1997 Bmw 5 Series problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Air Bags (1)
🧠Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Bmw 5 Series model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting 2019-08-28 · campaign 19E058000 · 614 vehicles
Defect: ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
Risk: If the steering rod detaches from the steerable wheel knuckle, it can cause sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.
Service bulletins (21)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls 2024-01-16 · B510819 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Vehicle Speed Control 2023-10-19 · B660523 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (adcam system) can lead to customer complaints.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2017-12-01 · B122917 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service action: program dme: the incorrect dataset could be programmed into dme 5.2.1 control module.
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery 2012-12-01 · SIB-61-37-12 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
bmw: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle is prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. updated 03/11/2013 *js
Power Train:automatic Transmission 2012-12-01 · SIB240812 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
bmw: intermittently goes into park during a msa engine start. the transmission can intermittently go into the park position (p) when msa engine start is occurring. a drive gear can be selected in order to drive away, and no relevant faults are stored. *js
Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer 2012-04-01 · B61-17-12 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
bmw: wipers lights and front power windows are inoperative. this situation may start and lead to a permanent fault. also included model f07 (5 series gran turismo) model years up to march 2012. *js
Showing the 6 most recent of 21 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
No detailed complaint narratives on file.
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.