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1998 BMW 5 Series: common problems and reliability
· E3976 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about engine and engine cooling. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 5 Series?The 1998 BMW 5 Series has 76 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and air bags. Owners most often flag cooling system failures (plastic expansion tank, radiator, water pump impellers, thermostat housing).
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 BMW 5 Series vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the 5 Series?
Across the 30 5 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 17 (2022) to 1,947 (2011). With 76 complaints, the 1998 5 Series sits below the model's median of 111.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 5 Series
steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting
Campaign 19E058000ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 06E023000CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
power train:driveline:differential unit
Campaign 98V142000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DIFFERENTIAL PINION SHAFT WITHIN THE DIFFERENTIAL CASE ASSEMBLY WAS PRODUCED WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE SURFACE HARDENING. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE SHAFT EXPERIENCING PREMATURE WEAR.
power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Campaign 98V143000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEALING MATERIAL OF THE SWITCH CAN DEVELOP LEAKS AND ALLOW WATER ENTRY.
What owners report on the E39 5 Series
Owners regard the E39 as one of the last relatively simple, driver-focused BMWs, praising its steering feel, balanced handling, and premium executive character.
- Very frequentCooling system failures (plastic expansion tank, radiator, water pump impellers, thermostat housing)
- RecurrentM62 V8 timing chain guide failure
- RecurrentM62 V8 Vanos unit failure (TU models)
- RecurrentM54 excessive oil consumption at high mileage due to piston ring design
- RecurrentOil leaks from V8 engines (M62)
Owner insights for the E39 5 Series. Read the full E39 owner report.
Typical used price
Used 5 Series listings typically run $13,000–$30,593.
Other 5 Series model years
Compare every 5 Series year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 5 Series against its rivals
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