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 at a glance
Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.
1997 BMW 5 Series recalls 3
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.
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.
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.
What's a 1997 BMW 5 Series worth?
1997 BMW 5 Series trims & engines on record
1997 BMW 5 Series vehicles on record
1997 BMW 5 Series 528iWBADD6321VBW20323
1997 BMW 5 Series 540iWBADE6320VBW56419
1997 BMW 5 Series 528iWBADD6322VBW15437
1997 BMW 5 Series 528iWBADD6321VBW29569
1997 BMW 5 Series 540iWBADE6328VBW56474
1997 BMW 5 Series 528iWBADD6325VBW11866
1997 BMW 5 Series 528iWBADD6322VBW12067
1997 BMW 5 Series 528iWBADD6328VBW05558
1997 BMW 5 Series 540iWBADE5324VBV91682
1997 BMW 5 Series 528iWBADD6329VBW22370
1997 BMW 5 Series 528iWBADD6328VBW28094
1997 BMW 5 Series 528iWBADD6328VBW25857
1997 BMW 5 Series 540iWBADE5328VBV91992
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.