2018 BMW 540D Recalls, Complaints & Safety

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	2
SUSPENSION	1
SERVICE BRAKES	1

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	109
350000 EQUIPMENT	74
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	35
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	32
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	29
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	24
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL	21
010000 STEERING	19

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care. Voltage supply The Service Engine Soon light is on with the following DME Fault Code: 21B209 - Starter alternator / belt for 48V system (OSA_RIEMEN_RISS): Belt b

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on ho

010000 STEERING

At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic ackno

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 ??A???A???A???A???A???A? ??A???A???A???A???A???A?HU-H: Reset??A???A???A???A???A???A? will be stored in the HU-H3.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 ??A???A???A???A???A???A? ??A???A???A???A???A???A?HU-H: Reset??A???A???A???A???A???A? will be stored in the HU-H3.

010000 STEERING

SITUATION Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction. 1. A one-time thump sound at the start of movement Shortly after the steering column starts moving, retracting, or extending, a one-time thump

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pre

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pre

350000 EQUIPMENT

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle??A?A?s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) i

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle??A?A?s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) i

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

DIESEL FUEL INJECTORS: LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE (PCV) EXTENDED LTD WTY 15 YEARS/150,000 MILES

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care. Voltage supply The Service Engine Soon light is on with the following DME Fault Code: 21B209 - Starter alternator / belt for 48V system (OSA_RIEMEN_RISS): Belt b

220000 SEATS

?The front seat will not calibrate/initialize, and the stored faults cannot be deleted.

010000 STEERING

?Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction.

162900 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

?The sunroof will not operate in either direction.

134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

?The sunroof will not operate in either direction.

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

With the introduction of the BMW Remote Software Upgrade, all Service Pack 18 vehicles and partial Service Pack 15 vehicles may receive new functionality or modifications in their features.

062100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

Radiator Grille Upper and Lower Active Air Flaps limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

The air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a stand still. The vent outlet temperatures vary by 25 degrees Fahrenheit or more (38 F to 60 F +) without changing any climate control settings.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permi

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permi

010000 STEERING

A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system (NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and s

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop effective June 6, 2023 on certain Model Year 2023 - 2024 BMW vehicles that were produced between October 26, 2022 and May 8, 2023.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Due to a software error, the vehicle sporadically does not achieve sleep mode. As a result, the 12-volt battery becomes discharged and may cause a no-start condition.

162500 STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.

118620 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:HUD:CAMERA/SENSOR

Issues with the various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (KAFAS system) can possibly lead to following customer complaints: KAFAS camera system deactivates itself, due to system restrictions that are not clear to the

118320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR

Issues with the various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (KAFAS system) can possibly lead to following customer complaints: KAFAS camera system deactivates itself, due to system restrictions that are not clear to the

274300 LANE DEPARTURE:LANE KEEP:NAVIGATION SYSTEM/SOFTWARE

Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).

350000 EQUIPMENT

The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an I

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an I

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

Customer states there is no audio playback (telephony, navigation, radio) and system sounds (PDC, turn indicators, acoustic signals) may also have failed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Due to a software error, the vehicle sporadically does not achieve sleep mode. As a result, the 12-volt battery becomes discharged and may cause a no-start condition.

010000 STEERING

A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower.

100000 POWER TRAIN

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: Due to a software failure, there is the possibility that the transmission does not go into "sleep mode" if the car is turned off.

100000 POWER TRAIN

There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower. The noise goes away as the vehicle/driveline reaches operating te

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower. The noise goes away as the vehicle/driveline reaches operating te

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Due to a software error, Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) and Remote Support are currently not possible. Additionally, the Integrated Owner's Handbook cannot be displayed.

010000 STEERING

The saved steering column positions, vertical and horizontal, are not stored long term.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32F (0C) or lower.

160000 STRUCTURE

A cracking, metallic noise from under the center of the vehicle.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Coolant leaking from the engine compartment. Traces of coolant leaking from the expansion tank of the low temperature cooling system.

134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The sunroof will not operate in either direction. There are NO faults stored related to the sunroof. If the vehicle has any faults stored related to the sunroof, this bulletin does not apply.

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

After programming, the customer may complain that the Sport Mode display is not fully displayed in the instrument cluster. Instead of a red background in sport mode, the background is displayed in blue (like ECO PRO mode).

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

After programming, the customer may complain that the Sport Mode display is not fully displayed in the instrument cluster. Instead of a red background in sport mode, the background is displayed in blue (like ECO PRO mode).

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

After programming, the customer may complain that the Sport Mode display is not fully displayed in the instrument cluster. Instead of a red background in sport mode, the background is displayed in blue (like ECO PRO mode).

130000 VISIBILITY

After opening the vehicle with the radio remote control and changing the profile, the exterior mirror settings are lost.

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

The customer complains that the radio stations change by themselves.

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault ma

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault ma

220100 SEATS:BARRIERS

According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault ma

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault ma

140000 AIR BAGS

According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault ma

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

The sound output intermittently drops out entirely. This can be reproduced with all audio sources as well as telephone and voice output.

061610 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE

BMW offers a new special ISTA Installation made available for Roadside Assistance / Mobile Service technicians. The new ISTA Version is also able to be used in case of a Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) programming failure to get the customer

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

BMW offers a new special ISTA Installation made available for Roadside Assistance / Mobile Service technicians. The new ISTA Version is also able to be used in case of a Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) programming failure to get the customer

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Note: Before performing a repair and submitting a claim, first confirm that the vehicle has the above Notice of Limited Warranty Extension in the DCSnet Warranty Inquiry Vehicle Comments section. If you have Extended Limited Warranty (ELW)

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS

The functionality of the right rear SRR sensor could be reduced which would display the "Driving Assistance" Check Control Message.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called N

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

When using the Key Reader to retrieve information from the customer's key, no current vehicle data is available.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Check Control Message (CCM) displays "Vehicle key missing" after engine start.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Service Action on certain Model Year 2019-2020 BMW Plug-In HybridElectric (PHEV) vehicles that were produced between March 25, 2019, and October 17, 2020. Analyses of transmitted teleservice data indicate

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Sport mode is not displayed correctly in the instrument cluster. Instead of a red background in sport mode, the background is displayed in blue (like in Eco Pro mode). Software in the instrument cluster (Kombi).

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

Check Control message (CCM) displays "Vehicle key missing" after engine start.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

48 V battery may become totally discharged, and possible replacement needed.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The customer complains that under moderate throttle application or on deceleration after throttle application, a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is displayed in the instrument cluster.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Information updated about engine oil filter cap drain plug. When performing an engine oil service on vehicles equipped with a N63M, N63B or S63M engines; the ETK states to use "Set oil filter element" P/N 11 42 5 A33 C42 or P/N 11 42 5 A33

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The belt pulley on the mechanical coolant pump may fracture allowing the engine drive belt to come off the coolant pump and alternator.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The belt pulley on the mechanical coolant pump may fracture allowing the engine drive belt to come off the coolant pump and alternator.

350000 EQUIPMENT

No heater output in passenger area.

353800 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

No heater output in passenger area.

010000 STEERING

The steering intervention for Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is too strong (severe), which can create an uncomfortable feeling for the driver. Background: Steering intervention helps keep the vehicle in the lane if the system detects that a

350000 EQUIPMENT

The steering intervention for Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is too strong (severe), which can create an uncomfortable feeling for the driver. Background: Steering intervention helps keep the vehicle in the lane if the system detects that a

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

The steering intervention for Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is too strong (severe), which can create an uncomfortable feeling for the driver. Background: Steering intervention helps keep the vehicle in the lane if the system detects that a

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective June 9, 2021) on certain Model Year 2021 BMW vehicles that were produced between May 7, 2021 and May 21, 2021. The Receiver Audio Module (RAM) will need to be added to the affected vehicles.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Service Action on certain Model Year 2019-2020 BMW Plug-In Hybrid-Electric (PHEV) vehicles that were produced between March 25, 2019, and October 17, 2020.

280100 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

In some rare cases a customer vehicle might be excluded from one or more Remote Software Upgrade(RSU) campaigns. This SIB gives an overview how to identify these vehicles and how to proceed in case of a customer complaint.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine.

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Temporary black screen in the instrument cluster.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Temporary black screen in the instrument cluster.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The belt pulley on the mechanical coolant pump may fracture allowing the engine drive belt to come off the coolant pump and alternator.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The belt pulley on the mechanical coolant pump may fracture allowing the engine drive belt to come off the coolant pump and alternator.

350000 EQUIPMENT

SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list.

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list.

010000 STEERING

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The SIM card installed in the telematics control unit (ATM2) connects to different mobile providers' networks. However, due to a missing parameter, this does not work and can cause disruption in BMW ConnectedDrive services in areas with ins

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The SIM card installed in the telematics control unit (ATM2) connects to different mobile providers' networks. However, due to a missing parameter, this does not work and can cause disruption in BMW ConnectedDrive services in areas with ins

350000 EQUIPMENT

While using the wireless charger, one or both of the following may occur: 1) The BMW display key or mobile phone becomes hot to the touch. 2) The device switches off due to over temperature (built-in device protection).

Model	Recalls	Complaints
X5	223	4,349	View
X3	155	2,661	View
330I	122	1,050	View
X6	110	293	View
328I	108	3,743	View
M3	95	550	View
325I	83	1,809	View
Z4	83	1,439	View

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2018 BMW 540D

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