1997 BMW 528I
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 41
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Suspension
None on file
None on file
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 41 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1997 | 41 |
| 1998 | 33 |
| 1999 | 46 |
| 2000 | 42 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 118 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 65 |
| 2011 | 118 |
| 2012 | 90 |
| 2013 | 73 |
| 2014 | 56 |
| 2015 | 63 |
| 2016 | 59 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Suspension
32% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing macpherson strut and front.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving at night on interstate 5, southbound north of los angeles in vicinity of sun valley, my 1997 BMW 528I struck a large (30 gallon) plastic barrel in the roadway, impacting the lower front center/right of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-03-18
Also filed under Structure
On July 1, 2004 consumer received a recall letter, prior to having the strut NHTSA recall campaign 04V183000 repairs performed. The defect occurred. This resulted in a collision on June 25, 2004 while driving at 35 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-02
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 BMW 528I. The contact stated that he traveled over a road bump at an unknown speed when the vehicle released an abnormal noise. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that one of the struts failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-25
Power train
15% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing gear position indication (prndl) and automatic transmission.
Air bags
12% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
I'd like to request an inspector to check on my vehicle. This is the second time I had an accident likt this but the airbag did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-02-20
While driving 20MPH had head-on collision with another vehicle, and airbags did not deploy. Driver injured. Dealer contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-02-07
Service brakes
12% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 BMW 528I. The contact stated the emergency brake on his vehicle had not operated normally since he purchased the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-21
Structure
7% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing door and underbody shields.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1997 BMW 528I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 BMW 528I reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 BMW 528I is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 BMW 528I?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 528I have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.