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BMW M3Model year report

1997 BMW M3 Problems

Complaints
19filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
—no mileage reported
Recalls
2campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
21 mpgcombined, 3.2L 6-cyl RWD · 18 city / 26 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 BMW M3 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 1997 BMW M3. The part named most often is tires, with 4 complaints (21% of the total), followed by visibility (4) and air bags (3). Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year.

This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Tires: “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”

NHTSA complaint #556461, filed 2000-10

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “The brakes grind and squeal when the consumer is attempting to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, the vehicle does not stop immediately instead it slides a few feet before coming to a full stop, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, the dealer stated that the complaint was resolved and that there were no other problems but the problem reoccurs. Nlm”

NHTSA complaint #559939, filed 2001-02

Air bags: “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.”

NHTSA complaint #899680, filed 2001-11

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

19971998199920002001820022005
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1997 BMW M3 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
M3 RWD3.2L 6-cyl5-speed manual182621$3,900
M3 RWD3.2L 6-cyl5-speed automatic172620$4,100

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1997 BMW M3 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.

Other model years of the BMW M3

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2018910,7500—20—Not enough data
2016520,0003—20—Not enough data
20131324,0002—16—Not enough data
2012624,6003—16—Not enough data
20113143,3004—160 · FewerFalling
20101556,0004—16—Rising
2009454,0005—1650 · TypicalFalling
20088215,0005—1660 · TypicalRising
20061475,0005—17—Not enough data
20051285,0003—17—Not enough data
20043177,9943—17Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20035470,7505—17Not compared (before 2008)Rising
20024077,5005—17Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20011454,0004—17—Not enough data
19991161,8001—20—Not enough data
19981471,5001—21—Not enough data
199719—2—21—Stable
19951244,4224—20—Not enough data

All BMW M3 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 BMW M3 have?

NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 1997 BMW M3 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1997 BMW M3 is reported most often?

Tires is named most often, in 4 complaints (21% of the total), followed by visibility with 4.

Has the 1997 BMW M3 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1997 BMW M3 get?

The EPA rates the 1997 BMW M3 (M3, 3.2L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.