1997 BMW 5 SERIES
3 recalls, 1 complaints - 31 TSBs
19E058000 Aug 28, 2019
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
Defect Description
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.
06E023000 Mar 13, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Description
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 EQUIPME... Read more
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.
04V183000 Apr 12, 2004
SUSPENSION:FRONT
Defect Description
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 CO... Read more
Consequence
THIS COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE OR TIRE FAILURE.
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.
Complaint Statistics
1 total complaints
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 1 |
AIR BAGS
Oct 21, 2014
Incident date: Sep 17, 2014
WHILE STARTING THE CAR THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *TR
Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 BMW 5 SERIES
31 manufacturer communications from 21 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 5 |
| 117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL | 3 |
| 133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 2 |
| 353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. | 1 |
| 141100 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE | 1 |
| 032200 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP | 1 |
| 020000 SUSPENSION | 1 |
| 021400 SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT | 1 |
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B660523
Oct 19, 2023
270000 LANE DEPARTURE
Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.
B660523
Oct 19, 2023
260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.
B660523
Oct 19, 2023
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.
B122917
Dec 1, 2017
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.
SIB-61-37-12
Dec 1, 2012
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
BMW: THE HIGH-VOLTAGE (HV) BATTERY CELLS COULD BE DAMAGED IF THE VEHICLE IS PREVENTED FROM ENTERING SLEEP MODE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. UPDATED 03/11/2013 *JS
SIB240812
Dec 1, 2012
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
BMW: INTERMITTENTLY GOES INTO PARK DURING A MSA ENGINE START. THE TRANSMISSION CAN INTERMITTENTLY GO INTO THE PARK POSITION (P) WHEN MSA ENGINE START IS OCCURRING. A DRIVE GEAR CAN BE SELECTED IN ORDER TO DRIVE AWAY, AND NO RELEVANT FAULTS
B61-17-12
Apr 1, 2012
330000 INTERIOR LIGHTING
BMW: WIPERS LIGHTS AND FRONT POWER WINDOWS ARE INOPERATIVE. THIS SITUATION MAY START AND LEAD TO A PERMANENT FAULT. ALSO INCLUDED MODEL F07 (5 SERIES GRAN TURISMO) MODEL YEARS UP TO MARCH 2012. *JS
B61-17-12
Apr 1, 2012
136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
BMW: WIPERS LIGHTS AND FRONT POWER WINDOWS ARE INOPERATIVE. THIS SITUATION MAY START AND LEAD TO A PERMANENT FAULT. ALSO INCLUDED MODEL F07 (5 SERIES GRAN TURISMO) MODEL YEARS UP TO MARCH 2012. *JS
B61-17-12
Apr 1, 2012
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
BMW: WIPERS LIGHTS AND FRONT POWER WINDOWS ARE INOPERATIVE. THIS SITUATION MAY START AND LEAD TO A PERMANENT FAULT. ALSO INCLUDED MODEL F07 (5 SERIES GRAN TURISMO) MODEL YEARS UP TO MARCH 2012. *JS
SIB-65-75-06
Aug 1, 2011
140000 AIR BAGS
BMW SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP (AWL) IS ILLUMINATED, TOGETHER WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LAMP (POL). THE PROBLEM MAY BE INTERMITTENT. MICROCRACKS IN THE OC3 SEAT MAT. *PE
SI-B37-01-09
Apr 1, 2010
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BMW: VEHICLE HAS A CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE SELF LEVELING SUSPENSION FAILED/MALFUNCTIONING DISPLAYED. AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FAULT CODES IS STORED AND IS CURRENTLY PRESENT IN THE EHC CONTROL UNIT: 5F98 CONTROL TIME FAULT LIFTING REAR LE
SI-B12-02-09
May 1, 2009
071110 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
BMW: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP OR THE CHECK GAS CAP WARNINGS ARE ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. WHEN DIAGNOSED, THE DME HAS STORED FAULTS FOR SMALL LEAK, MICRO LEAK, SUPER FINE LEAK, OR LARGE LEAK IN RELATION TO THE TANK VENTILATION OR EVAPORATI
SI-B12-02-09
May 1, 2009
091100 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
BMW: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP OR THE CHECK GAS CAP WARNINGS ARE ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. WHEN DIAGNOSED, THE DME HAS STORED FAULTS FOR SMALL LEAK, MICRO LEAK, SUPER FINE LEAK, OR LARGE LEAK IN RELATION TO THE TANK VENTILATION OR EVAPORATI
SI-B-62-01-09
Apr 1, 2009
117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
BMW: ALL INSTRUMENT DIALS ARE INOPERATIVE AND THE ILLUMINATION OF THE INFORMATION DISPLAY IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS VERY BRIGHT. *PE
SI-B-11-01-07
Mar 1, 2009
061200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
BMW: SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS RANGING FROM LEAKING OIL FILLER CAPS, LEAKING OR BROKEN VALVE COVERS, TO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE IN EXTREMELY COLD CLIMATE CONDITIONS. MOISTURE ACCUMULATING IN ENGINE CRANKCASE VENTILATION V
SI-B-11-01-07
Mar 1, 2009
063110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
BMW: SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS RANGING FROM LEAKING OIL FILLER CAPS, LEAKING OR BROKEN VALVE COVERS, TO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE IN EXTREMELY COLD CLIMATE CONDITIONS. MOISTURE ACCUMULATING IN ENGINE CRANKCASE VENTILATION V
SI-B-11-01-07
Mar 1, 2009
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BMW: SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS RANGING FROM LEAKING OIL FILLER CAPS, LEAKING OR BROKEN VALVE COVERS, TO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE IN EXTREMELY COLD CLIMATE CONDITIONS. MOISTURE ACCUMULATING IN ENGINE CRANKCASE VENTILATION V
SI B11 13 07
Apr 1, 2008
061120 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
N54 RATTLE NOISE FROM TURBOCHARGER AREA. MODELS E90, E92 AND E93 (3 SERIES) 335I AND 335XI; E60 AND E61 (5 SERIES) 535I AND 535XI, ALL WITH N54 ENGINE FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION TO JANUARY 17, 2008 PRODUCTION. *PE
SI B11 13 07
Apr 1, 2008
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
N54 RATTLE NOISE FROM TURBOCHARGER AREA. MODELS E90, E92 AND E93 (3 SERIES) 335I AND 335XI; E60 AND E61 (5 SERIES) 535I AND 535XI, ALL WITH N54 ENGINE FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION TO JANUARY 17, 2008 PRODUCTION. *PE
SI B11 13 07
Apr 1, 2008
061320 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
N54 RATTLE NOISE FROM TURBOCHARGER AREA. MODELS E90, E92 AND E93 (3 SERIES) 335I AND 335XI; E60 AND E61 (5 SERIES) 535I AND 535XI, ALL WITH N54 ENGINE FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION TO JANUARY 17, 2008 PRODUCTION. *PE
SI B12 01 08
Jan 1, 2008
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
N52 EDK THROTTLE JAMMING FAULTS 2D09, 2CED AND 2CEC. MODEL E90 AND E91 (3 SERIES) AND E60 AND E61 (5 SERIES), ALL MODELS UP TO 11/2005 WITH N52 ENGINE. *PE
SI B62 0406
Jan 1, 2008
117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER: FAILURE OF DISPLAYS/FUNCTIONS. MODEL E60, E61 (5 SERIES) AND E63, E64 (6 SERIES). *PE
SIB-62-04-06
Dec 1, 2007
117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
BMW: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-FAILURE OF DISPLAYS/FUNCTIONS. TOTAL OR PARTIAL FAILURE OF DISPLAYS OR FUNCTIONS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE DISPLAYS OR FUNCTIONS START WORKING AGAIN AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED (SLEEP MODE). INTERNAL E
120405
Mar 1, 2006
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED AND/OR VEHICLE OVERHEATS. BMW E90 (3 SERIES) ALL E90 (3 SERIES) AND E60 (5 SERIES) MODELS EQUIPPED WITH N52 ENGINE. *TT
04192004
Apr 19, 2004
021400 SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V-183 FRONT STRUT PLATE REPAIR FOR POTENTIAL BREAKAGE. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS MOSTLY ASKED BY CUSTOMERS. *TT
04V183
Apr 19, 2004
020000 SUSPENSION
RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V-183 FRONT SPRING STRUT PLATE COULD POTENTIALLY CRACK. *TT
34 02 98
Apr 1, 1998
032200 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
SUBJECT REGARDING THE ABS/ASC WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED DURING DYNAMOMETER TEST. *YC *JN
65 05 97
Dec 1, 1997
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
RADIO DISOLAY ON MID DOES NOT APPEAR WHEN IGNITION IS TURNED ON. *AK
72 04 96
Nov 1, 1997
141100 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
SITUATION ON THE SRS AIRBAG LIGHT COMES "ON" AND STAYS ILLUMINATED FOR UP TO TWO MINUTES AFTER STARTING VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA Safety Investigations, BMW 5 SERIES
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
SQ98010
Opened: Jun 3, 1998 , Closed: Sep 11, 1998
WINDSHIELD WIPER INOPERATION
BMW BELIEVES THAT THERE IS NO INDICATION OF A SYSTEMATIC OR SAFETY DEFECT CONCERNING THE SUBJECT WIPER RELAY.THE MAIN REASON THAT PRECIPITATED THE ISSUANCE OF THE SERVICE BULLETIN WAS TO INFORM DEALERS OF A NEW RELAY PART NUMBER FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SINCE THIS PART NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE... Read more
BMW 5 SERIES - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BMW 5 SERIES across all model years (1989, 2023).
78
Total Recalls
557
Total Complaints
1
Investigations
26
Reported Crashes
25
Reported Fires
1
Reported Deaths
BMW 5 SERIES - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2012 | 0 | 12 | View |
| 2011 | 4 | 96 | View |
| 2010 | 5 | 9 | View |
| 2009 | 4 | 6 | View |
| 2008 | 4 | 131 | View |
| 2007 | 4 | 22 | View |
| 2006 | 8 | 125 | View |
| 2005 | 5 | 26 | View |
| 2004 | 8 | 89 | View |
| 2003 | 2 | 13 | View |
| 2002 | 2 | 10 | View |
| 2001 | 2 | 4 | View |
| 2000 | 2 | 3 | View |
| 1999 | 1 | 2 | View |
| 1998 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1997 (current) | 3 | 1 | |
| 1996 | 3 | 0 | View |
| 1995 | 3 | 6 | View |
| 1994 | 3 | 0 | View |
| 1993 | 3 | 0 | View |
| 1992 | 3 | 0 | View |
| 1991 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1990 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1989 | 2 | 1 | View |