1997 BMW 5 Series
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 1 complaint
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 85 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 81 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2023 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
1 of 1 total report mentions: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
While starting the car the drivers side air bag deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-21
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1998-06-03SQClosed 1998-09-11 Windshield wiper inoperation
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R
2004-05-17Suspension04V183000 On certain passenger vehicles, due to long exposures to certain environmental and operating conditions, the material structure of the front spring strut plate could be affected. In some cases, the…
Remedy: Dealers will install a retaining clip to the underside of the front spring strut plates. The recall began May 17, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
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R
2006-05-09Exterior lighting06E023000 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…
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.
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R
2019-08-28Steering19E058000 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.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 BMW 5 Series — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V183000 · Suspension
- Recall 06E023000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 19E058000 · Steering
FAQ
- Is the 1997 BMW 5 Series reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 BMW 5 Series?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 5 Series have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.