1996 vs 1997 BMW 5 Series

vs

Each year's own entries sit side by side, then what both share. Warnings of different generations are listed apart even under the same name, because what to check can differ.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

1996

  • Worn Nikasil bores on early V8s 1994–1996 One source so far

    What to check: Have a compression test done, and look for white smoke and oil use.

    Euro Premium Parts says the Nikasil coating on early M60 bores reacted with sulfur-rich US fuel and wore fast, losing compression, and that later engines are unaffected. It also lists failing engine wiring insulation on the M60.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Cooling system failure All years One source so far

    What to check: Ask when the water pump, hoses, thermostat and expansion tank were last replaced, and watch the temperature gauge on a long drive.

    Euro Premium Parts calls the plastic water pump impeller, hoses and expansion tank consumables, and says a failed impeller is the leading cause of head gasket damage on the six-cylinder engines.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Rust in the sills and floor All years One source so far

    What to check: Look at the jacking points, sills, floor pans and inner wheel arches.

    Euro Premium Parts calls sill and floor pan rust the biggest structural concern on any E34, especially where roads are salted.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Worn VANOS seals on the twin-cam six 1991–1996 One source so far

    What to check: Listen for a rattle at a cold start.

    Euro Premium Parts says early VANOS units leak oil and rattle on a cold start as their seals wear, and that the idle control valve can cause a rough idle and stalling.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Worn suspension bushings All years One source so far

    What to check: On the test drive, feel for vague steering or pulling, and listen for clunks over bumps.

    Euro Premium Parts calls the front control arm and rear trailing arm bushings wear items.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

1997

  • Cooling system failure All years

    What to check: Ask for records of the expansion tank, water pump, thermostat and radiator, and watch the temperature gauge on a long drive.

    Euro Premium Parts calls the cooling system the most critical issue on the six, with plastic parts that turn brittle and can fail together, overheating the engine. CarGurus also advises watching the cooling system and changing the coolant regularly.

    CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Timing chain guides on the V8 All years One source so far

    What to check: Listen for a rattle at a cold start.

    Euro Premium Parts says the M62's plastic chain guides wear, and that a failed tensioner left alone can wreck the engine.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Cracks at the rear subframe mounts All years One source so far

    What to check: Have the rear subframe mounting points inspected for cracks, especially on a 540i.

    Euro Premium Parts says the mounting points in the body can crack under stress, making the car unstable, and that the repair means reinforcement welding.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Worn front control arm bushings and ball joints All years One source so far

    What to check: On the test drive, feel for vague steering and listen for clunks.

    Euro Premium Parts calls this nearly universal on E39s past 80,000 miles.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Missing pixels in the instrument cluster All years One source so far

    What to check: Look for dead rows of pixels in the cluster's display.

    Euro Premium Parts calls this very common on older E39s, and minor.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • VANOS wear on the six All years One source so far

    What to check: Feel for a rough idle or a loss of power.

    Euro Premium Parts says the VANOS solenoid and seals degrade with age, and that a rebuild kit is a well-known repair.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls

1996

Nothing that 1997 lacks.

1997

Nothing that 1996 lacks.

Both years

  • 04V183000 1996–1997

    The front spring strut plate can crack after long exposure to the elements and break, and could touch the tire. Dealers fit a retaining clip under the plates. NHTSA

What changed between

After 1996, up to and including 1997.

  1. 1997E39 begins.
  2. 1997The redesigned 5 Series arrives as the 528i and the V8 540i sedans. The wagons are dropped. Edmunds

What it came with

1996

Engines
2.5L twin-cam inline-six (1991–1996) CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L V8 (1994–1996) CarGurus, a published reference, 4.0L V8 (1994–1996) CarGurus, a published reference
Body styles
Touring (1992–1996) CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference

1997

Engines
2.8L inline-six (1997–2000) CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference, 4.4L V8 CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference
Packages
Sport Package Edmunds, Cold Weather Package Edmunds

Both years

Transmissions
Five-speed manual Edmunds, a published reference, Four-speed automatic (1997–2000) Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference, Five-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference, Six-speed manual Edmunds, a published reference
Drivetrains
Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, a published reference
Body styles
Sedan Edmunds, a published reference

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

1996

  • Sought after: Manual sedans, V8s and the Touring All years

    CarGurus says manual sedans, V8s and Touring models are already becoming collectibles, and Euro Premium Parts says the Touring is increasingly sought after in the US. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Watch for: An early V8 without a compression test 1994–1996 Walk away One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts advises avoiding early M60 V8 cars unless a compression test shows the Nikasil cylinder bores are undamaged. A seller's guide (unofficial)

1997

  • Sought after: The E39 as a driver's car All years One source so far

    CarGurus says the E39 is generally considered the most rewarding 5 Series to drive and the best of the breed to many fans, and that it is starting to appreciate as a classic. CarGurus

  • Watch for: An early 540i without proof of its bores 1997–1998 Walk away One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts calls pre-1999 540i cars the highest-risk purchase, for the Nikasil bore problem, and says to approach them with extreme caution without a bore inspection or proof of a replacement engine. A seller's guide (unofficial)