1997 BMW 528 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1997 BMW 528 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (4), Brakes (3), Hydraulic (3), Steering (2), Electronic Stability Control (esc) (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/02/2015 · Steering
I BOUGHT THE 1997 BMW 528I OFF LEASE. IT WAS MY SECOND BMW. THE PRIOR BMW HAD VIRTUALLY NO PROBLEMS. I GUESS THE SECOND ONE HAD TO MAKE UP FOR THE FIRST ONE. IF I ONLY HAD A NICKLE FOR EVERY TIME I WISHED I HADN'T TRADED FOR THE SECOND ONE. 1. THE FIRST PROBLEM OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A BMW DEALERSHIP. THIS…
03/28/2006 · Transmission / drivetrain
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED, THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR DOWN SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION ONLY. UPDATED 4/11/2006 - *NM
02/22/2002 · Engine
ENGINE KEEPS OVERHEATING DUE TO A FAULTY WATER PUMP. DEALER HAS REPLACED WATER PUMP TWICE. *AK
07/12/2001 · Engine
ENGINE OVERHEATED SUDDENLY AT EXPRESSWAY SPEED. SUSPECT THERMASTAT OR WATER PUMP. CAUSED MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE, "MELTDOWN" OF RADIATOR ASSY. *AK
06/06/2001 · Lights · fire
THE THIRD/MIDDLE REAR BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING HAS MELTED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILD UP WHEN USING BRAKES FOR EXTENDED TIME PERIODS (E.G., WHEN STUCK IN VERY SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC). THIS HAS CAUSED THE RED LENSE TO MELT OVER THE BULB, THEREBY POSING A RISK OF FIRE AND PREVENTING THE CAR FROM BEING INSPECTED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT USING THE CAR IN THIS CONDITION…
12/23/2000 · Engine
WHILE GETTING ROUTINE SERVICE CHECK THE SEVICE REPRESENTATIVE REPORTED THE CAR HAD RUN HOT. I HAD NOTICED NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS, HOWEVER THEY SUGGESTED A WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT. I TEST DROVE THE CAR AND IT BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SUGGESTED THE THERMOSTAT BE REPLACED FIRST. IT HAS BEEN ONE MONTH AND I HAVE NOT HAD ANY TEMPATURE PR…
01/22/2000 · Brakes
WHILE DRIVING BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER, AND THEY ADVISED THE CONSUMER THAT FRONT AND BACK BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE BAD. VEHICLE ALSO DIDN'T PASS THE INSPECTION. DEALER WILL ONLY TAKE $200.00 OFF FOR SERVICE. CINSUMER SAID THAT THERE WAS ONLY 10,000 MILES ON THE CAR WHEN TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALER. *AK
08/05/1999 · Brakes
ABS BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR WENT ON, AND WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT CONSUMER COULD DRIVE ANOTHER 200 MILES, ONLY DROVE ANOTHER 50 MILES AND NEEDED NEW FRONT AND BACK ROTORS.CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER. *AK