1997 BMW M3 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 16%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 BMW M3, 16% of the 19 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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 2001-11Related recalls
- 99V063001Nov 15, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles are built with a side air bag system consisting of door-mounted thorax air bags (rear door air bags…Covers: BMW M3 1997–1999
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 7 | 54% |
| 2012 | 4 | 67% |
| 2011 | 6 | 19% |
| 2010 | 8 | 53% |
| 2009 | 8 | 18% |
| 2008 | 9 | 11% |
| 2006 | 9 | 64% |
| 2005 | 4 | 33% |
| 2004 | 9 | 29% |
| 2003 | 15 | 28% |
| 2002 | 7 | 18% |
| 2001 | 1 | 7% |
| 1999 | 5 | 45% |
| 1998 | 2 | 14% |
| 1997 | 3 | 16% |
| 1995 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1997 BMW M3
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 BMW M3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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