Looking at a Specific 1997 BMW Z3 2.8?
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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 1997 > BMW > Z3

1997 BMW Z3 2.8
Convertible
Rear wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 1997 BMW Z3 2.8. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used BMW.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did not test this vehicle model.

Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Not tested by NHTSA
Passenger Not tested by NHTSA
Side Crash: Rating:
Front Seat Not tested by NHTSA
Rear Seat Not tested by NHTSA
Rollover Resistance: Rating:
Rollover Resistance Not tested by NHTSA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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IIHS Crash Test Results for the 1997 BMW Z3 2.8 are not available in CARFAX Safety & Reliability Ratings.




Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 1997 BMW Z3 2.8 bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 61 Substantially better than average
Collision Index 104 Average
Theft Index 11 Substantially better than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 1997 BMW Z3 2.8 are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 1997 BMW Z3 2.8 by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 1997 BMW Z3 2.8 still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: 08-19-1997
Units potentially affected: 410,000
NHTSA campaign number: 97V131000
Defective part or component: FUEL:THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL
Description: 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. 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. 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.


This 1997 BMW Z3 2.8 safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Looking at a Specific 1997 BMW Z3 2.8?
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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality No data from source
  Mechanical Quality Rating 4 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 3 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 3 of 5
Overall Appeal No data from source
  Performance Rating 5 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel No data from source
  Style Rating 5 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability No data from source
  Mechanical Dependability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Dependability No data from source
  Body and Interior Dependability No data from source

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine No data from source
Transmission & Driveline No data from source
Steering & Suspension No data from source
Brakes No data from source
Heating & Air Conditioning No data from source
Starting & Charging No data from source
Accessories No data from source
Identifix Legend


This 1997 BMW Z3 reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 4 years or 50,000 miles  
Drivetrain 4 years or 50,000 miles  
Emissions No data from source  
Corrosion 12 years with Unlimited mileage  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 4 years or unlimited miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Roadside assistance 4/unlimited. 2000-2002 full maintenance standard for 3/36. 2002 and newer full maintenance 4/50,000. 6/100,000 program upgrade available up to 5/60,000. Transferable if out of base maintenance warranty period there is a fee to upgrade. May require yearly inspection, at least every 2 years. 2003 and prior model years have a 6/unlimited warranty for corrosion. 2004 and newer model years have a 12/unlimited mileage warranty for corrosion. Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. J&L Warranty Pros recommends performing a vehicle information report to confirm applicable manufacturer warranty coverage.  

This 1997 BMW Z3 2.8 warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Classic style with muscle to match.
By Tony Swan, NewCarTestDrive.com

If you're not in a big hurry, we still think the basic Z3 1.9 provides a joyous sports car experience, enhanced by excellent quality and seductive good looks. But the new 2.8 version definitely nudges that experience into the realm of fast-forward, and, in our opinion, makes the Z3 one of the most desirable sports cars on the planet, regardless of price.

Having said that, we must add that the Z3 2.8, Mercedes SLK and Porsche Boxster all provide different interpretations on the small two-seater theme, and each has its own set of virtues. With a base price of $36,470, including destination, the Z3 2.8 starts about $3500 lower than its rivals, but we still think that if you're shopping in this realm you should drive them all. Maybe twice.

Overview:

When BMW's gorgeous Z3 roadster rolled onto the world sports car stage last year, one small but persistent complaint tarnished its otherwise rave reviews. Dynamite styling, yes. Excellent ride and handling, check. Top quality--from a brand new factory in South Carolina--check. Power? Well....

Frankly, we were surprised at this grumbling. The basic Z3, with its four-cylinder engine, may not have been any faster than a Mazda Miata, but it was a delight to drive nonetheless and a runaway success in the showroom.

But if a perceived power shortage was the only thing that held you back during the Z3's inaugural season, wait no more. As expected, BMW has added a six-cylinder version to the lineup for 1997--the Z3 2.8--and, also as expected, it adds serious go-power to this car's long list of enticements.

From a competitive point of view, this development comes none too soon. Unlike last year, the Z3 faces some very direct and formidable new competitors in the Mercedes SLK--the 1997 North American Car of the Year--and the Porsche Boxster.

But with the addition of 51 horsepower, plus a longer list of standard features and a price that's lower than its Germanic rivals, we think the 2.8 version easily measures up to the challenge.

Read the complete 1997 BMW Z3 2.8 review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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