1997 BMW 5 Series 540i
WBADE6329VBW52059
Vehicle history report for the 1997 BMW 5 Series 540i (VIN WBADE6329VBW52059). Silver, sedan/saloon. 210,158 mi reported. Registered in Ca. 3 open safety recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
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What a full report checks for VIN WBADE6329VBW52059
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 3
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #19E058000 · 28/08/2019EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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."
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.
NHTSA Campaign #06E023000 · 13/03/2006SUSPENSION:FRONT
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #04V183000 · 12/04/2004We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA for the 1997 BMW 5 Series, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 1
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 BMW 5 Series.
AIR BAGS
WHILE STARTING THE CAR THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10649096
