1997 Bmw Z3 problems

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The BMW Z3 is a range of two-seater sports cars which was produced from 1995 to 2002. The body styles of the range are:

  • 2-door roadster (E36/7 model code)
  • 2-door coupé (E36/8 model code)

The Z3 was based on the E36/5 compact platform, a shortened version of the conventional E36 platform. This smaller and cheaper platform used the rear semi-trailing arm suspension design from the older E30 3 Series. It is the first mass-produced Z Series car.

M models were introduced in 1998 in roadster and coupé body styles and were powered by the S50, S52, or S54 straight-six engine depending on country and model year. The M models came with a 5-speed manual transmission. The regular Z3s were offered with straight-sixes or four-cylinder engines.

Production ended on June 28, 2002, with the Z3 line replaced by the E85 Z4.

1997 Bmw Z3

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Common 1997 Bmw Z3 problems

Based on complaints from owners of the BMW Z3 1997, common problems with this car include:

  • Faulty Sound System: Another common problem mentioned by owners is related to the sound system of the BMW Z3 1997. Issues with the sound system can range from speakers not working properly to audio distortion or complete failure. Troubleshooting the sound system may involve checking connections, fuses, and the head unit to identify and resolve the problem.
  • Leaking Power Steering Fluid: Leaking power steering fluid is a known issue with the BMW Z3 1997. This problem can manifest as visible fluid leaks under the car or a low power steering fluid level in the reservoir. Addressing this issue promptly is crucial to maintain proper steering functionality and prevent potential damage to the power steering system.
  • Cooling System Leaks: Cooling system leaks have been reported by owners as a common problem with the BMW Z3 1997. These leaks can occur in components like the radiator, hoses, or water pump, leading to coolant loss and potential overheating issues. Regular inspection of the cooling system and timely repairs are essential to prevent engine damage and ensure optimal performance.

By addressing these common problems promptly and with the help of a professional mechanic, BMW Z3 1997 owners can ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicles. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and thorough inspections can help mitigate these issues and keep the BMW Z3 1997 running smoothly for years to come.

1997 Bmw Z3 engine

What is the most common problem with the BMW Z3?

Common complaints about the BMW Z3 include oil leaks, faulty sound systems, and leaking power steering fluid.

How many miles will a Z3 last?

The estimated lifespan of a Bmw Z3 is 150,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.

Is a 1997 BMW Z3 a classic car?

The Z3 model range is also wide, with engines from mild to wild, making this an ideal classic sports car. BMW's advertising slogan used to be 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', so you'd think that it has a long history of producing driver-focused sports cars.

Is it worth it to buy a Z3?

Elsewhere, the Z3 is very practical, generally reliable and the parts supply is excellent, as much of the car was shared with the contemporary 3 Series. There is no shortage of Z3s so it's a buyer's market.

What is the most common problem with the BMW Z3?

Common complaints about the BMW Z3 include oil leaks, faulty sound systems, and leaking power steering fluid.

How long do Z3 engines last?

I've seen BMW blocks with 300k miles with factory cross hatching still visible on the cylinder walls. They're fantastic engines. If you properly maintain it, it will outlast the rest of the car.

Is a 1997 BMW Z3 a classic car?

The Z3 model range is also wide, with engines from mild to wild, making this an ideal classic sports car. BMW's advertising slogan used to be 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', so you'd think that it has a long history of producing driver-focused sports cars.

What is the life expectancy of a 1996 BMW Z3?

What is Bmw Z3 lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Bmw Z3 is 150,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit.

1997 Bmw Z3 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw Z3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Seats problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Bmw Z3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1997 Bmw Z3

The NHTSA has received 49 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Bmw Z3. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Bmw Z3 vehicles.

2023-03-24

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-02-14
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owned a 1997 BMW Z3 Roadster. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was a multi-car rear-end accident involving two other vehicles after she fell asleep at the wheel and rear-ended the vehicle in front of her. The contact stated that no other passengers were in her vehicle; however, only the driver's side air bag had failed to deploy. The contact required hospitalization and was in a coma. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and later auctioned. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed the VIN was not included in an air bag recall. The approximate failure mileage was 199,000. The VIN was not available.
2017-01-23

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-01-19
  • VIN: 4USCH7329VL
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: VEHICLE JERKS, SHUTTERS AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. REAR SUB FRAME AND DIFFERENTIAL BUSHING FAILURE.
2014-02-04

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-10-03
  • VIN: 4USCJ3328VL
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: 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. *TR
2011-05-30

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-05-26
  • VIN: 4USCH7320VL
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: UPON STARTING THE CAR THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TWO TIME IT COST APPROXIMATELY $350 TO REPAIR. FOR THIS TO HAPPEN A THIRD TIME IS INDICATIVE OF A DESIGN FAULT.
2010-12-18

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-11-12
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 4USCH7323VL
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED NORMALLY. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL (5 SPEED TRANS.) TO ALLOW IT TO WARM-UP FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES WHILE I CHECKED MY VOICE MAIL ON MY PHONE. AS I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND LOOKED OUT THE WINDSHIELD TO PULL OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE, I SAW DENSE WHITE SMOKE ROLLING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I LOOKED AT THE DASH FOR ANY WARNING OR INDICATOR LIGHTS; THERE WERE NONE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE CAR OFF, POPPED THE HOOD, AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. I WANTED TO WAIT UNTIL THE SMOKE WAS NO LONGER ROLLING OUT BEFORE ACTUALLY OPENING THE HOOD, AS I WAS AFRAID OF INTRODUCING A RUSH OF AIR IF SOMETHING WAS ON FIRE. AS THE SMOKE RAPIDLY INCREASED AND PROGRESSED TO BLACK SMOKE, I CALLED MY FACILITY SECURITY FROM AN EMERGENCY CALL BOX WHILE ALSO CALLING 911 FROM MY CELL PHONE. DURING THE 911 CALL, FLAMES BECAME VISIBLE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. FOUR FIRE ENGINES ARRIVED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. ALL FOUR LEVELS OF MY FACILITIES PARKING DECK WERE FILLED WITH TOXIC SMOKE WHICH WAS EVACUATED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE DEPT. TOLD ME THAT NIGHT THAT THE CAR WAS TOO BADLY BURNED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THEY SUPPOSED IT WAS ELECTRICAL. AFTER INSPECTING THE CAR, THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR DID NOT BELIEVE THE FIRE TO BE FROM ELECTRICAL ORIGIN, BUT INSTEAD FUEL / ENGINE RELATED. THE CAR HAD BEEN MAINTAINED ON A REGULAR BASIS. NO SERVICE HAD BEEN RECENTLY PERFORMED. I HAD NOT BEEN EXPERIENCING ANY ISSUES WITH THE CAR'S PERFORMANCE.
2010-12-03

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-12-02
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: MY 1997 BMW Z3 HAD THE AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON 2 YEARS AGO. THE TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY THE SEATBELT TENSIONER. HE REPLACED IT AND ALL WAS FINE. IT'S BACK ON AGAIN. IF THIS IS AS COMMON TO THESE MODELS AS I'VE HEARD WHY HASN'T BMW HAD A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS GETTING EXPENSIVE. *TR
2008-08-13

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-04-01
  • VIN: 4USCH7324VL
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: PASSENGER GOT INTO FRONT SEAT AND ADJUSTED IT DOWN AND BACK WITH THE POWER SEAT CONTROLS. AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND HAS BEEN ON EVER SINCE. I CHECKED FOR BROKEN OR DAMAGED WIRING BUT FOUND NOTHING OBVIOUS. BMW IS RECALLING MANY OF THEIR NEW CARS, BUT IT SEEMS THEIR OLD ONES EXHIBIT THE SAME FAILURES. *TR
2008-03-24

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-02-10
  • VIN: 4USCJ3328VL
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: SEAT RAILS DO NOT LOCK PROPERLY THEREBY ALLOWING SEAT(S) TO SLIDE FORWARD DURING BRAKING. CAN POTENTIALLY LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *TR
2007-08-07

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
  • VIN: 4USCH7320VL
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: 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. *JB
2004-11-23

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-11-22
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 65 MPH ON I-95 WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE TRACTION CONTROL FEATURE ON THE VEHICLE FAILED TO WORK. THE CONSUMER HIT A GUARD RAIL AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *JB
2004-08-16

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-08-30
  • VIN: 4USCJ332XVL
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: MY 1997 BMW Z3 HAS THE SRS LIGHT CONSTANTLY ON, I GET IT FIXED AND IT GOES ON AGAIN. I'VE DONE THIS LIKE 3 TIMES, NOW MY MECHANIC IS SAYING IT'S LIKE 800 TO FIX. REDICULOUS! IT'A DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE, I'M NOT SUE THE SYSTEM WILL WORK NOW.*AK
2004-03-12

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-09-01
  • VIN: 4USCH7323VL
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S AIRBAG. THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. I HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND I PAID BMW TO FIX IT. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS SOMETHING WITH THE SEATBELT. THE LIGHT HAS COME ON AGAIN.
2004-03-12

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-10-19
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, UNKNOWN REASON.*AK
2004-01-29

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-01-02
  • VIN: 4USCH7329VL
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: WHILE APPLYING BRAKES STEERING JERKS SIDE TO SIDE. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE CROSSES OVER TO DIFFERENT LANES WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATES THAT IS A NORMAL PROCEDURE OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
2003-09-12

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 4USCJ3322VL
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: 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. *JB *CB *JB THE DEALER WITNESSED ALOT OF THIS PROBLEM. *SCC
2003-06-16

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-02-05
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: 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. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 32K MILES ON IT. THIS APPEARS TO BE A PREMATURE FAILURE AND A DEFECT OF BOTH TRACKS. THIS FAILURE MODE IS DOCUMENTED BOTH ON THIS SITE AND ON MANY BMW FORUMS. THE ENTIRE TRACK ASSEMBLY OF BOTH SEATS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *NLM
2003-06-16

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-04-06
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS UP MORE OFTEN THAN NORMAL AND AT UN-NEEDED TIMES. THIS CAUSES PAIN TO THE USER WITH THE END RESULT BEING THAT THE USER TENDS TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT, OR IS FORCED TO SIT THERE IN PAIN WITH THE SEAT BELT ON AND LOCKED UP. *NLM
2003-03-20

SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-03-20
  • VIN: 4USCJ3329VL
  • Components: SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: FIRST FAILURE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE COMING LOOSE FROM THE TRACK THAT THE SEATS MOVE BACK AND FORTH ON. THE SEATS CAN MOVE BACK AND FORTH A FEW INCHES, WITHOUT DEPRESSING ON THE LEVEL TO MOVE THE SEATS BACK AND FORTH. THE AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE TRACK AND IT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER CONTENDS THIS IS A REPAIR ITEM AND DOES NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE DEFECT IN THE SEATS OR A SAFETY PROBLEM SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR. THE FACT THAT BOTH SEATS NOW DO THIS AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAPPEN UNDER NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR WOULD INDICATE OTHERWISE. THE AUTOMOBILE HAS ONLY 42,000 MILES AND IS LESS THAN 4 YEARS OLD. SECOND FAILURE: THE OUTER TRIM OF THE DASHBOARD HOUSING OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAS COME LOOSE. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THIS DEFECT MAY DISRUPT OR ALTER THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG SHOULD A COLLISION OCCUR. DEALERSHIP AND AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURE CONTENDS THIS SITUATION WOULD NOT CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO MALFUNCTION AND THEREFORE NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THEY WOULD NOT SUPPLY INFORMATION OR DATA TO SUPPORT THEIR ASSESSMENT. *JB
2002-12-20

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-12-11
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4USCH7324VL
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE ACCELERATOR STUCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A TREE. THE CONSUME BELIEVES THIS ACCIDENT IS RELATED TO NHTSA RECALL #8324 97V-131000 OF THE CRUISE CONTROL THROTTLE CABLES CABLE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *TS *NLM
2002-11-08

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-10-23
  • VIN: 4USCH7322VL
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISON. ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS
2002-06-14

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-06-07
  • VIN: 4USCH7327VL
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: THE SEAT DOES NOT LOCK ON THE TRACK, IT SHIFTS BACK AND FORTH WHILE ACCELERATING OR BRAKING, IT WAS A DEFECT WHEN MANFURED BUT MANUFACTURER WILL NOT CORRECT, MANY Z 3 OWNERS HAVE THE PROBLEM, I FEEL IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR KILL SOMEONE, IF IT WAS A US COMPANY LIKE GM, FORD, OR CHRY I KNOW THEY WOULD HAVE REPAIRED THE DEFECT, WHY DO WE ALLOW FOREIGN COMPANIES TO GET AWAY WITH PRODUCING A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE WE WOULD NOT ALLOW ONE OF OUR COMPANIE TO PRODUCE. MY WIFE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE OF THIS FAULTY SEAT. BY THE WAY BMW HAS AGREED IT WAS A DEFECT AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED BUT THEY WANT TO GET ANOTHER $4-500 BUCKS TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT WAS PLAINLY A DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING PROBLEM BY THEIR OWN ADMISSION. I ASK YOU HELP ON BEHALF OF ALL THOSE Z 3 OWNERS WHO MIGHT END UP IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE WRITTEN BMW BUT THEY DID NOT EVEN GIVE ME THE COURTESY OF AN ANSWER. HELP PLEASE. *AK
2002-06-02

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: LEFT REAR FRAME RAIL CRACKED WITH CAUSE UNKNOWN. THIS CRACK WAS ONLY DETECTED BY OWNER WHEN CHANGING TIRE. DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THIS MAY HAVE COME FROM MANUFACTURE TIGHTNING FRAME TOO TIGHT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS
2002-03-20

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-12-15
  • VIN: 4USCH7323VL
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: BOTH SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LATCH PROPERLY. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
2002-02-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-01-22
  • VIN: 4USCH7320VL
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *AK. 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. *YD
2002-01-28

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-01-25
  • VIN: ADD
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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. *AK

1997 Bmw Z3 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 Bmw Z3.

2006-03-23
  • Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
  • Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
1997-08-19
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: 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 SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.
  • 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.

Negative 1997 Bmw Z3 car reviews

  1. Amani Crooks 2024-09-18

    The car has a few areas that could use improvement. For example, the throttle may need some attention and the back window would benefit from being made of glass instead of plastic. Additionally, the seats may require some maintenance as they tend to move more than expected as the car ages. However, overall the car has an attractive appearance. It is important to consider the value for money when making a purchase decision.

  2. Abraham Hilpert 2024-07-27

    I bought my Z3 used with 86,000 miles showing. Although it has many of the typical flaws of this car such as a sagging glove box, sliding seats, leaky top, seriously crappy sound system, and cracks forming in the rear subframe, I believe it will be worth the price of admission once all the gremlins are finally taken care of.

  3. Waldo Hermiston 2024-04-18

    The 16 Valve 4 cylinder engine may not be the smoothest or most powerful, but it still has its merits. However, Japanese manufacturers are known for producing excellent 4 cylinder engines. The chassis of this vehicle may not be suitable for high-speed driving, as it has been known to twist during hard cornering. Additionally, the seats may not be of the highest quality, as they tend to move back and forth due to wear and tear on the seat rail. Overall, there is room for improvement, but there are still some positive aspects to consider.

  4. Colin Cartwright 2024-01-12

    '97 1.9 Z3, silver and black top. I absolutely love the color combination of this car! The 4cyl engine from the 318 is not the most powerful, but it's definitely enough for cruising around. It's also fairly good on fuel, although my Accord is a bit better in that regard. The interior is a bit cheap, but overall it's still quite nice. However, the exterior is what really shines on this car - it's absolutely gorgeous with the top up or down. The short throw 5-speed and good brakes make it a breeze to drive. Although the suspension could be a bit tighter, it still handles well on most roads. The wood interior is a classy touch, although the LED clock can be a bit difficult to read with the top down during the day.

Positive 1997 Bmw Z3 car reviews

  1. Halle Wisozk 2024-11-24

    Your Z3 may have a 'little' engine, but it's still an absolute joy to drive! It's incredibly reliable and has plenty of get-up-and-go. While it may not be the fastest car on the market, it's certainly faster than most, with a 0-60 time of around 7.7 seconds. The handling is simply amazing, and it's both easy and comfortable to drive. If you're looking for a newer model, be sure to get one with the roll hoops - they're the telltale sign of a 96 or 97. There are plenty of performance upgrades available for this engine, including a new computer chip, high-flow intake, high-flow exhaust, and even turbos. But if you're happy with the car's current speed, there's no need to upgrade to a bigger engine.

  2. Clifford Stiedemann 2024-11-22

    This car drives really well. The suspension and handling are great, and it has plenty of pep without being a high-performance vehicle. It's also without a doubt the nicest designed car I've ever seen.

  3. Miles Rice 2024-10-06

    Nothing but awesome! Lots of power in the 2.8. You will turn heads. Car is very tight.

  4. Jevon Bartell 2024-09-24

    The Atlanta Blue with Tan interior and Automatic transmission is a great car! I'm glad to hear that you haven't had any major issues with it. Although, I understand that the plastic rear-window on the soft top can be a bit of an annoyance. Overall, it sounds like a fantastic vehicle!

  5. Keanu Stiedemann 2024-09-09

    Great ride and handling with a strong grip. Engine can be a bit thrashy for a four, but the car is quick when needed. It's a great value for the money with good reliability. And let's not forget, it has one of the greatest styles ever!

Leave your review of 1997 Bmw Z3

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1997 Bmw Z3 problems:

Beginner's BMW Z3 Buying Guide | Common Problems | What You ...
Beginner's BMW Z3 Buying Guide | Common Problems | What You ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_5ebx5Olv8

Mar 24, 2021 ... Thanks to Car Throttle and Colin Furze, the Z3 is gaining in popularity with more and more people picking up the plucky roadster.

What are the most common problems a Z3 owner can worry about?
What are the most common problems a Z3 owner can worry about?
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?717925-What-are-the-most-common-problems-a-Z3-owner-can-worry-about

Mar 30, 2007 ... What are the most common problems a Z3 owner can worry about? · Power: Custom Exhaust w/ High Flow cats, CSL headers, built, low-compression ...

Top Ten Problems: BMW Z3! - YouTube
Top Ten Problems: BMW Z3! - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUxovPirtg4

Jun 20, 2023 ... Top Ten Problems: BMW Z3! ... BMW Z3 1997 Is It A Money Pit 7 Months on ??? ... Beginner's BMW Z3 Buying Guide | Common Problems | What You Need To ...

1997 BMW Z3 Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
1997 BMW Z3 Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1997-bmw-z3/problems

Problem with your 1997 BMW Z3? Our list of 4 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 BMW Z3.

Buying Advice BMW Z3 (E36/7-E36/8) 1996–2002 Common Issues ...
Buying Advice BMW Z3 (E36/7-E36/8) 1996–2002 Common Issues ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpDxQy-Edtk

May 31, 2022 ... BMW #Z3 #E36/7 Buyers review on the BMW X6 built between 2008 and 2014. Video credits; BMW Z3 3.0i Roadster 231PK! | YOUNGTIMER!

Other years of Bmw Z3

bmw z3 1998 photo
Z3 1998
Bmw

33

1

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw z3 1999 photo
Z3 1999
Bmw

39

3

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw z3 2000 photo
Z3 2000
Bmw

41

1

23

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw z3 2001 photo
Z3 2001
Bmw

18

1

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw z3 2002 photo
Z3 2002
Bmw

6

1

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw z3 2003 photo
Z3 2003
Bmw

2

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1997 Bmw Z3 photo