1997 BMW Z3 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 2%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 BMW Z3, 2% of the 47 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“After vehicle was vacuumed it would not start; the vehicle was pushed to the side and the driver turned the key again to start it, and a puff of smoke came from the steering column. The driver quickly tried to turn the key to the off position,then the lights dimmed. The key became immovable in the start position, and smoke began to pour from all the vents. Stunned, the driver opened the door to run from the vehicle, but the air bag deployed and knocked the driver unconscious. The driver was pulled from the vehicle and revived in time to get the negative battery terminal disconnected. …”
NHTSA complaint #780655, filed 1998-10Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 BMW Z3
15 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 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 27, 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