1997 BMW 540I
0 recalls, 31 complaints - 25 TSBs
No recalls found for this vehicle.
Complaint Statistics
31 total complaints
2 fires 1 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | 9 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | 1 |
| TIRES | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 1 |
| AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 1 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST | 1 |
SEAT BELTS
Dec 5, 2019
Incident date: Dec 4, 2019
PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEATBELT LOCKS IN THE SIDE PANEL AND WONT EXTEND TO ALLOW PASSENGERS TO GET BUCKLED UP. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT IT HAPPENS.
POWER TRAIN
Dec 11, 2012
Incident date: Dec 1, 2010
INCIDENT #1 2010: ACCELERATED THE VEHICLE TO 75MPH TO ENTER FREEWAY. TOOK FOOT OFF GAS AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. ENGAGED CLUTCH TO STOP ACCELERATION AND RPM CONTINUED TO RISE TO THE LIMITER POINT (APPROX 5500 RPM). PULLED OVER, STARTED CAR AND ENGINE IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE RED LINE. ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Oct 25, 2010
Incident date: Jan 20, 2009
I EXCHANGED THE LAMBDA SENSOR OF MY CAR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. SUDDENLY MY MILEAGE WENT DOWN AND I STARTED AN ERROR SEARCH. SINCE I WAS DOING A COUPLE OF OTHER THINGS ON THE CAR I DIDN'T COME UP WITH THE SENSORS UP FRONT. UPDATED 11/16/10 *BF UPDATED 03/23/11 *BF SO WHEN IT CAME TO THEM I REC... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 27, 2009
Incident date: Dec 27, 2009
WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES RAPIDLY IN OUT-OF-CONTROL MANNER. SOMETIMES IT ALSO DECELERATES RAPIDLY, AND LURCHES. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 4, 2009
Incident date: Aug 15, 2007
WHENEVER MY CRUISE CONTROL IS SET, VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY OVERCOMPENSATES IN SPEED FLUCTUATIONS. IT IS ALMOST AS IF THE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE GETS STUCK ALL THE WAY DOWN. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO GO FROM HWY SPEEDS TO EXTREMELY DANGEROUS 80+MPH SPEEDS IN A MATTER OF A FEW SECONDS. CRUISE CONTROL MUS... Read more
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Jul 22, 2005
Incident date: Feb 9, 2005
1997 BMW 540I FUSE TO THE FUEL INJECTOR BLEW OUT.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR THE VEHICLE WOULD ALL OF A SUDDEN DIE WHEN IN MOTION DUE TO THE BLOWN FUSE(S) TO THE INJECTOR. THE THERMOSTAT TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAD AN INTERNAL SHORT WHICH CAUSED THE WIRE TO MELT AND BLEW THE FUSE. THE SUNROOF WAS I... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 22, 2005
Incident date: Feb 9, 2005
1997 BMW 540I FUSE TO THE FUEL INJECTOR BLEW OUT.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR THE VEHICLE WOULD ALL OF A SUDDEN DIE WHEN IN MOTION DUE TO THE BLOWN FUSE(S) TO THE INJECTOR. THE THERMOSTAT TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAD AN INTERNAL SHORT WHICH CAUSED THE WIRE TO MELT AND BLEW THE FUSE. THE SUNROOF WAS I... Read more
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Jul 22, 2005
Incident date: Feb 9, 2005
1997 BMW 540I FUSE TO THE FUEL INJECTOR BLEW OUT.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR THE VEHICLE WOULD ALL OF A SUDDEN DIE WHEN IN MOTION DUE TO THE BLOWN FUSE(S) TO THE INJECTOR. THE THERMOSTAT TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAD AN INTERNAL SHORT WHICH CAUSED THE WIRE TO MELT AND BLEW THE FUSE. THE SUNROOF WAS I... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jul 22, 2005
Incident date: Feb 9, 2005
1997 BMW 540I FUSE TO THE FUEL INJECTOR BLEW OUT.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR THE VEHICLE WOULD ALL OF A SUDDEN DIE WHEN IN MOTION DUE TO THE BLOWN FUSE(S) TO THE INJECTOR. THE THERMOSTAT TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAD AN INTERNAL SHORT WHICH CAUSED THE WIRE TO MELT AND BLEW THE FUSE. THE SUNROOF WAS I... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Apr 14, 2005
Incident date: Apr 10, 2005
THE RADIATOR NECK BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON MY 1997 540I. IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH BMW BY ALL ACCOUNTS, OWNERS, TECHNICIANS AND EVEN MY OWN PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED IT WITH AN 1988 735I. PLASTIC PARTS ON THE RADIATOR IS UNACCEPTABLE, DANGEROUS AND COSTLY. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Nov 27, 2004
Incident date: Nov 27, 2004
(1) REPLACED WATER PUMP AND ACCESSORY BELTS. ON A FORUM THAT I READ, MANY SUGGEST REPLACING THE RADIATOR WHEN REPLACING THE WATER PUMP, AS PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE DUE TO THE RADIATOR'S HIGH AND FREQUENT FAILURE. REPLACE THE RADIATOR AS PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE?!? I WOULD RATHER NOT. A RADIATOR IS N... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
Jun 21, 2004
Incident date: Jun 19, 2003
THE FRONT STRUT SPRING PERCH FAILED ON MY 1997 MODEL BMW 540I. THE PERCH CUT INTO TIRE. HIS HAPPENED AT LOW-SPEED, SO NO INJURIES RESULTED (LUCKILY).MW NA HAS ISSUED A RECALL, BUT MY VEHICLE SUPPOSEDLY IS NOT COVERED, I THINK IT MISSED BY TWO MONTHS. MY BUILD DATE IS 08/96. I CONTACTED BMW NA O... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Jun 6, 2004
Incident date: May 24, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE ELECTRONIC COOLANT THERMOSTAT SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED ENGINE WIRING HARNESS THE BURN UP. THIS CAUSED THE ENIGINE TO STOP RUNNING. LUCKILY, BURNING WAS RESTRICTED TO WIRES AND NO OTHER COMPONENTS WERE BURNT. CAR IS STILL WAITING FOR A NEW WIRING HARNESS AT THE BMW D... Read more
Fire
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Jun 2, 2004
Incident date: May 20, 2004
BUCKLE ON THE SEAT BELT IS IN A DEPRESSED POSITION, PREVENTING THE LATCH FROM LOCKING. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO SAID IT WOULD COST $400.00 TO REPAIR SEAT BELT BUCKLE. *AK THE SET BELT LATCH WOULD BECOME CONTINUOUSLY DEPRESSED IN WHICH IT WOULD NOT SPRING BACK AND WOULD NOT C... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT
May 21, 2004
Incident date: May 21, 2004
DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM THE FRONT SPRING STRUT RECALL 04V183000 REPAIRS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND RECEIVED AN INSUFFICIENT REPLY. *AK *SC *JB
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Jan 15, 2004
Incident date: Jan 15, 2004
THE DRIVER SEAT CREATES A CLICKING NOISE AND MOVES OUT OF PLACE (VERY MINOR MOVEMENT) AT NUMEROUS TIMES (AS IN NOT IN LOCKED POSITION) WHILE MAKING TURNS. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY WANT A FORTUNE TO CHECK IT OUT. THE 540I ONLY HAS 65K MILES ON IT. IT CAN BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION, IF THE CHAIR SOME HOW... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Nov 11, 2003
Incident date: Mar 1, 2001
THE RADIATOR IN MY 1997 BMW 540I HAS FAILED TWICE SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. I SEE THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Sep 1, 2003
Incident date: Aug 21, 2003
MY 1997 BMW 540I 6-SPEED HAD A RADIATOR FAILURE AT 77,500 MILES. THE PLASTIC RADIATOR CONNECTION POINT FOR THE TOP HOSE SNAPPED OFF. THIS APPEARS TO BE A WELL KNOW ISSUE AFTER SPEAKING WITH BMW SERVICE TECHS AND SEARCHING BMW INTERNET SITES.*AK I BELIEVE THAT THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jun 22, 2003
Incident date: Jun 22, 2003
I OWN A 1997 BMW 540I. RADIATOR BROKE AT PLASTIC ATTACHMENT POINT. COOLANT LEAKED ALL OVER THE WINDSHIELD AND ENGINE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A WELL KNOWN DEFECT AMONG OWNERS OF THIS CAR DUE TO THE PLASTIC ATTACHMENT POINT AT THE JUNCTION OF THE HOSE AND THE RADIATOR. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jun 3, 2003
Incident date: May 30, 2003
MY 1997 BMW 540I6 RADIATOR BROKE ON ME WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY ON 5/30/03. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jun 2, 2003
Incident date: May 19, 2003
1997, BMW, 540I RADIATOR FAILURE @ 77,500 MILES (DETECTED BY BMW DEALER DURING ROUTINE SERVICE INSPECTION); RADIATOR REPLACED AT MY COST.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jan 14, 2003
Incident date: Jan 11, 2003
RADIATOR FAILURE ON BMW 540I WITH ONLY 51K MILES, CAUSING LOSS OF TRACTION AND ALMOST A WRECK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jan 9, 2003
Incident date: Jan 4, 2003
THE UPPER RADIATOR HOSE UNEXPECTLY SEPARATED FROM THE RADIATOR. INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THE PLASTIC RADIATOR HAD BROKEN AT THE HOSE FITTING. THE RESULTING STEAM CLOUD AND WATER DEPOSITS ON WINDSHIELD ABRUPTLY OBSCURED VISION, LEADING TO A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. NON-REINFORCED PLASTIC IS AN UNS... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Dec 5, 2002
Incident date: Dec 3, 2002
SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE COMPLETE LOSS OF COOLANT AT SPEED. DT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 3, 2002
Incident date: Nov 4, 2001
NO SUMMARY. DT
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Aug 9, 2002
Incident date: Aug 5, 2002
TURNED ON IGNITION AND SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Aug 9, 2002
Incident date: Aug 5, 2002
TURNED ON IGNITION AND SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 1, 2001
Incident date: Jul 23, 2001
DRIVER USES REMOTE KEY TO LOCK AUTO FROM DISTANCE AWAY SEALING PASSENGER IN CAR: OUTSIDE TEMP. 114 DEGREES. CAR DESIGN HAS NO ESCAPE DEVICE FROM INSIDE INSIDE
1 injured
TIRES
Sep 6, 2000
Incident date: Jul 1, 2000
DELAMINATION/SEPARATION OF TIRE TREAD FROM CASEING-3 OF THE 4 TIRES ON THE CAR, SEVERE .( DOT NUMBER: LMT8AXBU TIRE SIZE: 225/55R/16 )
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Mar 22, 2000
Incident date: Nov 1, 1997
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS FAILED. MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Nov 18, 1999
Incident date: Apr 7, 1999
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. INSURANCE INVESTIGATORS CLAIMED FIRE WAS DUE TO BRAKE FLUID BEING EXPELLED FROM ABS SYSTEM AND IGINITING EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *AK
Fire
EPA Fuel Economy, 1997 BMW 540I
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 16.0 | 22.0 | 18.0 | Premium | $4,300 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 14.0 | 22.0 | 16.0 | Premium | $4,800 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 BMW 540I
25 manufacturer communications from 19 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 140000 AIR BAGS | 6 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 2 |
| 160000 STRUCTURE | 1 |
| 353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. | 1 |
| 071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| 162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 1 |
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B013118
Apr 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
B013118
Apr 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
B011618
Jan 1, 2019
140100 AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
B011618
Jan 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
B650916
Nov 1, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
B011618
Oct 1, 2018
140000 AIR BAGS
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?comp
B011618
Oct 1, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?comp
B080119
Feb 1, 2018
140000 AIR BAGS
In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for
B122917
Dec 1, 2017
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.
B122817
Dec 1, 2017
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:
B122817
Dec 1, 2017
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:
65 04 98
Mar 1, 1998
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
CONDITION WITH DSP AMPLIFIER DRAINS BATTERY.*YC
16 01 98
Mar 1, 1998
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
INFORMATION ON EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL AND FUEL FILLER CAP / FILLER DOOR LABELS. *YC
34 01 98
Feb 1, 1998
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT MOMENTARY EVENT WHERE THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT IMMEDIATLELY RETURN. MODELS BUILT PRIOR TO 3/97 *DB*YC
16 04 97
Feb 1, 1998
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
NEW EVAPORATIVE (CHARCOAL) CANISTER PURGE LINE. ALL E38 AND E39 MODELE INTRODUCED INTO PRODUCTION APPROXIMATELY 3/97 *DB*YC
62 01 98
Feb 1, 1998
045200 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:PADS
CONDITION WITH BRAKE PAD WARNING STAYS ILLUMINATED AFTER BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT. *YC
72 08 97
Feb 1, 1998
140000 AIR BAGS
VARIOUS INFORMATION REGARDING DEACTIVATION OF AIRBAGS. *YC
51 03 97
Feb 1, 1998
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
EXHIBITING A CREAKING NOISE FROM THE UPPER DOOR AREA EXHIBITED IN SOME E39 MODELS BUILT PRIOR TO 4/97 *DB*YC
04 01 98
Feb 1, 1998
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUBJECT ON TANK VENTILATION LEAK COUPLERS. *YC
04 17 97
Jan 1, 1998
350000 EQUIPMENT
SITUATION WITH THE TENSION ROD TEST GAUGE. *YC
84 01 97
Dec 1, 1997
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
BMW NAVIGATION SYSTEM CD V 05 OPERATING SOFTWARE FOR MARK I SYSTEM.
16 06 97
Nov 1, 1997
071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION WHICH WILL CAUSE FUEL GAUGE TO READ APPROXIMATELY 3/4 FULL EVEN IF TANK IS COMOPLETELY FULL. *AK
11 05 97
Jul 1, 1997
160000 STRUCTURE
LEFT SIDE ENGINE SUPPORT MAY CONTACT THE FRONT SUBFRAME, CAUSING A DRONE NOISE. *AK
BMW 540I - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BMW 540I across all model years (1989, 2024).
38
Total Recalls
340
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
11
Reported Crashes
8
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
BMW 540I - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 1 | View |
| 2024 | 1 | 10 | View |
| 2023 | 0 | 7 | View |
| 2022 | 0 | 7 | View |
| 2021 | 5 | 13 | View |
| 2020 | 5 | 3 | View |
| 2019 | 1 | 14 | View |
| 2018 | 2 | 57 | View |
| 2017 | 1 | 33 | View |
| 2003 | 2 | 9 | View |
| 2002 | 2 | 17 | View |
| 2001 | 4 | 18 | View |
| 2000 | 2 | 36 | View |
| 1999 | 1 | 29 | View |
| 1998 | 1 | 28 | View |
| 1997 (current) | 0 | 31 | |
| 1995 | 2 | 15 | View |
| 1994 | 4 | 12 | View |
| 1993 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1992 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1991 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1990 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1989 | 1 | 0 | View |