BMW World - 1997 Model Information

3 Series

In 1997, the M3 sedan was introduced, and all models received All-Season Traction (AST) as standard equipment. Other changes for 1997 include minor styling alterations to the interior and exterior.

	318i Convertible Features a 1.9-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with 138hp @ 6,000 rpm and 133 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission, alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery and foglights are standard. More Info...

	318i Sedan Features a 1.9-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with 138hp @ 6,000 rpm and 133 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission, steel wheels, leatherette upholstery and a power sunroof are standard. More Info...

	318is Coupe Features a 1.9-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with 138hp @ 6,000 rpm and 133 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission, steel wheels, leatherette upholstery and a power sunroof are standard. More Info...

	318ti Coupe Features a 1.9-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with 138hp @ 6,000 rpm and 133 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission, steel wheels, and leatherette upholstery. More Info...

	328i Convertible Features a 2.8-liter DOHC 24-valve inine 6-cylinder with 190hp @ 5,300 rpm and 207 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission, alloy wheels, leather upholstery, foglights and a power convertible top are standard. More Info...

	328i Sedan Features a 2.8-liter DOHC 24-valve inine 6-cylinder with 190hp @ 5,300 rpm and 207 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission, alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, a power sunroof and foglights are standard. More Info...

	328is Coupe Features a 2.8-liter DOHC 24-valve inine 6-cylinder with 190hp @ 5,300 rpm and 206 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission, alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, a power sunroof and foglights are standard. More Info...

	M3 Coupe Features a 3.2-liter DOHC 24-valve inline 6-cylinder with 240hp @ 6,000 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque @ 3,800 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission, alloy wheels, cloth or gathered leather upholstery, foglights, limited-slip differential, front sports seats and All Season Traction are standard. More Info... More M3...

	M3 Sedan Features a 3.2-liter DOHC 24-valve inline 6-cylinder with 240hp @ 6,000 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission, alloy wheels, cloth or gathered leather upholstery, foglights, limited-slip differential, front sports seats and All Season Traction are standard. More Info... More M3...

5 Series

The 5 Series was redesigned and introduced midway through 1996 as a 1997 model. The new 5 Series models were available as a six-cylinder 528i or a V8 540i. Both models featured new engines, all-aluminum suspensions, improved brakes and available side impact airbag protection.

Style changes included a lengthening of the hood, a shortening of the trunk and covered headlights. The 5 Series got a new front-end, with the twin-kidney grille integrated into the hood.
The all-aluminum suspension reduced the unsprung weight by 46 pounds, providing better handling.
Borrowed from the M3, variable-ratio, variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering, was used in the 528i, while the 540i continued with recirculating ball, variable-assist power steering.
The 528i got a new inline six-cylinder engine with improved midrange torque. The 540i got a more powerful 4.4-liter V8 that offers zero to 60 times in the low-sixes.
The 528i was available with a five-speed manual transmission or the new four-speed automatic with Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC). ATC tracks the driver's driving style and road conditions, allowing the shift-timing to adjust accordingly.
The 540i models were available with a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.
Safety equipment included: four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, nine-mph bumpers, dual airbags, standard side-impact airbags, three-point seatbelts at all seating positions, impact sensors that unlock the doors and activate the hazard lights in the event of a serious accident, remote keyless entry, two-step unlocking, coded driveaway protection, and a vehicle security system.
The 5 Series luxury features included automatic climate controls, power moonroof, 200-watt stereo, 10-way power front seats with power headrests, heated outside mirrors, heated steering wheel, and a right-hand outside mirror that tilts down when the car is in reverse to help drivers see curbs when parallel parking.


	528i Sedan Standard equipment included crash sensor, leatherette upholstery, and a 4-function on-board computer. Features a 2.8-liter DOHC 24-valve inline 6-cylinder with 190hp @ 5,300 rpm and 206 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm and a 5-speed automatic transmission. More Info...

	540i Sedan Standard equipment included Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Montana leather upholstery, and high-gloss wood trim. Features a 4.4-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8 with 282hp @ 5,700 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm and a 6-speed automatic transmission. More Info...

7 Series


	740i Sedan Standard equipment included alloy wheels, gathered leather upholstery, power sunroof, foglights, and remote keyless entry system. Features a 4.4-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8 with 282hp @ 5,700 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm and a 5-speed automatic transmission. More Info...

	740iL Sedan Standard equipment included alloy wheels, gathered leather upholstery, power moonroof, foglights, remote keyless entry system, and All Season Traction. Features a 4.4-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8 with 282hp @ 5,700 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm and a 5-speed automatic transmission. More Info...

	750iL Sedan Standard equipment included alloy wheels, gathered leather upholstery, power moonroof, foglights, remote keyless entry system, power rear-window sunshade, comfort seats, heated seats, and Park Distance Control (PDC). Features a 5.4-liter SOHC 24-valve V12 with 322hp @ 5,000 rpm and 361 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm and a 5-speed automatic transmission. More Info...

8 Series


	840Ci coupe Standard equipment included alloy wheels, gathered leather upholstery, wood trim, power sunroof, foglights, remote keyless entry system and All Season Traction. Featured a 4.4-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8 with 282hp @ 5,700 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm and a 5-speed automatic transmission. More Info...

	850Ci Coupe Standard equipment included alloy wheels, gathered leather upholstery/wood trim, power sunroof, foglights, remote keyless entry system, All Season Traction, BMW cellular telephone and CD changer. Featured a 5.4-liter SOHC 24-valve V12 with 322hp @ 5,000 rpm and 361 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm and a 5-speed automatic transmission. More Info...

Z3 Cars


	Z Roadster 1.9 Standard equipment included cast alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery and a manual top. Featured a 1.9-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with 138hp @ 6,000 rpm and 133 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm and a 5-speed manual transmission. More Info...

	Z Roadster 2.8 Standard equipment included cast alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery and a manual top. Featured a 2.8-liter DOHC 24-valve inline 6-cylinder with 189hp @ 5,300 rpm and 203 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm and a 5-speed manual transmission. More Info...