1997 BMW 8 Series: common problems and reliability
11 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about electrical system. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 1997 8 Series?The 1997 BMW 8 Series has 11 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and air bags.
Safety record for the 1997 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 BMW 8 Series vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1997 a good year for the 8 Series?
Across the 6 8 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (1996) to 14 (2022). With 11 complaints, the 1997 8 Series sits about the same as the model's median of 8.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1997 8 Series
vehicle speed control
Campaign 97V131000THE 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.
What owners say across generations
Insufficient owner data available to determine overall sentiment. The provided community feedback contains only a few isolated, indirect references to the 8 Series. One mention notes it outsells the BMW Z4, indicating it is not the brand's lowest-volume model.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 8 Series. See the full 8 Series owner picture and every model year.
Other 8 Series model years
Compare every 8 Series year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 8 Series against its rivals
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