The 1999 BMW 5 Series is a wagon that came with a choice of 2.8L 6-cyl and 4.4L 8-cyl engines. At 27 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, Small Station Wagons |
|---|---|
| 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 | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 14–18 city / 19–26 highway / 16–21 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,200–$4,200 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 423–555 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 8 configurations: 528i, 540i, 528i Touring, 540i Touring |
| Age | 27 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 1999 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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The thickness of the main positive electrical cable (generator to starter) insulation is less than specified, making it susceptible to being abraded or cut by the clip that secures the cable to the generator.
Risk: The cable insulation can be worn away, exposing the wire. The wire could contact the clip or a short circuit could occur.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a 5hp24 automatic transmission. Premature wear of the ring gear can occur, leading to the loss of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and reverse gears.
Risk: If this problem occurs, the car may no longer operate in reverse, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gears.
Owners have filed 91 complaints about the 1999 BMW 5 Series with NHTSA. 7 reports involved a crash and 2 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 9 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 20 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1999 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.
The lower radiator coolant return hose may come in contact with the secondary air system check valve flange gasket when the engine coolant is at operating temperature due
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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
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 1999 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 2 recalls for the 1999 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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