1997 BMW Z3 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 28%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the seats of the 1997 BMW Z3, 28% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,000 miles.
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 seat tracks of both the driver and passenger side of the vehicle allowed the seats to move at least 10mm forward and rearward under braking and acceleration. This movement causes a partial loss of control of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10562829, filed 2014-02, 130,000 miles“Passenger seat belt tightens around passengers neck and chest, causing pain and shortness of breath. I have informed my dealership and was told that it was a design problem.”
NHTSA complaint #729024, filed 2000-08“1997 Bmw Z3 with sliding seat problems customer states that the seat would slide forward when he pushed on the brake and slide back when he accelerated**cc the consumer was told the worm gear on the seat bracket had worn out beyond repair and a complete seat bracket was needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10199186, filed 2007-08“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“The bracket which held the driver's seat to the floor became loose. This caused the seat to rock back and forth when a stop was made. The dealer stated the problem was normal and they were not responsible for fixing the seat. The dealer witnessed alot of this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10020196, filed 2003-09Seats: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 BMW Z3
15 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 29, 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