I have a 1999 bmw 528i with intermittent ABS controller issue, which activates at low rate of speed. I went to the dealership and they replaced the ABS sensor. The next day it activated again. I returned to the dealership, they did a diagnostic and stated the ABS repair kit is bad. I asked what is that and they stated it controls the ABS system on my car and the part is $1000. I am a member of roadfly.org, which is a network consisting of bmw owners sharing information about issues and tips. My concern is this is a safety issue and its a known problem with the bmw (e39). I would like the manufacturer to check the www.roadfly.org message board on the bmw e39 1997-2001.
The worst 1999 BMW 5 Series problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes2
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 BMW 5 Series 20
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer...
- Program dme
- Program dme (for O2 sensors)
- Bmw: intermittently goes into park during a msa engine start
- Bmw: the high-voltage (HV) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle is prevented from entering sleep...
- Bmw: wipers lights and front power windows are inoperative
- Bmw service campaign: the airbag warning lamp (AWL) is illuminated, together with the passenger airbag...
- Bmw vehicle: adaptive headlights
- Bmw vehicles: replaced seat occupancy sensor mat will not enable
1999 BMW 5 Series fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 6‑cyl | RWD | 16 | 24 | 19 |
| 4.4L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
What 1999 BMW 5 Series owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Abs controller failure. Very high failure rate during this production period. Some reports of uncontrolled application of brakes at high speeds. Bmwna sales of the ABS modulator and/or repair unit will reflect this claim.
Compare the 1999 BMW 5 Series
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Questions about the 1999 BMW 5 Series
Is the 1999 BMW 5 Series reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1999 BMW 5 Series, fewer than a typical 5 Series model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 BMW 5 Series?
Brakes, with 2 complaints.
How many recalls does the 1999 BMW 5 Series have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 1999 BMW 5 Series get?
Official estimates for the 1999 BMW 5 Series range from 16 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.8L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 24 highway.
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