1998 vs 1999 BMW 5 Series

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

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

1998

Nothing that 1999 lacks.

1999

Nothing that 1998 lacks.

Both years

  • 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

1998

  • 98V142000 1998

    The differential's pinion shaft may lack its surface hardening and wear early. Dealers replace the differential. NHTSA

  • 98V143000 1998

    The gear position switch's seal can leak and let water in. Dealers replace the switch. NHTSA

1999

  • 99V004000 1999

    The insulation on the main cable from the generator to the starter is too thin and can be cut by its clip. Dealers tape the cable and fit a revised clip. NHTSA

  • 99V005000 1999

    A ring gear in the five-speed automatic can wear early, losing first, second, third and reverse. Dealers replace the gearbox. NHTSA

What changed between

After 1998, up to and including 1999.

  1. 1999Sport wagon versions of the 528i and 540i arrive, and the 528i gains a little power. Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

What it came with

1998

Nothing that 1999 lacks.

1999

Body styles
Sport Wagon (1999–2003) Edmunds, a published reference

Both years

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

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

1998

  • 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)

1999

Nothing that 1998 lacks.

Both years

  • 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