1997 BMW 528 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 8%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 BMW 528, 8% of the 13 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The third/middle rear brake light housing has melted due to excessive heat build up when using brakes for extended time periods (e.g., when stuck in very slow moving traffic). This has caused the red lense to melt over the bulb, thereby posing a risk of fire and preventing the car from being inspected. I am concerned about using the car in this condition due to the risk of fire (I have smelled the burning plastic). The housing and lighting assembly are all original equipment. …”
NHTSA complaint #746507, filed 2001-06Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1997 BMW 528
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 BMW 528
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology