Bmw 3 Series 1997
Model 3 Series made in 1997 by Bmw got 4 consumer complains there are 4 recalls as well as 39 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to electrical system, structure and suspension. Technical service bulletines regarding air bags, electrical system and engine and engine cooling. There was one recall concerning exterior lighting .
Model 1997
Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | ||||||||||||||||
| 06E026000 | PRO-A MOTORS, INC. | E (Equipment) | 61944 | 04/03/2006 | OVSC | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 03/23/2006 | 03/23/2006 | 571 | 108 | ||||||
| Defect 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 Summary | Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | This recall only pertains to pro-a motors aftermarket lamps and has no relation to any original equipment installed on the listed passenger vehicles.for more information on the lamp model numbers, click on document search and view document titled lamp model numbers.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration | |||||||||||||||
| 06E064000 | TRADESONIC | E (Equipment) | 4029 | OVSC | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 07/17/2006 | 07/17/2006 | 571 | 108 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall is expected to begin during july 2006. owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | This recall only pertains to tradesonic aftermarket lamps and has no relation to any original equipment installed on the listed passenger vehicles.for more information on the lamp model numbers, click on document search and view document titled | |||||||||||||||
| 06E044000 | J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES | E (Equipment) | 1215 | 07/10/2006 | OVSC | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 05/22/2006 | 05/23/2006 | 571 | 108 | ||||||
| Defect Summary | Certain j & a auto accessories combination headlamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. 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 Summary | Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | J & a auto accessories will notify owners and offer to repurchase the headlamps. the recall began on july 10, 2006. owners may contact j & a auto accessories at 310-327-4981. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | This recall only pertains to j & a auto accessories aftermarket headlamp assemblies and has no relation to any original equipment installed on the listed passenger vehicles.for more information on the lamp model numbers, click on document search and view document titled | |||||||||||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS | ||||||||||||||||
| 06E023000 | ANZO USA, INC. | E (Equipment) | 292000 | 05/09/2006 | OVSC | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 03/13/2006 | 03/14/2006 | 571 | 108 | ||||||
| Defect Summary | Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. the recall began may 9, 2006. owners may contact anzo usa at 909-468-3688. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | This recall only pertains to aftermarket headlamp assemblies manufactured by anzo and has no relation to any original equipment installed on the listed passenger vehicles.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov. | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | |||||
| SIB-65-36-09 | 09/01/2010 | 10037078 | Bmw: the airbag warning lamp is illuminated due to a software error. *rm | 05/04/2011 | |
| SIB-65-36-09 | 09/01/2010 | 10037078 | Ready | 05/04/2011 | |
| SI-B65-75-06 | 04/01/2009 | 10029605 | Bmw: the airbag warning lamp (awl) is illuminated, together with the passenger airbag status lamp (pol). the problem may be intermittent. microcracks in the oc3 seat mat. *pe | 07/13/2009 | |
| 980701720398 | 08/31/1998 | 601924 | Situation with the airbag warning lamp illuminates intermittently. *yc | 08/31/1998 | |
| AIR BAGS - FRONTAL - SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE | |||||
| 72 04 96 | 11/01/1997 | 54154 | Situation on the srs airbag light comes on and stays illuminated for up to two minutes after starting vehicle. *ak | 03/30/1998 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||||
| SIB-61-37-12 | 12/01/2012 | 10051519 | Bmw: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle is prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. updated 03/11/2013 *js | 03/11/2013 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - SOFTWARE | |||||
| SIB-72-05-07 | 04/01/2011 | 10040049 | Bmw: a software problem is causing one or both of the seat belt assistants to not extend fully or may not extend at all. the position at which the assistant comes to rest varies. e92. *rm | 08/15/2011 | |
| SIB-72-05-07 | 04/01/2011 | 10040049 | Ready | 08/15/2011 | |
| SIB-65-36-09 | 09/01/2010 | 10037078 | Bmw: the airbag warning lamp is illuminated due to a software error. *rm | 05/04/2011 | |
| SIB-65-36-09 | 09/01/2010 | 10037078 | Ready | 05/04/2011 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||||
| SIB-65-36-09 | 09/01/2010 | 10037078 | Ready | 05/04/2011 | |
| SIB-65-36-09 | 09/01/2010 | 10037078 | Bmw: the airbag warning lamp is illuminated due to a software error. *rm | 05/04/2011 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||||
| 62 02 97 | 04/01/1997 | 52234 | Replacement of instrument cluster. *tw | 07/17/1997 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - HOSE | |||||
| SIB-12-12-08 | 02/01/2009 | 10028525 | Bmw: service engine lamp is illuminated. dme fc 2a15 minor leak and 2a16 superfine leak in evaporation system. tank ventilation corrugated hose may contact the low side air conditioning pressure line aluminum ferrel. this contact may cause | 05/06/2009 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| SIB-22-01-07 | 11/01/2007 | 10032815 | Bmw vehicle: noise from front axle/right side. a grinding or scraping noise may be heard while cornering at vehicle speeds up to 30 mph. the noise is more pronounced while the vehicle is in the warm up phase and may change intensity durin | 05/26/2010 | |
| SIB-12-12-08 | 02/01/2009 | 10028525 | Bmw: service engine lamp is illuminated. dme fc 2a15 minor leak and 2a16 superfine leak in evaporation system. tank ventilation corrugated hose may contact the low side air conditioning pressure line aluminum ferrel. this contact may cause | 05/06/2009 | |
| SI B11 13 07 | 04/01/2008 | 10025584 | N54 rattle noise from turbocharger area. models e90, e92 and e93 (3 series) 335i and 335xi; e60 and e61 (5 series) 535i and 535xi, all with n54 engine from the start of production to january 17, 2008 production. *pe | 08/22/2008 | |
| SI B12 01 08 | 01/01/2008 | 10025573 | N52 edk throttle jamming faults 2d09, 2ced and 2cec. model e90 and e91 (3 series) and e60 and e61 (5 series), all models up to 11/2005 with n52 engine. *pe | 08/21/2008 | |
| 120405 | 03/01/2006 | 120405 | 10015410 | Check engine lamp illuminated and/or vehicle overheats. bmw e90 (3 series) all e90 (3 series) and e60 (5 series) models equipped with n52 engine. *tt | 07/15/2005 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - TURBO-CHARGER | |||||
| SI B11 13 07 | 04/01/2008 | 10025584 | N54 rattle noise from turbocharger area. models e90, e92 and e93 (3 series) 335i and 335xi; e60 and e61 (5 series) 535i and 535xi, all with n54 engine from the start of production to january 17, 2008 production. *pe | 08/22/2008 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - OTHER FUEL TYPES - TURBO-CHARGER | |||||
| SI B11 13 07 | 04/01/2008 | 10025584 | N54 rattle noise from turbocharger area. models e90, e92 and e93 (3 series) 335i and 335xi; e60 and e61 (5 series) 535i and 535xi, all with n54 engine from the start of production to january 17, 2008 production. *pe | 08/22/2008 | |
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE | |||||
| SIB-22-01-07 | 11/01/2007 | 10032815 | Bmw vehicle: noise from front axle/right side. a grinding or scraping noise may be heard while cornering at vehicle speeds up to 30 mph. the noise is more pronounced while the vehicle is in the warm up phase and may change intensity durin | 05/26/2010 | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TAIL LIGHTS | |||||
| B63-03-12 | 04/01/2012 | 10044032 | Bmw: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012. *js | 05/08/2012 | |
| SI B63 02 08 | 05/01/2008 | 10025585 | Rear bulb failure. model e92 (3 series coupe) vehicles produced up to january 21, 2008 are affected. the bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster. *pe | 08/22/2008 | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP | |||||
| SIB-16-01-06 | 12/01/2007 | 10032989 | Bmw: fuel level sensor repair procedure. the case where it is necessary to replace the right side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing does not need to be replaced. no model years listed. *pe | 06/21/2010 | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | |||||
| SIB-16-01-06 | 12/01/2007 | 10032989 | Bmw: fuel level sensor repair procedure. the case where it is necessary to replace the right side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing does not need to be replaced. no model years listed. *pe | 06/21/2010 | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP | |||||
| SIB-16-01-06 | 12/01/2007 | 10032989 | Bmw: fuel level sensor repair procedure. the case where it is necessary to replace the right side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing does not need to be replaced. no model years listed. *pe | 06/21/2010 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||||
| SIB270212 | 12/01/2012 | 10051459 | Bmw: dsc warning light is on. the warning lamps for dsc, abs and brake warning illuminated. there may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure. *js | 03/07/2013 | |
| (PWS) | |||||
| SIB122512 | 12/01/2012 | 10051359 | Bmw: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4b. covered under the terms of the bmw new vehicle/sav limited warranty. *js | 03/05/2013 | |
| SIB12512 | 12/01/2012 | 10051359 | Bmw: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4b. covered under the terms of the bmw new vehicle/sav limited warranty. *js | 03/05/2013 | |
| SEAT BELTS | |||||
| SIB-72-28-06 | 04/01/2011 | 10040050 | Ready | 08/15/2011 | |
| SIB-72-28-06 | 04/01/2011 | 10040050 | Bmw: the end of the seatbelt assistant breaks/falls off when retracting. the retaining tab is not robust enough. e92. *rm | 08/15/2011 | |
| SIB-72-05-07 | 04/01/2011 | 10040049 | Bmw: a software problem is causing one or both of the seat belt assistants to not extend fully or may not extend at all. the position at which the assistant comes to rest varies. e92. *rm | 08/15/2011 | |
| SIB-72-05-07 | 04/01/2011 | 10040049 | Ready | 08/15/2011 | |
| SEATS | |||||
| SI B52 05 08 | 06/01/2008 | 10025848 | Bmw: seat frame design changed for 392 (3 series coupe) produced up to may 2007. on early production e92s, the socket which secures the seat backrest release cable to the release mechanism could pull free from the release mechanism. * | 09/10/2008 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | |||||
| SI-B-34-11-08 | 08/01/2009 | 10030844 | Bmw vehicles: teileclearing for dynamic stability control (dsc). a part replacement authorization must be obtained by submitting a tc case in puma before any of the following dsc components are replaced under warranty for the vehicles lis | 12/09/2009 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||||
| SI-B-34-11-08 | 08/01/2009 | 10030844 | Bmw vehicles: teileclearing for dynamic stability control (dsc). a part replacement authorization must be obtained by submitting a tc case in puma before any of the following dsc components are replaced under warranty for the vehicles lis | 12/09/2009 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE WARNING | |||||
| 34 02 98 | 04/01/1998 | 601210 | Subject regarding the abs/asc warning lights illuminated during dynamometer test. *yc *jn | 07/07/1998 | |
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||||
| SIB-22-01-07 | 11/01/2007 | 10032815 | Bmw vehicle: noise from front axle/right side. a grinding or scraping noise may be heard while cornering at vehicle speeds up to 30 mph. the noise is more pronounced while the vehicle is in the warm up phase and may change intensity durin | 05/26/2010 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 06/10/2005 | 74000 | 1 | 01/01/1997 |
| Sudden and complete failure of iginition switch. after routine drive from work to the gym, i turned the ignition switch to the off position, and the engine did not stop. i was able to remove the key but the engine kept running. there was no way to tun off the engine using the key. drove car to the dealership. | |||
| STRUCTURE | |||
| 01/01/2003 | 55000 | 4 | |
| Rear suspension failure on e36 bmw.. i have read about this on every bmw forum.. the rear subframe mounts tear the floor sheet metal as they are not properly reinforced. i have owned 4 separate cars with this same problem and i know countless others. http://www.unofficialbmw.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=10859. *nm | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 01/01/2003 | 55000 | 4 | |
| Rear suspension failure on e36 bmw.. i have read about this on every bmw forum.. the rear subframe mounts tear the floor sheet metal as they are not properly reinforced. i have owned 4 separate cars with this same problem and i know countless others. http://www.unofficialbmw.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=10859. *nm | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - CONTROLS/WIRING | |||
| 03/08/2005 | 61200 | 50 | 01/30/2005 |
| It is common knowledge through car clubs, parts suppliers and the mechanics providing repairs that the electronic climate control unit often fails completely or becomes intermittent in operation. when it fails there is no controls or chance of changing functions. this allows the condition to exist that the vehicle operator can not select the windshield defroster function and possibly impairing the drivers ability to view through the windshield. i have two cars of this build type and they both have this problem. the mechanics repair bills often amounts to an excess of $400 per repair. here is a quote from a reputable parts source, www.bavauto.com website: this is the digital climate control computer. these are a common failure item on all 1996-1999 3 series. when these fail, the lcd screen will go dim/blank (usually iintermittently and eventually permanently) and the ventilation & air system will not function. part number: 64 11 8 379 521 description: climate control computer module - in-dash rice: 74.95. *ak | |||