1997 BMW 528I
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1997 BMW 528I. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
41 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service 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.
- Suspension
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…
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 nhtsa campaign number: 04v183000 (suspension) but he was advised that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall because the recall repairs was a preventative measure and the failure had already occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 137,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1997 BMW 528I equipped with nankang sport NS-1 (255/40/17) dot u8uy1264906 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 repaired. The approximate failure mileage of the tires was 4,800.
- Steering
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
- Electrical system · Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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 unbelievable amount of people having the same problem) also, the right headlight stays on even after the vehicle IS turned off. This IS caused by a defective transistor in the lcm (light control module). My light stayed on in my 97 BMW 528I and caught fire, burning the headlight causing a fire hazard. the headlight caught afire because the lcm module didn't turn the lights off. Also,the transmission went out for reverse. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle started random shift selections after rain occurs. Display often showed incorrect gear selection and incorrect gear position on automatic transmission. Gear position indicator on transmission has degraded sealant allowing water into wiring and switch causing electrical malfunction and…
Vehicle started random shift selections after rain occurs. Display often showed incorrect gear selection and incorrect gear position on automatic transmission. Gear position indicator on transmission has degraded sealant allowing water into wiring and switch causing electrical malfunction and incorrect indications from transmission and engine speed control. Has progressed now to complete degradation of all transmission function and indication regardless of weather conditions. *Tr
- Air bags · Seat belts
Tl*the 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…
Tl*the 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. a different authorized dealer stated that the damage to the wiring would cost more to replace than the actual cost of the vehicle. the contact was concerned if the air bags would work properly at the appropriate time. the failure mileage was 62,000 and current mileage was 100,100.
- Suspension › Front
Tl*the 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…
Tl*the 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.
- Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic
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. *kb
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
I have a 1997 BMW 528I when it rains my transmission slips from gear to gear. I filed a complaint about this problem previously. On 8/3/07 I took it to the dealership and told them the problem and stated that the 1998 528I had a recall on the gear selector module. They said they would check it out…
I have a 1997 BMW 528I when it rains my transmission slips from gear to gear. I filed a complaint about this problem previously. On 8/3/07 I took it to the dealership and told them the problem and stated that the 1998 528I had a recall on the gear selector module. They said they would check it out and let me know. When I went back for the car they charged me a $124.00 diagnostic charge to tell me what I already knew. I already knew the problem and had stated that. I wanted to know if my car was covered under the recall! They said my vin was not included in the recall. I really don't care if my vin IS covered! My car IS having the same problem as the 1998 model that has been recalled! The dealership said they could order the part but I would have to pay for it. I refused. The 1997 528I needs to be included in this recall! It IS extremely dangerous to drive when it rains since not only are the roads wet, but the transmission jumps from gear to gear causing the vehicle to jerk and accelerate randomly. Also the indicator light does not know what gear you are in and gives false indication of the correct gear. This can continue for as long as a week until the module dries out! I know that this IS not the only 1997 528I that has had this problem! *jb
- Suspension › Front
BMW customer states that strut plate failed in feb 2007 and discovered there had been a recall on this vehicle for exactly this defect**cc *jb
- Air bags › Frontal · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension › Front · Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
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…
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 800-831-1117 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.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
I have a 1997 528I BMW. when it rains my car shifts from gear to gear. I had to have highway patrol escort me to the next town due to the fact that I was on the highway and the car chose S2 (sport 2ND gear) as the gear it preferred to drive in. I wasn't able to drive any faster than 40 mph until the car dried out the next day! *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring
On 8/23/05 my BMW 528I vin#[xxx] brought in for repairs. one of my complaints that day was the car would hesitate and some times stall. my car was connected to a "check engine computer system" to diagnosis the problem. my mechanic informed me the problem was a "crank sensor" which he informed me…
On 8/23/05 my BMW 528I vin#[xxx] brought in for repairs. one of my complaints that day was the car would hesitate and some times stall. my car was connected to a "check engine computer system" to diagnosis the problem. my mechanic informed me the problem was a "crank sensor" which he informed me was recalled. he made a call to tulley BMW (located in nashua, nh) in regards to the recall but they claimed there was no recall on that vehicle. my mechanic told me he could fix it however he felt it was worth my efforts to persue the issue further at tulley BMW. after picking up the car and getting all of the information from my mechanic that day I went home and called BMW of north america. I gave them the recall # 99e-a01and my vin #. I was informed by north america BMW that the recall information IS correct and according to their records my car was fixed by tulley BMW 5/2002. after receiving this information I called tulley BMW and spoke with a "peter" in the service department. I explained my situation and peter came back with the same information that his records indicate it was done. when I told him it wasn't done because the part in my car IS the original sensor and explained that the replacement part connected different. after arguing some more he finally agreed to look at the car on 8/30/2005. I brought the car in on 8/29/2005 so it would be there in the am. immediately the service personal had a mechanic look at the sensor. he confirmed it was in fact the original part. when I asked for a rental car I was told that they first had to find out who was going to pay for the recall. I then informed them they were because I called BMW of north america said it was already done therefore tulley BMW received the reimbursement for the recall. needless to say they gave me a rental car that night. *nm updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl) · Power train › Driveline
I own a 1997 BMW 528I and everytime it rains the gear selection switch malfunction causing random gear selection. I was told this was a recall on the 1998 model, which uses the same recalled part.
- Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
A rattling noise can be heard while driving at any speed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the front struts needed to be replaced. *ak the front right strut collapsed and caused damage to the tire. *sc *jb
- Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
Consumer had already fixed the nhtsa recall campaign #4v183000. Original invoice was send to the manufacturer in may 2004. And still waiting for the reimbursement. Manufacturer call the consumer and indicated they wont honoring the recall because independent shop repaired the vehicle. Please provide further information.
- Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
On july 1, 2004 consumer received a recall letter, prior to having the strut nhtsa recall campaign 04v183000 repairs performed. The defect occurred. This resulted in a collision on june 25, 2004 while driving at 35 mph. consumer lost control, and the right tire broke. as result, vehicle went into a ditch. *Ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Air suspension system
Consumer received recall 04 v 183 000 concerning front spring strut plate. consumer received this recall notice, and unable to get dealer to honor the recall because the previous owner owned the dealer money. *Ak
- Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
While driving at 30 mph, the consumer heard an explosion, sounding like a tire blowout. while examining the flat tire, the consumer discovered that the right front strut broke, piercing the tire. several months later, the exact same thing happened on the opposite side of the vehicle. *ak *sc *jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Headlight no longer will stay in alignment light shines down not out on road. This IS not the result of any accident. *jb
- Suspension
While backing out of a parking a space the flexible ball joint housing came apart. this caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle, and the steering wheel turned completely around. *ak the flex joint housing bolt went out. the flex joint housing bolts needed to be replaced and the slip ring was damaged to the wheel spring. *scc *jb
- Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
The driver side front strut has failed. The strut has broken half way and appears that it just a matter of time or a bump before the entire piece breaks off. If this happens while driving, vehicle control will be lost. a few months ago I replaced the passenger side strut because that strut spring…
The driver side front strut has failed. The strut has broken half way and appears that it just a matter of time or a bump before the entire piece breaks off. If this happens while driving, vehicle control will be lost. a few months ago I replaced the passenger side strut because that strut spring base failed, at the time I considered a freak occurrence and just replaced the strut. Now that the other strut IS failing I believe this IS a manufacturing defect and very dangerous safety issue. Please contact me as soon as possible since I need my car to travel to work and I am planning on taking the car to the dealer tomorrow. *Jb
- Unknown or other
It wasn't a very cold day about 17 degrees,i went to pull my door handle open on the passenger side and the entire door handle came off.this IS supppose to be a top of the line car BMW 528I, I had other cars that were just regular cars and it's been colder than this and the door handles were frozen and they never came off.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Radiator failure at the top hose connection point. later learned that the material used IS quite unreliable -- so I replaced all the plastic I could find in the cooling system. $1200. I expect I'll have to do it all again in another year or so.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10160287TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10160244TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10154816In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs.
- 10153726Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
- 10152674Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
- 10149557For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata driver?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
- 10142928SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:
- 10135028SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.
- 601101Subject on voluntary exhaust emission service action no. 98E-a01.
- 600879Condition with dsp amplifier drains battery.*yc
- 600874Information on evaporative emission control and fuel filler cap / filler door labels.
- 600873Subject on voluntary exhaust emission service action no. 98E-a01. Produced from 10/95 - 11/97 *yc*db
- 600527Situation with the tension rod test gauge.
- 600434Experiencing an intermittent momentary event where the brake pedal does not immediatlely return. Models built prior to 3/97 *db*yc
- 600433New evaporative (charcoal) canister purge line. All E38 and E39 modele introduced into production approximately 3/97 *db*yc
- 600431Condition with brake pad warning stays illuminated after brake pad replacement.
- 600299Exhibiting a creaking noise from the upper door area exhibited in some E39 models built prior to 4/97 *db*yc
- 600226Subject on tank ventilation leak couplers.
- 53954Oxygen sensor faults.
- 53948Fuel level sensor may have been damaged during production which will cause fuel gauge to read approximately 3/4 full even if tank IS comopletely full.
- 53945BMW navigation system cd v 05 operating software for mark I system.
- 53498A loud squeaking /squealing noise came from front wheel.
- 53108Trip odometer resets by itself.
- 52265Listing of part numbers that need to be ordered in pairs.
- 52256Front brake components - new design.
- 52198Intermittent crank/no start.
- 52192M52 engine control module fault code 12.
- 50900Customers may complain that the illumination for the buttons on the multi function steering wheel flickers.
- 50899Vehicles may have a problem with the dimmer circuit - vehicles released from the vpcs starting 10-04-96 have disabled dimmer switches.
- 50678Child airbag letter, warning label and safety reference card.
- 50630New vehicle preparation and maintenance requirements.
Every BMW 528I model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.