1997 BMW Z3: trims, real prices & how to pick yours

2 builds left the factory as a 1997 Z3, each a different combination of engine, transmission and body identified by the first eight characters of its VIN. The 2 main configurations sell for $3,800–$15,990 today.

  • 2 main configurations
  • 1,383 vehicles built
  • 37 for sale right now
  • $3,800–$15,990 typical price range

Which Z3 is yours?

Enter a VIN — the 17 characters on the windshield or the title — and we’ll match it to its exact factory configuration, typical price and equipment.

Works with any VIN — a different year or model takes you straight to its own page.

Pick your Z3

What people actually pay

59 price observations · updated Aug 30, 2026
1.9
$7,999
$3,686 $6,882 $10,078 $13,274 $16,470
Price trend

Median up $375 over the last 12 months.

1997 Z3 price history →
Cost to run

20/29 mpg city/highway. Roughly $2,020/yr on fuel at 15,000 miles.

EPA estimate for the 1997 Z3

Safety, in plain English

What 4USCH732-V means

4US CH732 · V
4US
the World Manufacturer Identifier BMW registered — assembled in the United States
CH732
together encode the Z3 line — Convertible — as BMW filed it, these five characters are read as one block, not letter by letter
V
in position 10 — model year 1997
9, 11–17
differ on every car: check digit, plant code and the serial number
Real VINs from this run 4USCH732 5VLB77576

Already looking at a specific Z3?

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1997 BMW Z3 prices →