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 manufacturer,they said that it is the way they are designed. There are other year, make, and models that have the same issue. The contact feels that it is a manufacturer's design flaw. The contact states that it impairs the visibility of the driver.
The worst 1997 BMW M3 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Tires4
- Visibility4
- Airbags3
- Engine3
- Steering2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Tires4
- Visibility4
- Airbags3
- Engine3
- Steering2
- Suspension2
- Acceleration1
- Brakes1
- Fuel system1
- Transmission1
- Wheels1
Recalls 2
Air bags: side/window
- What is wrong
- 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 is unduly sensitive to certain non-crash impacts, such as contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial speed.
- Risk
- 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 run, but after stopping, could not be restarted.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the central computer control module that regulates the performance of all of the vehicle's occupant protection systems.
Recall number 99V063001 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 97V131000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 BMW M3 7
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop
- Bmw: a grinding noise is coming from the differential during slow cornering. when turning a slip/stick...
- Bmw: thermostat housing inspection. the retaining springs of the thermostat housing quick release...
- Customer may complain of engine running rough on cold start. tt
- Subject on voluntary exhaust emission service action no. 98E-A01. yc jn
- Subject on voluntary exhaust emission service action no. 98E-A01. produced from 10/95 - 11/97 yc db
- Information on evaporative emission control and fuel filler cap / filler door labels. yc
1997 BMW M3 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17-18 | 26 | 20-21 |
What 1997 BMW M3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
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.
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 fatal.
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 under warranty. Please provide further details.
Airbag light on the dash lit, dealer found no problems and had to reset 3 times.
Latent defect in body causing wheel mounts to tear away from car.
Fuel hose clamps fittings and components failing - manufacturer issued a 95-97 model recall in japan but not in the us.
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 which had a bubble and blewout while turning a corner, this tire was 6 months old (bridgestone potenza re730, 245/40zr17bw). Nlm
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 were no other problems but the problem reoccurs. Nlm
Compare the 1997 BMW M3
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Questions about the 1997 BMW M3
Is the 1997 BMW M3 reliable?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 1997 BMW M3, 1.5 times a typical M3 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 BMW M3?
Tires, with 4 complaints. Next is visibility (4).
How many recalls does the 1997 BMW M3 have?
2 recalls, covering air bags and vehicle speed control.
What gas mileage does the 1997 BMW M3 get?
Official estimates for the 1997 BMW M3 range from 20 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17-18 city and 26 highway.
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