The 1998 BMW 5 Series has 45 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and structure. Owners most often flag excessive size and lack of physical controls (g60 generation): criticized as too large and unsatisfying due to digital switches for even basic functions like airflow vents. frequency: recurrent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 BMW 5 Series vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 19 5 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (1996) to 866 (2011). With 45 complaints, the 1998 5 Series sits belowthe model's median of 110.
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.
Sentiment is highly polarized and generation-dependent. For the latest generation (G60, circa 2024-2025), initial owner feedback is sharply negative, with strong criticism directed at its excessive physical size, the near-total removal of…
Owner insights cover all generations of the 5 Series. See the full 5 Series owner picture and every model year.
Used 5 Series listings typically run $15,199–$26,297 across 2011 to 2026 model years.
Compare every 5 Series year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.