1999 BMW 540I
1 recalls, 29 complaints - 14 TSBs
99V004000 Jan 4, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THICKNESS OF THE MAIN POSITIVE ELECTRICAL CABLE (GENERATOR TO STARTER) INSULATION IS LESS THAN SPECIFIED, MAKING IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO BEING ABRADED OR CUT BY THE CLIP THAT SECURES THE CABLE TO THE GENERATOR.
Consequence
THE CABLE INSULATION CAN BE WORN AWAY, EXPOSING THE WIRE. THE WIRE COULD CONTACT THE CLIP OR A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL APPLY A THICKNESS OF INSULATING TAPE TO THE CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE CLIP, AND INSTALL A REVISED CLIP.
Complaint Statistics
29 total complaints
1 crashes
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | 3 |
| STEERING | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 2 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 2 |
| AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW | 1 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | 1 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 8, 2015
Incident date: Jun 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 540I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE WAS BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V004000 (... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Mar 27, 2015
Incident date: Feb 16, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 540I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND HESITATED WHEN SHIFTING THE GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO B... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Mar 20, 2015
Incident date: Mar 20, 2015
MY 1999 BMW 540I WAS JUST SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY AND WE HEARD A LOUD THUD. I WALKED OUT TO THE BMW AND NOTICED THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON, SHATTERING THE WINDSHIELD. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
AIR BAGS
Mar 20, 2015
Incident date: Mar 20, 2015
MY 1999 BMW 540I WAS JUST SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY AND WE HEARD A LOUD THUD. I WALKED OUT TO THE BMW AND NOTICED THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON, SHATTERING THE WINDSHIELD. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
POWER TRAIN
May 13, 2014
Incident date: May 11, 2011
MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OR MOVE. I HAD THE TRANS REBUILD AND 2 YEARS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM. THE TRANS HAS LOST GEARS 1-3 AND REVERSE, MULTISTATE REPAIRED THE TRANS AGAIN 2013, IFOR THE SECOND TIME, IT NEVER WORKED AFTER REPAIRS. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON, BMW SAYS I NEED NEW TRANS A... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 13, 2014
Incident date: May 11, 2011
MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OR MOVE. I HAD THE TRANS REBUILD AND 2 YEARS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM. THE TRANS HAS LOST GEARS 1-3 AND REVERSE, MULTISTATE REPAIRED THE TRANS AGAIN 2013, IFOR THE SECOND TIME, IT NEVER WORKED AFTER REPAIRS. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON, BMW SAYS I NEED NEW TRANS A... Read more
ENGINE
May 13, 2014
Incident date: May 11, 2011
MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OR MOVE. I HAD THE TRANS REBUILD AND 2 YEARS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM. THE TRANS HAS LOST GEARS 1-3 AND REVERSE, MULTISTATE REPAIRED THE TRANS AGAIN 2013, IFOR THE SECOND TIME, IT NEVER WORKED AFTER REPAIRS. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON, BMW SAYS I NEED NEW TRANS A... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 27, 2013
Incident date: Nov 27, 2013
POWER STEERING PUMP BROKE CAUSING ACCESSORY BELT TO BE THROWN FROM ENGINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING AND POWER. *TR
STEERING
Nov 27, 2013
Incident date: Nov 27, 2013
POWER STEERING PUMP BROKE CAUSING ACCESSORY BELT TO BE THROWN FROM ENGINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING AND POWER. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES
Nov 27, 2013
Incident date: Nov 27, 2013
POWER STEERING PUMP BROKE CAUSING ACCESSORY BELT TO BE THROWN FROM ENGINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING AND POWER. *TR
STEERING
Mar 26, 2011
Incident date: Mar 25, 2011
VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED (55-60MPH) AND A LOUD METALLIC 'THUNK' NOISE WAS HEARD AS IF SOMETHING STRUCK OR BOUNCED OFF THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR. THE SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT WAS DISCOVERED TO HAVE COME OFF THE DRIVE PULLEYS, AND UPON CLOSER INSPECTION THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS DISCOVERED T... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Nov 18, 2010
Incident date: Nov 5, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 540I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
STEERING
Aug 21, 2010
Incident date: Aug 12, 2010
STARTED MY CAR AND HEARD A THUMPING NOISE AND FOUND OUT IT WAS MY BELT BEING CHEWED UP BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKETS BROKE. *TR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Sep 7, 2009
Incident date: Aug 15, 2009
MY 1999 BMW 540I HAS HAD INTERMITTENT DOOR UNLOCKING FAILURES FOR SEVERAL YEARS. THE ANY OF THE FOUR DOORS MAY SUDDENLY BECOME DOUBLE LOCKED SO THAT NEITHER THE ELECTRONIC BUTTONS OR ANY MANUAL EFFORTS WILL UNLOCK/OPEN THE DOORS. FORTUNATELY NOT ALL OF THE DOOR LOCKS HAVE FAILED AT THE SAME TIME, S... Read more
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Nov 3, 2008
Incident date: May 1, 2006
AT APPROXIMATELY 75K MILES THE BOSCH ABS/TRACTION CONTROL UNIT FAILED ON MY 1999 BMW 540I. A DIAGNOSIS FROM THE DEALER CONFIRMED THIS TO BE TRUE. A NEW UNIT WAS INSTALLED AT THE APPROX COST OF $600. WHAT IS TROUBLING IS THAT EVERY OWNER OF A BMW 5-SERIES FROM 1999-2000 SEEMS TO HAVE HAD THIS PART... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Dec 12, 2007
Incident date: Dec 13, 2005
MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON CONNECTICUT AVE. IT WAS RAINING RATHER HARD AND VISIBILITY WAS LOW. MY SON ALL OF THE SUDDEN SMELLED SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. HE HAD TO PUSH IT OFF THE ROAD INTO A SERVICE STATION DUE TO THE HIG... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Dec 12, 2007
Incident date: Dec 13, 2005
MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON CONNECTICUT AVE. IT WAS RAINING RATHER HARD AND VISIBILITY WAS LOW. MY SON ALL OF THE SUDDEN SMELLED SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. HE HAD TO PUSH IT OFF THE ROAD INTO A SERVICE STATION DUE TO THE HIG... Read more
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)
May 10, 2007
Incident date: May 4, 2007
THE DRIVER OWNS A 1999 BMW 540I WITH 72,579 MILES. OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS THE DISC BMW ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM ICON AND THE AMBER ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED IN ONE OF TWO SCENARIOS: (1) JUST AFTER A NEW IGNITION CYCLE, (2) DURING NORMAL DRIVING. ONCE THESE WARNINGS ILLUMINA... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
May 10, 2007
Incident date: May 4, 2007
THE DRIVER OWNS A 1999 BMW 540I WITH 72,579 MILES. OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS THE DISC BMW ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM ICON AND THE AMBER ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED IN ONE OF TWO SCENARIOS: (1) JUST AFTER A NEW IGNITION CYCLE, (2) DURING NORMAL DRIVING. ONCE THESE WARNINGS ILLUMINA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Mar 20, 2006
Incident date: Apr 7, 2004
WITHOUT WARNING A CRACK APPEARED IN THE RADIATOR HOUSING CAUSING A LOSS OF ANTIFREEZE. CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. HAD TO REPLACE THE PART. SAME THING JUST HAPPENED AGAIN. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Jan 14, 2006
Incident date: Jan 14, 2005
I THINK THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT THE 60,000 DOLLAR BMW 5 SERIES WITH DSC AND ABS CONTINUALLY HAVE ABS CONTROL MODULE FAILURES. THE PART IS OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN FLAW AND THE COMPANY SHOULD BE FORCED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE MODULE FAILURE CAUS... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Nov 28, 2005
Incident date: Nov 10, 2005
ABS WARNING AND DSC LIGHT IS ON INDICATING FAILURE OF ABS ELECTRONIC MODULE. ABS AND DSC IS NO LONGER OPERABLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE CAR WILL NO LONGER HAVE ABS AND DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM IN OPERABLE CONDITION. IT IS UNKNOWN IF BRAKE COULD BE RANDOMLY ACTIVATED BY THE FAILED AB... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jul 8, 2004
Incident date: Jul 7, 2004
(1) NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS; NOTICED "STEAM" COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. 2) RADIATOR'S UPPER HOSE INLET CRACKED (PLASTIC); CAR DISABLED (3) CAR OUT OF WARRANTY; NO REMEDY FROM MANUFACTURER. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 13, 2004
Incident date: Apr 2, 2004
DURING A DOWN SHIFT, MY CAR SOMETIMES JUMP FORWARD A FOOT OR SO AND MAKES A THUMP DOWN SHIFTING NOISE. THIS FORCES ME TO APPLY THE BREAK QUICKLY. JUST A WEEK AGO, I HIT A CURVE BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT AND THE BOTTOM BUMPER COVER OF THE CAR GOT HIT AND BECAME CRACKED! LUCKILY THIS PROBLEM IS RARE... Read more
Crash
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Mar 11, 2004
Incident date: Jun 28, 2003
ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THIS OCCURRED ON BOTH REAR TIRES. THE CAUSE OF THE TREAD SEPARATION WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE MODEL TIRES. *AK *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Aug 25, 2003
Incident date: Aug 23, 2003
RADIATOR FAILURE AT 54,000 MILES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Nov 14, 2002
Incident date: Nov 7, 2002
THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURENCE. ON THE ROADFLY BULLETIN BOARD OF FELLOW OWNERS, FAILURE RATE IS ALMOST 40% OF RESPONDENTS! TYPICALLY AFTER ONLY 40 - 50K MILES! DT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
May 14, 2002
Incident date: Apr 1, 2002
ON OCCASIONS WHEN SLOWING, TRANSMISION DOWNSHIFTS "HARD" MAYBE 2-1OR 3-2-1 AND EVEN A THUMB??AND DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AT THAT TIME??*AK
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Mar 2, 2001
Incident date: Mar 1, 2001
WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 25 MPH AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS WILLING TO REPLACE AIR BAG.*AK
EPA Fuel Economy, 1999 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 | Regular | $3,450 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 14.0 | 19.0 | 16.0 | Regular | $3,900 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 14.0 | 21.0 | 16.0 | Regular | $3,900 |
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, 1999 BMW 540I
14 manufacturer communications from 8 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 140000 AIR BAGS | 5 |
| 060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| 355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL | 1 |
| 118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE | 1 |
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 1 |
| 140100 AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE | 1 |
| 133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 1 |
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B170100
Oct 16, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The lower radiator coolant return hose may come in contact with the secondary air system check valve flange gasket when the engine coolant is at operating temperature due to coolant system pressure and expansion of the hose.
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
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
B011618
Jan 1, 2019
140100 AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
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
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
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
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
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:
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:
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 (current) | 1 | 29 | |
| 1998 | 1 | 28 | View |
| 1997 | 0 | 31 | View |
| 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 |