1998 BMW 5 Series
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 20 of 75 complaints (27%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 106 in 1997 to 75 in 1998.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | vs. 1998 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,700–4,850 | 3,100–3,900 | 2,950–3,900 | 3,700–4,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–21 | 16–20 | 16–21 | 16–21 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–18 / 22–26 | 14–17 / 22–26 | 14–18 / 19–26 | 14–18 / 19–26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423–555 | 444–555 | 423–555 | 423–555 | |
| Complaints filed | 106 | 75 | 91 | 98 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 8 | 2 | 7 | 3 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 5 | 1 | 2 | 9 | |
| Injuries reported | 5 | 3 | 9 | 9 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
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 1998 BMW 5 Series have?
4 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 1998 BMW 5 Series?
Engine: 20 of 75 NHTSA complaints (27%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1998 BMW 5 Series get?
EPA rates it 16–20 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1998 BMW 5 Series?
EPA estimates $3,100–$3,900 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 | Regular | Compact Cars | 16 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 17 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | $3,100 (low) | 444 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 16 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 4.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 14 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 9 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 15 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 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 (4)
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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT · Campaign 98V142000 · Jun 30, 1998
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DIFFERENTIAL PINION SHAFT WITHIN THE DIFFERENTIAL CASE ASSEMBLY WAS PRODUCED WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE SURFACE HARDENING. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE SHAFT EXPERIENCING PREMATURE WEAR.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE A NOISE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL AND, ULTIMATELY, FAILURE OF THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF DRIVE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) · Campaign 98V143000 · Jun 30, 1998
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEALING MATERIAL OF THE SWITCH CAN DEVELOP LEAKS AND ALLOW WATER ENTRY.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN AN INCORRECT INDICATION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION, WHICH COULD ALSO CAUSE THE CAR NOT TO START, OR ALLOW IT TO START IN A DRIVE GEAR, SUCH AS 'DRIVE' OR 'REVERSE.'
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION SWITCH.