1997 BMW 5 Series
US · Compact Cars
The 1997 BMW 5 Series is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder (FFS), 4.4L 8-cylinder (FFS), 4.4L 8-cylinder (GUZZLER) (FFS)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder (FFS), 4.4L 8-cylinder (FFS), 4.4L 8-cylinder (GUZZLER) (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 2.8 L to 4.4 L | |
| Cylinders | 6 to 8 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 4 to 6 | |
| Drivetrain | RWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
4 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 5, 2026.
19E058000: STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
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.
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.
Reported August 28, 2019. View on NHTSA
06E023000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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."
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.
Reported March 13, 2006. View on NHTSA
04V183000: SUSPENSION:FRONT
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.
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.
Reported April 12, 2004. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 10, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: November 10, 2026
Data verified: November 10, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1998 BMW 5 Series
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder · RWD
20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1997 BMW 5 Series have?
Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)), 4.4L 8-cylinder ((FFS)), 4.4L 8-cylinder ((GUZZLER) (FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1997 BMW 5 Series?
Combined fuel economy is 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1997 BMW 5 Series front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: RWD.
Are there recalls for the 1997 BMW 5 Series?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 5, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.