1997 BMW M3 Coupe 5MT
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 1998 BMW M3 Coupe 3.2 by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW M3 GT 1X7A0124 by Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW M3 GT 1X7A0125 by Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Arrière M3 GT by MORA359, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Intérieur M3 GT by MORA359, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1997 BMW M3 Coupe 5MT is a 240-hp 3.2-liter inline-6 coupe with a 5-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $39,950 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.
It makes 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Coupe |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $39,950 ($80,896 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.2L Inline-6 DOHC 24-valve (S52B32US) |
| Displacement | 3.2 L |
| Horsepower | 240 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 18 MPG |
| Highway | 26 MPG |
| Combined | 21 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1997 BMW M3 Coupe 5MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1997 BMW M3. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Nov 15, 1999 · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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.
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 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.
NHTSA campaign 99V063001
Aug 19, 1997 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA campaign 97V131000
19 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1997 BMW M3
Owner Complaints
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 BMW M3 (3 mention a crash, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Tires | 4 |
| Air Bags | 3 |
| Visibility | 3 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 |
| Equipment | 2 |
| Fuel System | 1 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1997 BMW M3. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.