1997 BMW Z3 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 32%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,423miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 BMW Z3, 32% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,423 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 1997 Bmw Z3 has the srs light constantly on, I get it fixed and it goes on again. I've done this like 3 times, now my mechanic is saying it's like 800 to fix. Rediculous! It'a definitely a safety issue, I'm not sue the system will work now.”
NHTSA complaint #10087000, filed 2004-08, 32,000 miles“Passenger got into front seat and adjusted it down and back with the power seat controls. Airbag light illuminated and has been on ever since. I checked for broken or damaged wiring but found nothing obvious. Bmw is recalling many of their new cars, but it seems their old ones exhibit the same failures.”
NHTSA complaint #10238068, filed 2008-08, 69,500 miles“Upon starting the car the air bag light came on and stayed on. This is the third time this has happened. The first two time it cost approximately $350 to repair. For this to happen a third time is indicative of a design fault.”
NHTSA complaint #10404652, filed 2011-05, 56,423 miles“Repeated problems with the car's airbag. The airbag light comes on and stays on. I had this problem before and I paid Bmw to fix it. They told me that it was something with the seatbelt. The light has come on again.”
NHTSA complaint #10061983, filed 2004-03“The contact owned a 1997 BMW Z3 Roadster. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was a multi-car rear-end accident involving two other vehicles after she fell asleep at the wheel and rear-ended the vehicle in front of her. The contact stated that no other passengers were in her vehicle; however, only the driver's side air bag had failed to deploy. The contact required hospitalization and was in a coma. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and later auctioned. …”
NHTSA complaint #11513678, filed 2023-03, 199,000 milesAir bags: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 BMW Z3
13 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 BMW Z3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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