1999 BMW Serie 5 problems
The 1999 BMW Serie 5 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the BMW M57. The BMW M57 has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 1999 cars, such as aBS module failure on the BMW 5 Series E39.
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1999 BMW Serie 5 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 10 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine3.75 faults
- 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 1998 BMW Serie 5
The same engines and the same documented faults as in 1998.
BMW M57 engine in the 1999 BMW Serie 5
Names: 525d · 530d
- With caution
M57D30, first-generation 3.0 litres (177-193 hp, 1998-2006 depending on application)
177–193 hp · M57D30
A specialist workshop points out that the versions with an automatic gearbox have the swirl flaps that are prone to breaking, while the E53 X5 3.0d (across its whole production run) and the manual versions of the first 330d and 530d are free of them.[2]
Faults that affect 1999 cars
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonIntakeBroken intake swirl flapsYes: most automatic M57 and M57TU engines (330d, 530d, 535d, 730d, X3 3.0d and so on) have six metal flaps in the intake manifold that can seize, come loose and wreck a cylinder. The E53 X5 3.0d and the manual gearboxes of the first 330d/530d are free of them, according to a specialist workshop.
- High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationCrankcase ventilation (PCV) valve failureThe valve that separates oil from the crankcase gases (PCV) degrades over time, especially after 120,000-150,000 km, and can cause oil consumption, bluish smoke and a rough idle and, if ignored, foul the turbo, the EGR or the particulate filter.Appears at around 120,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockCracked exhaust manifoldThe M57 exhaust manifold can crack, causing loss of power, an unstable idle and a smell of exhaust fumes in the cabin; the recommended repair is to replace it with a cast one.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOtherCrankshaft pulley vibration damper failureThe M57 crankshaft vibration damper (pulley) can fail with use, warning with abnormal noises and knocking at the front of the engine before it breaks completely.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeFaulty air flow meter on the BMW M57 (loss of power)The air flow meter is a known fault on six-cylinder M57 diesels: over time it loses accuracy and the car pulls less. It is a cheap repair compared with the turbo or injection.Repair (garage): €100–€300
Faults outside the engine in the 1999 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.
Buying a 1999 BMW Serie 5?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 BMW Serie 5 reliable?
The 1999 BMW Serie 5 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the BMW M57. The BMW M57 has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 1999 cars, such as aBS module failure on the BMW 5 Series E39.
Is the 1999 BMW Serie 5 better than the 1998?
Going by the documented faults, they are the same: the same engines and the same faults affect the 1998 and 1999 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 1999 BMW Serie 5 have?
The most important ones documented for 1999 cars are: broken intake swirl flaps (BMW M57, critical severity), crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve failure (BMW M57, high severity), aBS module failure on the BMW 5 Series E39 (brakes, high severity), cracked exhaust manifold (BMW M57, medium severity) and crankshaft pulley vibration damper failure (BMW M57, medium severity).
Own a 1999 BMW Serie 5? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- BMW 5 Series (E39)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Motor BMW M57 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish