1997 BMW M3
2 recalls, 28 complaints - 8 TSBs
99V063001 Nov 15, 1999
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH A SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM CONSISTING OF DOOR-MOUNTED THORAX AIR BAGS (REAR DOOR AIR BAGS ARE OPTIONAL), A CENTRAL ELECTRONIC SENSOR AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, LEFT AND RIGHT SATELLITE IMPACT SENSORS, AND ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS SYSTEM... Read more
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL (BST) COULD ALSO ACTIVATE, DISCONNECTING THE STARTER CABLE FROM THE BATTERY. IN THIS CASE, THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND THE ENGINE WOULD CONTINUE TO R... Read more
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE CENTRAL COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE THAT REGULATES THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.
97V131000 Aug 19, 1997
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Defect Description
THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEP... Read more
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
Complaint Statistics
28 total complaints
4 crashes 2 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| TIRES | 3 |
| EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER | 2 |
| AIR BAGS | 2 |
| VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR | 1 |
| VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT | 1 |
| STEERING | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL | 1 |
| TIRES:BEAD | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 1 |
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Oct 12, 2005
Incident date: Sep 1, 2004
DT: WHEN PULLING INTO A STOP THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL SLOW DOWN IN THE SPEED THAT THEY WORK. THEY WILL SLOW DOWN TO THE DELAY, INTERMEDIATE SETTING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE IN AUGUST 2004. WHEN THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTU... Read more
AIR BAGS
May 14, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Crash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Nov 29, 2001
Incident date: Oct 13, 2001
VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A RIGHT FRONTAL COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER. *AK
Crash
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
Nov 16, 2001
Incident date: Nov 5, 2001
REAR SHOCK MOUNT TOWER TORE FROM BODY OF CAR, BOLTS AND ALL. NO MODIFICATION DONE TO SUSPENSION, NORMAL DRIVING, NO ADVANCE NOTICE. NO TRACK DRIVING. BMW MAKES A REPLACEMENT KIT TO REMEDY THIS WEAK BODY AREA. BMW MESSAGE BOARDS HAVE MANY SIMILAR M3'S WITH THIS PROBLEM. AT HIGH SPEED WOULD PROVE... Read more
WHEELS
Jul 13, 2001
Incident date: Jul 9, 2001
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN TRAVELING 10MPH CONSUMERS HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR. UPON INSPECTION OF VEHICLE CONSUMER FOUND TIRE WAS BENT. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND FOUND THAT WHEEL MOUNT TORE AWAY FROM FRAME. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE DUE TO THE FACT THAT WAS NOT COVERED ... Read more
AIR BAGS
Jul 12, 2001
AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH LIT, DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEMS AND HAD TO RESET 3 TIMES.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jun 20, 2001
Incident date: Jun 13, 2001
LATENT DEFECT IN BODY CAUSING WHEEL MOUNTS TO TEAR AWAY FROM CAR. *AK
TIRES
May 21, 2001
Incident date: Aug 1, 2000
THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND 3 TIMES, THIS BLOWOUT CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE UNDER CARRIAGE AND FRONT BUMPER, THIS TIRE WAS 5 HOURS OLD, THE SECOND INCIDENT INVOLVED THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WHI... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
May 16, 2001
Incident date: Aug 1, 2000
FUEL HOSE CLAMPS FITTINGS AND COMPONENTS FAILING - MANUFACTURER ISSUED A 95-97 MODEL RECALL IN JAPAN BUT NOT IN THE US. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
May 7, 2001
THE SHIFTING GEAR CRACKED. NLM
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
May 7, 2001
THE SPEAKERS FAILED. NLM
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
May 7, 2001
THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. NLM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 7, 2001
THE FLOOR PANEL CRACKED. NLM
SUSPENSION:FRONT
May 7, 2001
THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
May 7, 2001
Incident date: Feb 21, 2001
THE BRAKE FLUID WAS DIRTY. NLM
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
May 7, 2001
Incident date: Feb 21, 2001
THE POWER STEERING HOSES TO THE PUMP AND RACK FAILED. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
May 7, 2001
Incident date: Feb 21, 2001
THE SERPENTINE BELTS ARE CRACKED. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
May 7, 2001
Incident date: Feb 1, 2001
THE BRAKES GRIND AND SQUEAL WHEN THE CONSUMER IS ATTEMPTING TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP IMMEDIATELY INSTEAD IT SLIDES A FEW FEET BEFORE COMING TO A FULL STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COMPLAINT WAS RESOLVED AND THAT THERE ... Read more
TIRES:BEAD
Nov 20, 2000
Incident date: Aug 3, 2000
CONSUMERS PURCHASED A NEW SET OF BRIDGESTONE POTENZA TIRES (25540R17, DOT EJ0XJEA030), SEVERAL HOURS LATER ONE OF THE NEW TIRES EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT DUE TO A TORN BEAD WHICH CAUSED THE THE CAR TO LOOSE CONTROL, SPIN THREE TIMES AND SLIDE OFF INTO THE MEDIAN, NONE OF THE OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED, DEAL... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Nov 22, 1999
Incident date: Nov 18, 1999
WHILE DRIVING IN DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC WENT AROUND VEHICLE, AND AT THAT POINT THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK WIDE OPEN . VEHICLE LUNCHED OUT OF CONTROL. PUT IT INTO PARK, SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, RESTARTED AND STILL THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK WIDE OPEN. CONTACTED THE DEALER, FOUND THE PROBLEM AND REPLACED THE PART. *... Read more
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Sep 1, 1999
Incident date: Jun 3, 1997
WHILE DRIVIN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM MALFUCTIONED, CAUSING A LOUD NOISE AND GRAY SMOKE TO ENTER INTO VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTS FOGGING UP THE WINDOWS WHICH MAY AFFECT VISIBILITY, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. HAPPENED 6 TIMES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. DEALER REPLACED HOSES/SEALS A... Read more
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Aug 30, 1999
Incident date: Jun 3, 1997
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM HAS FAILED SEVERAL TIMES RESULTING IN A BURNING SMELL, A MIST COMING FROM THE A/C VENTS AND A LOUD NOISE. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
May 11, 1999
CRANKCASE REVOLUTION SENSOR FAILED. MJS
TIRES
Oct 14, 1998
Incident date: Jul 12, 1998
TIRE BLEWOUT PREMATURELY. (DOTF38AA17117, MANUFACTURER- MICHELIN, TIRE NAME- MXX3, TIRE SIZE- 225/45ZR17)
STEERING
Aug 15, 1998
Incident date: Jan 1, 1998
TIRES FAILED TWICE. IN BOTH CASES THE TIRES WERE WORN THROUGH TO THE METAL BEFORE STOPPING. ANOTHER CASE LED TO AN ACCIDENT. IN ADDITION, FELT SOFTNESS IN STEERING AND VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. WITHIN 5 SECONDS, THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED.
Crash
1 injured
TIRES
Aug 15, 1998
Incident date: Jan 1, 1998
TIRES FAILED TWICE. IN BOTH CASES THE TIRES WERE WORN THROUGH TO THE METAL BEFORE STOPPING. ANOTHER CASE LED TO AN ACCIDENT. IN ADDITION, FELT SOFTNESS IN STEERING AND VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. WITHIN 5 SECONDS, THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED.
Crash
1 injured
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
Feb 4, 1998
LOSS OF FAN AND UNIT CONTROL SETTINGS WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF THEN RESTARTED. SETTING WILL NOT REMAIN IN OFF POSITION WHEN VEHICLE IS RESTARTED.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
May 2, 1997
Incident date: Apr 30, 1997
REAR WINDOW: DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AND THE REAR WINDOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED. CAUSE UNKNOWN , HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
EPA Fuel Economy, 1997 BMW M3
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 17.0 | 26.0 | 20.0 | Premium | $3,850 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 18.0 | 26.0 | 21.0 | Premium | $3,650 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 BMW M3
8 manufacturer communications from 6 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 2 |
| 070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 1 |
| 061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 1 |
| 060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 |
| 062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS | 1 |
| 022520 SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| 030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
B340714
Oct 13, 2023
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-
SIB-33-01-02
Jul 1, 2011
022520 SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
BMW: A GRINDING NOISE IS COMING FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL DURING SLOW CORNERING. WHEN TURNING A SLIP/STICK EFFECT IS CREATED ON THE LINING AND STEEL DISCS INCORPORATED IN THE DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH CAUSES A GRINDING NOISE. *RM
SI-B11-07-09
Aug 1, 2009
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
BMW: THERMOSTAT HOUSING INSPECTION. THE RETAINING SPRINGS OF THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING QUICK RELEASE COUPLINGS FOR THE COOLANT HOSES MAY NOT BE LOCKED CORRECTLY. THIS SITUATION MAY RESULT IN A COOLANT LEAK. MODELS AFFECTED ARE M3 SEDAN (E
SI-B11-07-09
Aug 1, 2009
062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
BMW: THERMOSTAT HOUSING INSPECTION. THE RETAINING SPRINGS OF THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING QUICK RELEASE COUPLINGS FOR THE COOLANT HOSES MAY NOT BE LOCKED CORRECTLY. THIS SITUATION MAY RESULT IN A COOLANT LEAK. MODELS AFFECTED ARE M3 SEDAN (E
120299
Feb 1, 1999
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH ON COLD START. *TT
12 10 97
Apr 1, 1998
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
SUBJECT ON VOLUNTARY EXHAUST EMISSION SERVICE ACTION NO. 98E-A01. *YC *JN
12 10 97
Mar 1, 1998
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
SUBJECT ON VOLUNTARY EXHAUST EMISSION SERVICE ACTION NO. 98E-A01. PRODUCED FROM 10/95 - 11/97 *YC*DB
16 01 98
Mar 1, 1998
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
INFORMATION ON EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL AND FUEL FILLER CAP / FILLER DOOR LABELS. *YC
NHTSA Safety Investigations, BMW M3
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
RQ99018
Opened: Sep 3, 1999
INADVERTANT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
ON MARCH 26, 1999, BMW OF NORTH AMERICAN, INC. RECALLED 32,500 1999 323I AND 328I MANUFACTURED UP TO APRIL 1999, FOR INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIRBAG SYSTEM IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS SUCH AS CONTACTING LARGE POT HOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEED.AS A REMEDY, BMW WILL RECODE THE AIR BAG... Read more
BMW M3 - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BMW M3 across all model years (1988, 2023).
82
Total Recalls
554
Total Complaints
1
Investigations
31
Reported Crashes
6
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
BMW M3 - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 2 | View |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 2022 | 0 | 1 | View |
| 2021 | 3 | 5 | View |
| 2018 | 0 | 10 | View |
| 2017 | 2 | 3 | View |
| 2016 | 3 | 7 | View |
| 2015 | 3 | 4 | View |
| 2014 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2013 | 2 | 17 | View |
| 2012 | 3 | 6 | View |
| 2011 | 4 | 41 | View |
| 2010 | 4 | 20 | View |
| 2009 | 5 | 54 | View |
| 2008 | 5 | 102 | View |
| 2007 | 3 | 0 | View |
| 2006 | 5 | 14 | View |
| 2005 | 3 | 12 | View |
| 2004 | 3 | 38 | View |
| 2003 | 5 | 69 | View |
| 2002 | 5 | 48 | View |
| 2001 | 4 | 20 | View |
| 2000 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1999 | 1 | 13 | View |
| 1998 | 1 | 18 | View |
| 1997 (current) | 2 | 28 | |
| 1996 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 1995 | 4 | 16 | View |
| 1994 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1993 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1992 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1991 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1990 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1989 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1988 | 1 | 2 | View |