1997 BMW 3 Series

US · Sedan · Minicompact Cars

The 1997 BMW 3 Series is listed in the US market as a sedan 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 Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.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))
Power: 255 hp (190 kW)
Torque: 295 lb-ft (400 Nm)
Transmission: Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain: RWD
Fuel: Gasoline
Seating: 5 seats

Exterior (Front)

Photo: Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0) · CC BY-SA 4.0

Specifications at a Glance

Key Performance & Dimensions

Units:

Engine / Powertrain

GASOLINE

Power Output

255 hp (190 kW)

Peak Torque

295 lb-ft (400 Nm)

Combined Economy

Not available

Drivetrain

RWD

Transmission

Not available

Capacity

5 seats · 4 doors

Exterior Dimensions

185.6″ L × 71.9″ W × 56.7″ H

Curb Weight

3,583 lbs (1,625 kg)

Market: US·Switch units anytime to convert horsepower, torque, fuel economy, and dimensions.

Compare 1997 BMW 3 Series ↗

Engine

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
Aspiration	Turbocharged
Power	255 hp (190 kW)
Torque	295 lb-ft (400 Nm)
Fuel type	Gasoline	EPA fueleconomy.gov

Performance

Performance
Specification	Value	Source
0–100 km/h	5.6 s
Top speed	155 mph (250 km/h)

Not available from our sources: Towing capacity, Payload.

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
Specification	Value	Source
Transmission	Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Gears	4 to 5
Drivetrain	RWD	EPA fueleconomy.gov

Dimensions

Dimensions
Specification	Value	Source
Length	185.6 in (4,713 mm)
Width	71.9 in (1,827 mm)
Height	56.7 in (1,440 mm)
Wheelbase	112.2 in (2,851 mm)

Not available from our sources: Ground clearance.

Weight

Weight
Specification	Value	Source
Curb weight	3,583 lb (1,625 kg)

Not available from our sources: Gross vehicle weight rating.

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
Specification	Value	Source
Combined	24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)	EPA fueleconomy.gov
City	20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km)
Highway	29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km)

Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.

Capacity

Capacity
Specification	Value	Source
Seats	5
Doors	4

Not available from our sources: Fuel tank, Cargo volume.

Trims and configurations

15 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 20, 2026.

06E064000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported July 17, 2006. View on NHTSA
06E044000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported May 22, 2006. View on NHTSA
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
06E023000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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."
Remedy: 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.
Reported March 13, 2006. View on NHTSA

Data sources

EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 19, 2026 · US Government public data

Source checked: October 19, 2026

Data verified: October 20, 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 3 Series
Sedan, Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)) · 255 hp (190 kW) · RWD
23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)
1998 BMW 3 Series
Sedan, Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.5L 6-cylinder, 2.8L 6-cylinder, 1.9L 4-cylinder · 255 hp (190 kW) · RWD
24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 1997 BMW 3 Series 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.

How much horsepower does the 1997 BMW 3 Series have?

255 hp (190 kW), as listed by our sources.

What is the fuel economy of the 1997 BMW 3 Series?

Combined fuel economy is 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 1997 BMW 3 Series front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: RWD.

How many seats does the 1997 BMW 3 Series have?

5 seats.

How long is the 1997 BMW 3 Series?

185.6 in (4,713 mm).

Are there recalls for the 1997 BMW 3 Series?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 20, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.