Model year guide

1997 BMW 5 Series

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 BMW 5 Series is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 20 on record.

1997 BMW 5 Series — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 BMW 5 Series at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints1
Typical price$1,621

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1997 BMW 5 Series recalls 3

Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting NHTSA Campaign #19E058000 · 28/08/2019

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.

Fix: 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 NHTSA Campaign #06E023000 · 13/03/2006

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."

Fix: 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 NHTSA Campaign #04V183000 · 12/04/2004

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1997 BMW 5 Series common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
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.

What's a 1997 BMW 5 Series worth?

Low
$900
Typical price
$1,621
High
$2,550

From 17 comparable 1997 BMW 5 Series listings.

1997 BMW 5 Series trims & engines on record

Trims
528i · 540i

1997 BMW 5 Series vehicles on record

Other BMW 5 Series model years

1997 BMW 5 Series — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 BMW 5 Series have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1997 BMW 5 Series. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 BMW 5 Series?

Based on 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags.

How much is a 1997 BMW 5 Series worth?

Comparable 1997 BMW 5 Series listings run roughly $900–$2,550, typically around $1,621 (from 17 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.