1997 BMW 3 Series Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 20%of 5 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 BMW 3 Series, 20% of the 5 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,200 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“It is common knowledge through car clubs, parts suppliers and the mechanics providing repairs that the electronic climate control unit often fails completely or becomes intermittent in operation. When it fails there is no controls or chance of changing functions. This allows the condition to exist that the vehicle operator can not select the windshield defroster function and possibly impairing the drivers ability to view through the windshield. I have two cars of this build type and they both have this problem. The mechanics repair bills often amounts to an excess of $400 per repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10112786, filed 2005-03, 61,200 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 8% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 8 | 4% |
| 2005 | 2 | 8% |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 4 | 5% |
| 1997 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1997 BMW 3 Series
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology