1997 BMW 528I Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 21, 2014 · 41 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 528I years
Fewer complaints than other years 11th of 15 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 BMW 528I. That ranks 11th out of 15 528I model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is suspension (12 complaints, 29%), typically at around 100,288 miles. Complaints mention 5 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1997 BMW 528I problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Suspension12 · ~100,288 mi
Air Bags5 · ~102,083 mi
Power Train5 · ~120,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling3 · ~85,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Structure3 · ~142,165 mi
Unknown or Other3
Electrical System2 · ~110,469 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Exterior Lighting1 · ~76,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Suspension1229%100,288——
Air Bags512%102,083——
Power Train512%120,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling37%85,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic37%———
Structure37%142,165——
Unknown or Other37%———
Electrical System25%110,469——
Fuel System, Gasoline25%———
Exterior Lighting12%76,000——
Latches/locks/linkages12%———
Seat Belts12%62,000——
Service Brakes12%200——
Service Brakes, Air12%———
Steering12%135,000——
Tires12%180,000——
Vehicle Speed Control12%———
Visibility12%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2004, with 5 complaints
1997: 1199711998: 331999: 4199942000: 442002: 4200242003: 442004: 5200452005: 332006: 1200612007: 332008: 1200812009: 222010: 2201022011: 222013: 1201312014: 11

n = 41 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1997 BMW 528I recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 1997 BMW 528I.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 bmw 528i. The contact stated the emergency brake on his vehicle had not operated normally since he purchased the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a bmw specialist, who stated the emergency brake for this model bmw had never worked properly . The manufacturer had…

Service Brakes · received Mar 21, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10574038

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…

Suspension · received Feb 25, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10500018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BMW 528I EQUIPPED WITH NANKANG SPORT NS-1 (255/40/17) DOT [redacted] 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…

Tires · received Jul 8, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10411550

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

Steering · received Jan 17, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10376928

Two things specifically which appears to be a very widespread issue. First, the transmission has lost its reverse function. The vehicle goes in drive without a single problem at all. This appears to be related to a defect in the drum on the vehicle. (a quick google search will show you and…

Power Train · received Oct 7, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10359550

Other BMW 528I years

1998 528I →

See all BMW 528I problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1997 BMW 528I?

Owners most often report suspension, air bags, power train problems. The top one, suspension, accounts for 12 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1997 BMW 528I?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 1997 BMW 528I a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 528I model years, the 1997 has fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.