2019 BMW 540I

1 recalls, 14 complaints - 357 TSBs

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Defect Description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Con... Read more

Consequence

The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

257,473 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Complaint Statistics

14 total complaints 2 crashes

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3
POWER TRAIN	3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL	1
AIR BAGS	1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT	1

Incident date: May 1, 2026

I have a 2023 f150 powerboost. I slowed down to a yielding sign to turn right onto the state highway. The engine was in electric mode, I went to push the acceleration pedal and nothing happened. The truck would not accelerate for 4-5 seconds. I then put the accelerator pedal to the floor and it fina... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2026

Power Transfer Unit stopped working. Brakes locked up and car would not move. Is not drive-able at this time. Currently at a dealership awaiting part, of which there is NO ETA on. I was just entering a roundabout when the part failed, and I could have been hit as the vehicle fully stopped and could ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 23, 2024

Very strong smell of gas in my car , affecting me badly , got sick and threw up and took car in , and ford changed my catalyst convertor among other things , no lights lit up for anything , the smell that was there is why I took it in and they kept the car until fixed and picked up , now I don’t f... Read more

Incident date: Nov 8, 2022

Radiator Grill does not open when running. It remains in the close position. It started with the engine symbol that appeared on the dash.

Incident date: Aug 15, 2021

The contact owns a 2019 BMW 540I. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact pressed the button on the gear shifter and the vehicle inadvertently shifted into NEUTRAL. The contact then shifted back into DRIVE. The contact continued driving with no further issues. However, the contact conce... Read more

Incident date: Apr 26, 2021

The contact owns a 2019 BMW 540i. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the failure recurred. The contact continuously depressed the accelerator ped... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 26, 2021

Crash

Incident date: May 6, 2021

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELLING AT 50 MPH, CLEAR DRY WEATHER, NO TRAFFIC IN FRONT OR IN REAR AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATED WITHOUT CAUSE

Incident date: Nov 20, 2020

ON FRIDAY, 11/20/20, DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 60-65 MILES SPEED, SUDDENLY WITHIN FEW SECONDS, THE SPEED DROPPED DOWN TO 35-40 MILES WITHOUT ANY BRAKING ACTION BY ME. IT SCARED THE HACK OUT OF ME. I BARELY MANAGED TO GET OFF THE DRIVING LANE. WHILE IN MY CAR, BWW SOS ON-CALL ( DON'T KNOW EXACT ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 20, 2020

Incident date: May 8, 2020

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOR CHASSIS STABILIZATION AND DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. DEALERSHIP ALLEGES A RODENT GNAWED ON A ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. FROM WHAT I GATHER FROM THE DEALERSHIP THIS OCCURS FREQUENT... Read more

Incident date: May 8, 2020

Incident date: Apr 4, 2020

I PURCHASED FOUR (4) MICHELIN PILOT ALPIN PA4 TIRES IN 245/35/20 FOR THE FRONT AND 275/30/20 FOR THE REAR. I SUBSEQUENTLY HIT A POTHOLE AND HAD THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLOW OUT. I THEN HAD THE TIRE REPLACED. A COUPLE MONTHS LATER, I HIT A POTHOLE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE T... Read more

Incident date: Dec 24, 2019

THIS CAR IS CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO A NTSB ORDERED RECALL RELATED TO THE BACK UP CAMERA AND THE LIGHTING LEVEL (NIGHT VISION) OF THE REAR SAFETY CAMERA. AFTER MY BMW DEALER "FIXED" IT LAST WEEK, IT IS NOTICEABLY DARKER THAN WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW AND HENCE LESS SAFE UNDER NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS. ... Read more

EPA Fuel Economy, 2019 BMW 540I

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8) (Rear-Wheel Drive)	21.0	29.0	24.0	Premium	$3,200

CO2 Emissions: 371.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2019 BMW 540I

357 manufacturer communications from 162 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	75
350000 EQUIPMENT	49
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	21
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL	19
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	18
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	17
010000 STEERING	16
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING	12

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

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

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

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

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.

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.

010000 STEERING

A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.

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

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

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

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.

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).

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

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

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

220100 SEATS:BARRIERS

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

140000 AIR BAGS

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

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.

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.

171200 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

When using Comfort Access 2.0 feature Lock when walking away, the vehicle locks itself even though the remote control/display key is inside the vehicle.

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

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.

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

010000 STEERING

353800 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

No heater output in passenger area.

350000 EQUIPMENT

No heater output in passenger area.

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.

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.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Temporary black screen in the instrument cluster.

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.

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.

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Temporary black screen in the instrument cluster.

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.

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.

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

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).

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

346000 COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS

Showing 100 of 357 bulletins.

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 (current)	1	14
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	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

Other BMW Models

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

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2019 BMW 540I

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 2019 BMW 540I

Technical Service Bulletins, 2019 BMW 540I

Most Affected Components

BMW 540I - All Years Overview

BMW 540I - Year by Year

Other BMW Models