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1997 BMW 5 Series problems

The most common problem on the 1997 BMW 5 Series is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical 5 Series model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
21
Worst area
Airbags

The worst 1997 BMW 5 Series problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    1

Recalls 1

Suspension: frontReported April 12, 2004 · 25,270 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 04V183000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1997 BMW 5 Series

Defect investigations

Windshield wiper inoperationOpened June 3, 1998, closed September 11, 1998

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 part catalogs.odi has no complaints alleging wiper failure and bmw's warranty rate (0.13%) does not indicate an existing failure trend.washington-area bmw dealers surveyed by odi reported no complaints relative to the subject relay.a safety defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exits.the agency reserves that right to take further action on these maatter if warranted by the circumstanes.

SQ98010

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 BMW 5 Series 21

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 21 bulletins for the 1997 BMW 5 Series

What 1997 BMW 5 Series owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 21, 2014 · Airbags · 158,000 miles · SC

While starting the car the drivers side air bag deployed.

Compare the 1997 BMW 5 Series

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Questions about the 1997 BMW 5 Series

Is the 1997 BMW 5 Series reliable?

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1997 BMW 5 Series, fewer than a typical 5 Series model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 BMW 5 Series?

Airbags, with 1 complaint.

How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 5 Series have?

1 recall, covering suspension.

What year does the BMW 5 Series have bad airbags?

The BMW 5 Series model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (36 complaints), 2004 (29 complaints) and 2005 (10 complaints).

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