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1999 BMW 5 Series: common problems and reliability
· E3994 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about service brakes. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1999 5 Series?The 1999 BMW 5 Series has 94 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and engine and engine cooling. Owners most often flag cooling system failures (plastic expansion tank, radiator, water pump impellers, thermostat housing).
Safety record for the 1999 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1999 BMW 5 Series vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1999 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 94 complaints, the 1999 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 1999 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.
electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Campaign 99V004000VEHICLE 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.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 99V005000VEHICLE 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.
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 1999 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 5 Series against its rivals
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