VehicleVerdict

1996 BMW 5 Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1996 BMW 5 Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other 5 Series years?

5 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted140 complaints1989: 1 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 6 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 3 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 10 complaints2003: 19 complaints2004: 89 complaints2005: 26 complaints2006: 125 complaints2007: 22 complaints2008: 140 complaints2009: 12 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 96 complaints2012: 12 complaints2023: 0 complaints
5 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 5 Series years to avoid →

Does the 1996 BMW 5 Series have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19E058000SteeringAugust 28, 2019 · 614 units

Defect

ZF 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.

Consequence

If the steering rod detaches from the steerable wheel knuckle, it can cause sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.

06E023000LightingMarch 13, 2006 · 292,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN 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."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

04V183000SuspensionApril 12, 2004 · 25,270 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO LONG EXPOSURES TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL AND OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE MATERIAL STRUCTURE OF THE FRONT SPRING STRUT PLATE COULD BE AFFECTED. IN SOME CASES, THE STRUT PLATE COULD BEGIN TO CRACK, AND EVENTUALLY IT COULD BREAK. IF THIS OCCURRED, THE PLATE COULD CONTACT THE TIRE.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE OR TIRE FAILURE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FRONT SPRING STRUT PLATES. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

1996 BMW 5 Series — common questions

Is the 1996 BMW 5 Series reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 BMW 5 Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 BMW 5 Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 5 Series years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 5 Series years to avoid are 2008, 2006, 2011, 2004. The cleanest record among 5 Series years belongs to 2023.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.