1997 BMW 528I: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 41 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (28% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
41
owner complaints
1
fire reports
109,235
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest 528I years (#11 of 13 by complaints, age-adjusted)No recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 109,235 mi)Weak spot: suspension (28%)1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)28% · 11 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)10% · 4 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)10% · 4 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)8% · 3 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)8% · 3 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)5% · 2 complaints
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 bmw 528i. The contact stated that he traveled over a road bump at an unknown speed when the vehicle released an abnormal noise. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that one of the struts failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact inquired of NHTSA campaign number: 04v183000 (suspension) but he was advised that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall because the recall repairs was a preventative measure and the failure had already occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 bmw 528i equipped with nankang sport ns-1 (255/40/17) dot u8uy1264906 tires. The contact stated that while inspecting the rear tires, he noticed that there were bubbles located on the thread of the tires. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage of the tires was 4,800.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2011
“After a few days of the car sitting in the drive way the steering locking mechanism was stuck. Finally managed to get it unlocked only to have it lock again while driving which is really scary. This has happened twice. I decided not to drive the car anymore and decided to get rid of it. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle started random shift selections after rain occurs. Display often showed incorrect gear selection and incorrect gear position on automatic transmission. Gear position indicator on transmission has degraded sealant allowing water into wiring and switch causing electrical malfunction and incorrect indications from transmission and engine speed control. Has progressed now to complete degradation of all transmission function and indication regardless of weather conditions. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · May 2009
“1997 bmw 528i was running hot. Consumer states that the vehicle was running hot, mechanic replaced the radiator. She states that the vehicle is still running hot and the brakes were screeching and squeaking. Another dealer replaced the thermostat. *kb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2007
“Bmw customer states that strut plate failed in feb 2007 and discovered there had been a recall on this vehicle for exactly this defect**cc *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2007
“I have a 1997 528i bmw. When it rains my car shifts from gear to gear. I had to have highway patrol escort me to the next town due to the fact that I was on the highway and the car chose s2 (sport 2nd gear) as the gear it preferred to drive in. I wasn't able to drive any faster than 40 mph until the car dried out the next day! *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2006
“I own a 1997 bmw 528i and everytime it rains the gear selection switch malfunction causing random gear selection. I was told this was a recall on the 1998 model, which uses the same recalled part.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2005
“A rattling noise can be heard while driving at any speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the front struts needed to be replaced. *ak the front right strut collapsed and caused damage to the tire. *sc *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2004
“Consumer had already fixed the NHTSA recall campaign #4v183000. Original invoice was send to the manufacturer in may 2004. And still waiting for the reimbursement. Manufacturer call the consumer and indicated they wont honoring the recall because independent shop repaired the vehicle. Please provide further information.”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1997 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
TransmissionAutomatic
Body stylesSedan/Saloon
How other years compare
Check your exact 528I by VIN
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Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 BMW 528I reliable?
NHTSA has 41 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 BMW 528I. The most complained-about area is suspension (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 BMW 528I problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 109,235 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.