% of complaints. After that come wipers, windshield & visibility (14%) and air bags (11%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 28 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Tires 14% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 4 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What the data shows
Safety-related details: 4 complaints mention a crash; 2 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1997 ranks 4th most-complained-about out of 7 model years of the BMW M3 with enough data (18 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 2 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
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.
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.