1997 BMW M3 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 11%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 2 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 BMW M3, 11% 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“Rear shock mount tower tore from body of car, bolts and all. No modification done to suspension, normal driving, no advance notice. No track driving. Bmw makes a replacement kit to remedy this weak body area. Bmw message boards have many similar M3's with this problem. At high speed would prove fatal.”
NHTSA complaint #754494, filed 2001-11Related service bulletins
- 10040853Jul 1, 2011Bmw: a grinding noise is coming from the differential during slow cornering. When turning a slip/stick effect is created on the lining and steel discs incorporated in the…
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 BMW M3
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSteering
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 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