1997 BMW Z3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 6%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 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 BMW Z3, 6% of the 47 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.
“While driving, the air bag light illuminateed on the dashboard, the airbag sensor was replaced. . Consumer stated the seat belt tensioner and harness was causing the air bag light and engine light to come on, the hood sensor for the alarm was replaced, there was a faulty thermostat that caused damage to the radiator, the glove box was replaced and the seat came out of place when stopping.”
NHTSA complaint #8003673, filed 2002-02“6 month old and the head gasket blows up, warping the cylinders. Bmw was nasty to deal with, refused to provide details of problem so we refused to take back car. Service department hinted that this was known problem with 1.9l and that they would stop selling the engine (which they did).”
NHTSA complaint #714825, filed 1999-11Related service bulletins
- 10037702Jun 1, 2010Bmw: when at lower speeds or stopping the engine idle dips too low because of a software problem.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 BMW Z3
15 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsOther or unknown
4 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 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