1997 BMW 528I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 12%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 BMW 528I, 12% of the 41 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles.
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.
“I have a 1997 528I Bmw. When it rains my car shifts from gear to gear. I had to have highway patrol escort me to the next town due to the fact that I was on the highway and the car chose s2 (sport 2nd gear) as the gear it preferred to drive in. I wasn't able to drive any faster than 40 MPH until the car dried out the next day!”
NHTSA complaint #10173232, filed 2006-11, 132,000 miles“I own a 1997 Bmw 528I and everytime it rains the gear selection switch malfunction causing random gear selection. I was told this was a recall on the 1998 model, which uses the same recalled part.”
NHTSA complaint #10125436, filed 2005-06, 92,900 miles“I have a 1997 Bmw 528I when it rains my transmission slips from gear to gear. I filed a complaint about this problem previously. On 8/3/07 I took it to the dealership and told them the problem and stated that the 1998 528I had a recall on the gear selector module. They said they would check it out and let me know. When I went back for the car they charged me a $124.00 diagnostic charge to tell me what I already knew. I already knew the problem and had stated that. I wanted to know if my car was covered under the recall! They said my VIN was not included in the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10203864, filed 2007-09, 157,059 miles“Vehicle started random shift selections after rain occurs. Display often showed incorrect gear selection and incorrect gear position on automatic transmission. Gear position indicator on transmission has degraded sealant allowing water into wiring and switch causing electrical malfunction and incorrect indications from transmission and engine speed control. Has progressed now to complete degradation of all transmission function and indication regardless of weather conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #10325000, filed 2010-04, 108,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 5% |
| 2015 | 3 | 5% |
| 2014 | 5 | 9% |
| 2013 | 13 | 18% |
| 2012 | 20 | 22% |
| 2011 | 25 | 21% |
| 2010 | 9 | 14% |
| 2008 | 15 | 13% |
| 1999 | 4 | 9% |
| 1998 | 4 | 12% |
| 1997 | 5 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1997 BMW 528I
12 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 BMW 528I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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