1997 BMW 5-Series BMW 5-Series 1997

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1997 BMW 5-Series repairs by problem area

Engine (48%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (0%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (21%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (21%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (0%)

Other (2%)

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Chart based on 42 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 1997 BMW 5-Series.

1997 BMW 5-Series repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (12%)

$500 - $999 (24%)

$100 - $499 (47%)

< $100 (15%)

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Chart based on 34 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

1997 BMW 5-Series

Engine not specified

BMW in Turkey
Mar 2011 - Mar 2012
Nov 2011

75720 mi

$250
shocks replaced new steering pump attached 
BMW in California, United States
Aug 2012 - Sep 2012
Sep 2012

210000 mi

US $3500
Loud power steering noises from having a cracked Power Steering Rack. Also, the front, rear, upper and lower control arm bushings were replaced due to being severely cracked and worn from age. 
BMW in Washington, United States
Jun 2010 - Oct 2011
Sep 2011

143000 mi

US $440
Car had 2 squealing pulleys and a 3rd (AC) starting to squeal. All 3 pulleys and belts were replaced. 
BMW in California, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2011
Dec 2010

98000 mi
engine missing. spark plug/wires replaced but did not fix. may be in ignition 

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1997 BMW 5-Series 4-door

8-cylinder manual 2WD

BMW in Colorado, United States
Dec 2010 - Apr 2018
Jan 2011

94000 mi

US $480
Rear ball joints worn, and were replaced. 
Mar 2012

100000 mi

US $250
3 injectors plugged causing emissions problem. Injection system cleaned, solved the problem. 
Nov 2012

103700 mi

US $890
Replaced radiator, thermostat and cover plate 
Jan 2013

104429 mi

US $212
Engine running rough. Replaced ignition coil. 
Mar 2014

110284 mi

US $884
Replaced rear cover for intake, replaced intake gaskets, cam sensor and thermostat 
Apr 2014

110390 mi

US $770
Engine misfiring. Replaced spark plugs and v/c gaskets. 
Feb 2016

118954 mi

US $1730
Replaced front control arms and ball joint, rear strut, links and shocks. 
Jun 2016

120321 mi

US $330
Engine overheating. Replaced expansion tank and cap. 
Aug 2016

120914 mi

US $690
Not charging. Battery and alternator replaced. 
Nov 2016

122085 mi

US $150
Replaced serpentine belt tensioner. 
Dec 2017

125100 mi

US $860
Coolant leak. Replaced heater valve and heater hose and coolant. 
Mar 2018

127202 mi

US $2080
Replaced water pump and pulley, fan, radiator, belt, and upper timing cover gaskets. 
Apr 2018

127447 mi

US $600
Air bag light. Replaced seat belt buckle. ABS sensor code. Replaced ABS sensor. 
BMW in Indiana, United States
Nov 2010 - Feb 2018
Dec 2010

94000 mi
Auxillary cooling fan not working Needed new camshaft position sensor. 
BMW in Maryland, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2018
Dec 2010

168000 mi

US $200
Steering wheel was shaking under braking. Replaced thrust arms (upper control arms) to fix problem. Found to be factory original at 168,000 miles. 
Apr 2011

172000 mi
Passenger front window regulator breaking. Will probably be repaired soon, but not a major issue yet. 
Jun 2011

173000 mi

US $11
Ball joint on center tie rod was failing, center tie rod, both outer tie rods, and idler arm replaced. Aligned afterwards (not reported, part of repair procedure). Replaced passenger side front window regulator. 
Sep 2011

180000 mi

US $30
Coolant hose to expansion tank developed hole, replaced. 
Jan 2012

US $350
In-tank fuel pump died. Replaced fuel pump. 
BMW in Illinois, United States
Mar 2011 - Apr 2012
May 2011

159000 mi

US $300
Vehicle immobilizer unit replaced 
Aug 2011

163000 mi

US $1000
AC not blowing cold. Found leak, replaced lines and switch. 
Dec 2011

166000 mi

US $150
Coolant expansion tank leaking 
Apr 2012

166000 mi

US $10
Windshield washer hose disintegrated. Replaced. 

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1997 BMW 5-Series 4-door

8-cylinder automatic 2WD

BMW in Utah, United States
Dec 2010 - Sep 2018
Jan 2011

145000 mi

US $400
Ignition cylinder lock broke and had to be replaced because steering wheel/ignition would lock up randomly. 
Sep 2011

148000 mi

US $150
Replaced rear wheel bearings. Right bearing had reached end of life, and was making noise at higher speeds. 
Mar 2012

151000 mi

US $160
Replaced exhaust mount bushings Replaced engine motor mounts Replaced transmission mounts 

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1997 BMW 5-Series 4-door

6-cylinder manual 2WD

BMW in Belgium
Mar 2011 - Aug 2011
Aug 2011

143840 mi

€500
Car stalled while driving. Was determined to be crankshaft position sensor. Garage ordered and replaced. Rear tailgate glass would not open and rear defrost would not work. Was determined to be broken rear gate wiring harness. Garage repaired broken wire.  

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1997 BMW 5-Series 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 2WD

BMW in Texas, United States
Nov 2010 - Mar 2012
Dec 2010

176000 mi

US $100
Front driver's side wheel speed sensor failed resulting in ABS malfunction and auto box malfunction. Replaced both front wheel speed sensors which fixed both problems. 
Sep 2011

180000 mi

US $140
replaced 2 oxygen sensors. 

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1997 BMW 5-Series 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

BMW in Texas, United States
Feb 2011 - Jan 2012
Nov 2011

121000 mi

US $1100
Oil leak due to a crack in the oil assembly where the engine had to be pulled and the oil assembly replaced. 

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1997 BMW 5-Series Repair Histories

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