1997 BMW Z3 Transmission and drivetrain 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 transmission and drivetrain 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 50-60 MPH wheels locked up, causing vehicle to veer from side to side, finally spun around. Vehicle was towed to dealership, it was determined that differential had locked up and needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8002952, filed 2002-01Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 BMW Z3
15 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsEngine cooling
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 30, 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