1997 BMW 5 Series
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 31 of 106 complaints (29%) mention it.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1995 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | vs. 1997 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,900–4,850 | 3,700–4,850 | 3,100–3,900 | 2,950–3,900 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–20 | 16–21 | 16–20 | 16–21 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–17 / 22–26 | 14–18 / 22–26 | 14–17 / 22–26 | 14–18 / 19–26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 444–555 | 423–555 | 444–555 | 423–555 | |
| Complaints filed | 72 | 106 | 75 | 91 | |
| Recalls issued | 6 | 3 | 4 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 9 | 8 | 2 | 7 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 5 | 5 | 1 | 2 | |
| Injuries reported | 6 | 5 | 3 | 9 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 5 Series have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1997 BMW 5 Series?
Engine: 31 of 106 NHTSA complaints (29%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1997 BMW 5 Series get?
EPA rates it 16–21 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1997 BMW 5 Series?
EPA estimates $3,700–$4,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 4.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 14 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $4,850 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 31 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 10 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 20 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 16 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING · Campaign 19E058000 · Aug 28, 2019
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.
Consequence: If the steering rod detaches from the steerable wheel knuckle, it can cause sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 06E023000 · Mar 14, 2006
Defect: 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 CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT · Campaign 04V183000 · Apr 20, 2004
Defect: 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 STRUT PLATE COULD BEGIN TO CRACK, AND EVENTUALLY IT COULD BREAK. IF THIS OCCURRED, THE PLATE COULD CONTACT THE TIRE.
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE OR TIRE FAILURE.
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.