1998 BMW 5 Series
US · Compact Cars
The 1998 BMW 5 Series is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder
- Power
- Not available
- Torque
- Not available
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Seating
- Not available
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder | |
| Displacement | 2.8 L to 4.4 L | |
| Cylinders | 6 to 8 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Not available from our sources: Aspiration, Power, Torque.
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 4 to 6 | |
| Drivetrain | RWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) |
Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.
Trims and configurations
4 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 19, 2026.
19E058000: STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
Remedy: ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.
Reported August 28, 2019. View on NHTSA
06E023000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Reported March 13, 2006. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 19, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 19, 2026
Data verified: October 19, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
1997 BMW 5 SeriesGasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)), 4.4L 8-cylinder ((FFS)), 4.4L 8-cylinder ((GUZZLER) (FFS)) · RWD
21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km)
1999 BMW 5 SeriesGasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder · RWD
21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1998 BMW 5 Series have?
Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1998 BMW 5 Series?
Combined fuel economy is 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1998 BMW 5 Series front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: RWD.
Are there recalls for the 1998 BMW 5 Series?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 19, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.