VehicleVerdict

1999 BMW 5 Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1999 BMW 5 Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other 5 Series years?

5 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 5 Series years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 BMW 5 Series problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2100%

Does the 1999 BMW 5 Series have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ABS CONTROLLER FAILURE. VERY HIGH FAILURE RATE DURING THIS PRODUCTION PERIOD. SOME REPORTS OF UNCONTROLLED APPLICATION OF BRAKES AT HIGH SPEEDS. BMWNA SALES OF THE ABS MODULATOR AND/OR REPAIR UNIT WILL REFLECT THIS CLAIM.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 19, 2004

1999 BMW 5 Series — common questions

Is the 1999 BMW 5 Series reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 BMW 5 Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 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.