The 1997 BMW 5 Series is a compact car that came with a choice of 2.8L 6-cyl and 4.4L 8-cyl engines. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Compact Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.8L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd, Automatic 5-spd, Manual 6-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 14–18 city / 22–26 highway / 16–21 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,900–$5,150 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 423–555 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 4 configurations: 528i, 540i |
| Age | 29 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1997 BMW 5 Series. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
On certain passenger vehicles, due to long exposures to certain environmental and operating conditions, the material structure of the front spring strut plate could be affected. In some cases, the strut plate could begin to crack, and eventually it could break. If this occurred, the plate could contact the tire.
Risk: This could lead to a sudden loss of tire pressure or tire failure.
Owners have filed 106 complaints about the 1997 BMW 5 Series with NHTSA. 8 reports involved a crash and 5 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 5 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 32 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 BMW 5 Series. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
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 complaints.
Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Not
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1997 BMW 5 Series.
Windshield wiper inoperation
BMW believes that there is no indication of a systematic or safety defect concerning the subject wiper relay.the main reason that precipitated the issuance of the service bulletin was to inform dealers of a new relay part number for the subject vehicles since this part number was not included in the part catalogs.odi h
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 1997 5 Seriess that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 BMW 5 Series; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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