1997 BMW Z3
US · Two Seaters
The 1997 BMW Z3 is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.8L 6-cylinder (FFS)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.8L 6-cylinder (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 1.9 L to 2.8 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 to 6 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 4 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | RWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) to 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
6 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 5, 2026.
06E026000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
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.
Reported March 23, 2006. View on NHTSA
97V131000: 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…
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.
Reported August 19, 1997. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 10, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 19, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: November 10, 2026
Data verified: November 10, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1996 BMW Z3
Gasoline
1.9L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · RWD
23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) - 1998 BMW Z3
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder, 2.8L 6-cylinder · RWD
24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1997 BMW Z3 have?
Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1997 BMW Z3?
Combined fuel economy is 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1997 BMW Z3 front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: RWD.
Are there recalls for the 1997 BMW Z3?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 5, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.