NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints for the 1997 BMW M3. Most complaints involve tires (4) and visibility (3). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each M3 model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 90 |
| 2003 | 141 |
| 2004 | 112 |
| 2005 | 37 |
| 2006 | 216 |
| 2008 | 82 |
| 2009 | 45 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 41 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 |
“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”
“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.*AK”
“NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| M3 Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are tires (4), visibility (3), air bags (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1997 BMW M3 at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).