1997 BMW Serie 5 problems
Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 1997 cars, such as aBS module failure on the BMW 5 Series E39.
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1997 BMW Serie 5 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 5 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- EngineNot analysed
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension8.51 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes7.31 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering6.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system8.22 faults
- Headlights and lights8.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment8.91 fault
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 1996 BMW Serie 5
The same engines and the same documented faults as in 1996.
Faults outside the engine in the 1997 BMW Serie 5
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesABS module failure on the BMW 5 Series E39According to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (317 for the 1995-2003 5 Series), there are 16 cases of ABS module failure.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionPremature wear of the front arm bushes on the BMW 5 Series E39According to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (317 for the 1995-2003 5 Series), there are 16 cases of front arm bushes with play, vibrations and vague steering, and 8 of ball joints.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemAlternator failure and battery drain on the BMW 5 Series E39According to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (317 for the 1995-2003 5 Series), there are 13 cases of alternator failure, 7 of battery failure (one that went flat in two days) and 7 of starter motor failure.
- Low severityFrequency: CommonElectronics and infotainmentFading pixels in the instrument cluster of the BMW 5 Series E39According to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (317 for the 1995-2003 5 Series), 43 reports describe cluster pixels that gradually fade out.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemElectric window failure on the BMW 5 Series E39According to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (317 for the 1995-2003 5 Series), there are 15 cases of failed window motors, mostly on the rear windows.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 BMW Serie 5 reliable?
Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 1997 cars, such as aBS module failure on the BMW 5 Series E39.
Is the 1997 BMW Serie 5 better than the 1996?
Going by the documented faults, they are the same: the same engines and the same faults affect the 1996 and 1997 cars. Choose on condition, mileage and maintenance history.
What is the best year for the BMW Serie 5?
According to our score, the best are 1997, 1996 and 1995 (7.0/10). The year with the worst score is 1998 (5.3/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 1997 BMW Serie 5 have?
The most important ones documented for 1997 cars are: aBS module failure on the BMW 5 Series E39 (brakes, high severity), premature wear of the front arm bushes on the BMW 5 Series E39 (suspension, medium severity), alternator failure and battery drain on the BMW 5 Series E39 (electrical system, medium severity), fading pixels in the instrument cluster of the BMW 5 Series E39 (electronics and infotainment, low severity) and electric window failure on the BMW 5 Series E39 (electrical system, low severity).
Own a 1997 BMW Serie 5? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.