MYRModel Year Report

1997 BMW 528I

▲ Better than typical
1997 BMW 528I
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:21:37.675Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 528I Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1980: 2 complaints 1980 1997: 41 complaints 1997 1998: 33 complaints 1998 1999: 46 complaints 2000: 42 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2007: 1 complaints 2007 2008: 118 complaints 2009: 22 complaints 2009 2010: 65 complaints 2011: 117 complaints 2011 2012: 89 complaints 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 56 complaints 2015: 62 complaints 2015 2016: 57 complaints 2016
1997: 41 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
199741
199833
199946
200042
20012
20071
2008118
200922
201065
2011117
201289
201373
201456
201562
201657

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SUSPENSION 15%

15% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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, 20040702

SUSPENSION 7%

7% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
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, 20070318

AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
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.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020220

SUSPENSION 5%

5% of complaints: suspension — 2 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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, 20130225

STRUCTURE 5%

5% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 BMW 528I — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1998 ▲ 2000 ● 1999

WORST YEARS

■ 2008 ■ 2011 ◆ 2012

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:front:macpherson strut, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 528I have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.