Sell your 1997 BMW Z3 for cash

The 1997 BMW Z3 is a two-seat sports car that came with a choice of 1.9L 4-cyl and 2.8L 6-cyl engines. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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1997 BMW Z3 at a glance

Body styleTwo Seaters
Engines1.9L 4-cyl, 2.8L 6-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd
DriveRear-Wheel Drive
FuelPremium Gasoline
Fuel economy16–20 city / 23–29 highway / 19–24 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$3,400–$4,350 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂370–468 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA6 configurations
Age29 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 29 years old, most of a 1997 Z3's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a two-seat sports car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Z3. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the seats, typically around 130,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

1997 BMW Z3 recalls

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1997 BMW Z3. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

Vehicle Speed ControlAug 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V131000

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…

Risk: 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.

Common 1997 Z3 problems

Owners have filed 47 complaints about the 1997 BMW Z3 with NHTSA. 4 reports involved a crash and 2 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 6 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Seats11
  • Air Bags10
  • Seat Belts4
  • Unknown or Other4
  • Air Bags3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling3

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Seats130,000 mi
  • Air Bags70,000 mi
  • Seat Belts131,000 mi
  • Unknown or Other110,000 mi

1997 BMW Z3 service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 13 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 BMW Z3. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Engine and Engine Cooling2
  • Fuel System2
  • Structure2
  • Unknown or Other2
  • Electrical System1
  • Equipment1

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 2010 · SI B12 12 10

    BMW: when at lower speeds or stopping the engine idle dips too low because of a software problem. *rm

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 1999 · 121099

    Information regarding voluntary emission recall campaign no. 99e-a01. *tt

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1999 · 121299

    Information pertaining to quality monitoring of m44 / m62 camshaft sensor. *tt

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 1998 · 16 01 98

    Information on evaporative emission control and fuel filler cap / filler door labels. *yc

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Other BMW Z3 years

‹ Sell a 1996 Z3 · Sell a 1998 Z3 › · All BMW Z3 years

Other 1997 BMW models

Selling a 1997 Z3: questions

How much is a 1997 BMW Z3 worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 1997 Z3 that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 1997 Z3s that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 1997 Z3 with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 BMW Z3; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 1997 Z3?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Before you sell

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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