IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1998 BMW 5 Series (E39)

1998 was the E39's biggest year: the M5 arrived with the 400PS S62 V8, the 530d brought the M57 diesel, and M52 and M62 engines gained their technical update. Xenon lights, parking sensors and DSC also appeared.

What changed for 1998

  • •M5 with the 4.9-litre S62 V8 and six-speed manual
  • •530d introduced with the 184PS M57 straight-six turbodiesel
  • •M52TU and M62TU engines with VANOS revisions
  • •Xenon headlights, Park Distance Control and DSC stability control

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !VANOS rattle and seal leaks on M52TU and M62TU engines
  • !Self-levelling rear air suspension faults on Touring models
  • !Rear subframe mounting corrosion on older UK cars
5
Known Issues
3
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Cooling System "Explosion"

SeriousCooling System

Plastic radiators, expansion tanks, and water pump impellers fail with age. One overheating event can warp the aluminium head or blow the head gasket on straight-six and V8 models.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£600
Warning Signs:

Coolant smell after a run, Temperature needle rising past the center point, Steam or visible leaks from the front of the engine

What to Inspect:
  • Ask specifically for the age of the radiator and expansion tank
  • Check the fan clutch is engaging when hot
  • Inspect the plastic thermostat housing for cracks
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

ABS Module Failure (Bosch 5.7)

SeriousBrakes

On facelift models, the ABS module is located close to the exhaust manifold. Heat causes the internal wire bonds to fail, killing ABS and Traction Control.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£600
Warning Signs:

ABS, DSC, and Brake warning lights all on (the "trifecta"), Speedometer and fuel consumption gauge stop working, Heavy steering if the car has Servotronic

What to Inspect:
  • Verify all warning lights extinguish after startup and stay off when hot
  • Check if the module has been relocated or shielded from heat
  • Read fault codes for "Wheel Speed Sensor" which often points to the module itself
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

V8 Timing Chain Guide Failure

SeriousEngine

On 540i models, the U-shaped plastic timing chain guide shatters, leading to potential engine destruction if the chain jumps.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,500–£2,500
Warning Signs:

Loud rattling noise from the front of the engine (sounds like a diesel), Plastic fragments found in the oil sump during a service

What to Inspect:
  • Listen for a "marbles in a tin can" sound on a warm idle
  • Drop the oil pan and check for brown plastic pieces
  • Ask for proof of chain, guides, and tensioner replacement
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Thrust Arm Bush Failure (50mph Shimmy)

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The front suspension relies on large rubber hydro-bushes in the thrust arms. When these leak or tear, the car develops a severe vibration through the steering wheel.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£400
Warning Signs:

Steering wheel shake at 50–60mph, Judder through the steering when braking lightly from speed, Vague steering feel

What to Inspect:
  • Road test precisely at 50-60mph on a smooth road
  • Brake gently from 70mph and feel for steering vibration
  • Visually inspect the bushes for black fluid leaks (on original-style bushes)
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Dashboard Pixel Loss

MinorInterior & Trim

The ribbon cables connecting the LCD screens to the instrument cluster and MID (radio) degrade, causing lines of pixels to disappear.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£200
Warning Signs:

Illegible odometer or trip computer, Radio display missing text or numbers, Missing warnings in the check-control display

What to Inspect:
  • Check all displays in various lighting conditions
  • Run a cluster test (hidden menu) to see all pixels illuminated
  • Ask if a specialist repair (like AK Speedo) has been done
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 1998 BMW 5 Series (E39)

  • On a Touring, load the boot and check the rear ride height self-levels within a minute
  • Listen for a marbles-in-a-tin rattle from the front of the engine at idle
  • Check the boot floor and rear subframe mounts for cracks and rust
1996–19971999
Check a 1998 BMW 5 Series (E39) by Registration