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EquipmentPart report

1997 BMW M3 Equipment 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 equipment of the 1997 BMW M3, 16% of the 19 complaints for this model year.

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.

“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

“While drivin air conditioning system malfuctioned, causing a loud noise and gray smoke to enter into vehicle through the vents fogging up the windows which may affect visibility, and could result in a crash. Happened 6 times. Dealer cannot determine the problem. Dealer replaced hoses/seals and etc. Please provide further information.”

NHTSA complaint #846337, filed 1999-09

Equipment: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200811%
200213%
1997316%

Other parts of the 1997 BMW M3

Tires
4 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints
Engine cooling
3 complaints
Steering
2 complaints
Suspension
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Fuel system
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints
Wheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 BMW M3

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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