1997 BMW 5 Series: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 BMW 5 Series: 1 recall, 1 owner complaint and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #04V183000 · 2004 · 25,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This could lead to a sudden loss of tire pressure or tire failure.
The 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.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E023000 · 2006 · 292,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006.
Steering Equipment recall #19E058000 · 2019 · 614 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering center rods May have an insufficient ball pin pull force that May allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
Why it matters: If the steering rod detaches from the steerable wheel knuckle, it can cause sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 BMW 5 Series has 1 owner complaints, ranking #16 of 18 5 Series model years for complaints (well below the 24 average). Neighboring years: 1996 (0 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 22 | 16 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 BMW 5 Series.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1997 BMW 5 Series, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 BMW 5 Series problems?
Owners have filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (1).
What gas mileage does the 1997 BMW 5 Series get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 BMW 5 Series repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.