Most common 1997 BMW 528i problems
Share of the 41 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 528i complaints by model year
Best 528i years: 2009, 2015, 2014. Years to avoid: 2011, 2012, 2008, 2013. Compare all years →
What 1997 BMW 528i owners say
Suspension
While driving at night on interstate 5, southbound north of los angeles in vicinity of sun valley, my 1997 BMW 528i struck a large (30 gallon) plastic barrel in the roadway, impacting the lower front center/right of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. Damage was extensive enough that the insurance company considers it a total loss (exceeding $12,000). There is a NHTSA recall outstanding on the 1997 BMW 5 series (recall number 04V183000) regarding defective front suspension/strut components, but my call to BMW at [phone] did not result in any assistance with regard to my vehicle. They were only able to confirm two other recall services that had been performed. My insurance company is offering me a settlement for total loss, but I would prefer that the car be repaired and that BMW bear their share of the cost for the substantial portion of damage due to the known defect.
Tl contact owns a 1997 BMW 528i. While driving 60 MPH, the contact heard a clunking noise and noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle dropped to the ground and the steering wheel began to vibrate badly. He pulled to the side of the road and could not control the vehicle. He crashed into the guardrail and the front and rear passenger side doors were dented inwards. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to his residence and he noticed that the front spring strut plate failed on the passenger side. The dealer stated that he would be responsible for the repair costs because the vehicle was too old. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 04V183000 (suspension:front). The failure mileage was 205,730.
Brakes
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 not been notified of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 200 miles.
1997 BMW 528i was running hot. Consumer states that the vehicle was running hot, mechanic replaced the radiator. She states that the vehicle is still running hot and the brakes were screeching and squeaking. Another dealer replaced the thermostat.
Air bags
While driving at night on interstate 5, southbound north of los angeles in vicinity of sun valley, my 1997 BMW 528i struck a large (30 gallon) plastic barrel in the roadway, impacting the lower front center/right of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. Damage was extensive enough that the insurance company considers it a total loss (exceeding $12,000). There is a NHTSA recall outstanding on the 1997 BMW 5 series (recall number 04V183000) regarding defective front suspension/strut components, but my call to BMW at [phone] did not result in any assistance with regard to my vehicle. They were only able to confirm two other recall services that had been performed. My insurance company is offering me a settlement for total loss, but I would prefer that the car be repaired and that BMW bear their share of the cost for the substantial portion of damage due to the known defect.
Tl contact owns a 1997 BMW 528i. Upon purchasing the vehicle in January of 2006, the contact was informed of issues with the air bag sensor that had been repaired. Sometime later, the SRS air bag warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that there was an issue with the seat belt system, which was related to the air bag indicator illuminating. The failure was caused by either a defect in the seat belt buckle, tensioner, control module, or wiring harness. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer for repairs. The manufacturer could not assist because there were no recalls for the failure. The air bag indicator continued to illuminate. The dealer sliced and rigged the wiring for the air bag indicator so that it would no longer illuminate. …
1997 BMW 528i engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 BMW 528i a good car?
Based on 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 528i rates average: 15% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 528i at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 BMW 528i?
The suspension — 12 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front › macpherson strut. Next are the brakes (5) and air bags (5).
How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 528i have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 BMW 528i. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 528i?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2015 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2012, 2008 and 2013. See the full BMW 528i years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 BMW 528i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 108,000 miles; 16% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.