Bmw 540 problems

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The BMW 5 Series (G60) is an executive car manufactured and marketed by German luxury automaker BMW since 2023. The lineup consists of the G60 saloon, G61 estate (marketed as Touring), and the G68 long-wheelbase sedan. It represents the eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series, succeeding the G30 model and the G32 6 Series liftback.

The G60 was officially revealed on 24 May 2023, began production on 21 July 2023, with sales commencing in October. Built upon an updated version the rear-wheel drive Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, shared with the larger G70 7 Series, it is significantly larger than any of its predecessors. The eighth generation BMW 5 Series is also offered with a battery electric powertrain, called the "i5". Three models are offered; the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 model, the mid-range, all-wheel-drive xDrive40, and the range topping M60 xDrive model.

A long-wheelbase saloon model (G68) exclusive to China debuted in August 2023 and it is assembled at the Dadong plant. The G61 5 Series Touring was unveiled in February 2024. The fastback derivative, the 6 Series Gran Turismo has been discontinued.

photo of Bmw 540 car production

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Bmw 540 model years

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Common Bmw 540 problems

The BMW 540i, like any car, is subject to specific problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most common issues based on owner complaints:

  • Fuel Consumption: While not necessarily a problem, some owners have reported higher-than-expected fuel consumption with the BMW 540i. The fuel consumption can vary depending on driving conditions, such as city or highway driving, and the driver's driving style. However, some owners have reported fuel consumption that is higher than the manufacturer's estimates. For example, one owner reported that their 540i consumed more fuel than their previous 530d, despite the 540i's more efficient engine.
  • Electronic Issues: The BMW 540i has a lot of electronic systems, which can sometimes lead to issues. For example, some owners have reported problems with the car's infotainment system, including issues with the touchscreen, navigation, and audio systems. Additionally, some owners have reported problems with the car's electrical systems, such as issues with the windows, sunroof, and lights.
  • Bodywork Issues: The BMW 540i is a large car, and it can be susceptible to bodywork damage, especially if it is driven in urban areas. Owners have reported issues with kerb damage to the alloy wheels, which can be expensive to repair. Additionally, the car's bodywork can be susceptible to scratches, dents, and other types of damage, which can be costly to repair.
  • Recall Issues: The BMW 540i has been subject to several recalls, including issues with the car's brakes, steering, and engine. For example, some owners have reported issues with the car's brake switch, which can cause the brake lamps to be illuminated even while driving. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the car's EGR cooler, which can leak and create a fire risk. These issues can be addressed by taking the car to a BMW dealer for the necessary repairs.

In summary, the BMW 540i is a high-performance luxury car that can be subject to specific problems, including oil leaks, fuel consumption issues, electronic issues, bodywork damage, and recall issues. While these issues can be frustrating for owners, they can often be addressed by taking the car to a BMW dealer for the necessary repairs.

Bmw 540

Are BMW 540i expensive to maintain?

The annual maintenance cost of a BMW 540i is $798.

Is the 540i better than 530i?

BMW 5 Series 530i vs 540i Powertrain Differences

While both trims come with a highly powerful engine, the one in the 540i trim offers a bit more energy with its 335-horsepower engine. The 530i, on the other hand, comes standard with a 248-horsepower engine.

How much should I pay for BMW 540i?

Payment Calculator

*Estimated payments based on Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price of $57,729 at 3.19% APR for 60 months with $6,500 down for well-qualified buyers.

Is the BMW 540i fast?

In fact, the 2021 model is as quick as the 2017 model we last tested. The 4.7-second time to 60 is still plenty quick, however, and the 540i breezed through the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 106 mph.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 540 years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 540 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 540 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 540 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 540 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Bmw 540 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 540 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 540 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 540 model years

There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 540 model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 540 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 540 vehicles.

List of Bmw 540 complaints

Bmw 540 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-09-22
  • Date Complaint: 2017-09-22
  • VIN: WBADN63441G
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: DEALERSHIP IN CONCORD CALIFORNIA HAS BEEN TRYING TO DELAY REPAIRING MY VEHICLE AIRBAG EVEN AFTER APPOINTMENT. DID NOT EVEN START FIXING MY VEHICLE AFTER WAITING 5 PLUS HOURS.
Bmw 540 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2012-12-01
  • Date Complaint: 2012-12-02
  • VIN: WBADN53491G
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND I HEARD A "PANG" SOUND FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, A MOMENT LATER MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO A SAFE STOPPING PLACE TO BE TOWED BEFORE THE LOST BELT THAT FOLLOWED OVERHEATED ME. PUMP SNAPPED IN AT LEAST ONE PLACE MAKING THE PULLEY CROOKED, AND SHREDDING THE BELT. *TR
Bmw 540 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2011-11-19
  • Date Complaint: 2011-12-13
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: WBAHE5320SG
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
  • Summary: DRIVING THROUGH THE BROOKLYN BATTERY TUNNEL HEADING INTO MANHATTAN THE BLOWER MOTOR IN MY CAR FAILED. I WAS DRIVING IN THE TUNNEL WHEN I TURNED ON THE HEAT IN MY CAR, THEN SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT OF THE AIR VENTS. I TURNED OFF THE HEAT IMMEDIATELY. THE SMOKE BEGAN FILLING THE CABIN, SO I OPENED ALL OF THE WINDOWS IN THE CAR AND OPENED THE MOONROOF. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE OUT OF THE TUNNEL AND STOPPED AT THE EXIT OF THE TUNNEL IN MANHATTAN. I THEN TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. ONE OF THE BROOKLYN BATTERY TUNNEL OFFICERS SAW ME GET OUT OF THE CAR AND SEES THE SMOKE COMING FROM THE CAR. AT THIS POINT THERE WAS MELTING PLASTIC THAT WAS SURROUNDED IN FLAMES FALLING FROM WHERE THE BLOWER MOTOR IS LOCATED ONTO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND THE CARPET SURROUNDING THE THESE PEDALS. THE OFFICERS PUT OUT THE MELTING PLASTIC THAT WAS ON FIRE WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. THEY ALSO SPRAYED FIRE EXTINGUISHER MATERIAL IN THE AREA THE MELTING PLASTIC THAT WAS ON FIRE WAS FALLING FROM. THE OFFICERS THEN SEEING THE SMOKE RISING OUT THE AIR VENTS SPRAYED THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER MATERIAL INTO AIR VENTS. THE FDNY SHORTLY SHOWED UP AT THE SCENE AND SPRAYED THE ENGINE BAY WITH THE WATER HOSE FROM THE FIRE TRUCK, AND SPRAYED MORE FIRE EXTINGUISHER MATERIAL INTO THE AIR VENTS, AND THEN DISCONNECTED THE CAR BATTERY. THE BLOWER MOTOR BECAME SO HOT IT IGNITED THE CABIN FILTER AND THE LEAVES AND PINE NEEDLES THAT THE CABIN FILTER WAS FILTERING FROM THE FRESH AIR INLET. THE FUSE FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR DID NOT BREAK UNTIL THE AREA THE BLOWER MOTOR WAS IN BECAME SO HOT, THAT IT MELTED THE INSULATION OF THE WIRES LOCATED AROUND THE BLOWER MOTOR. BECAUSE THE INSULATION OF THE WIRES MELTED NOT ONLY DID THE FUSE FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR BREAK, BUT FIVE OTHER FUSES BROKE AS WELL. THERE IS AN INCIDENT REPORT ON FILE WITH THE TRIBOROUGH BRIDGE AND TUNNEL AUTHORITY. *TR
Bmw 540 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2011-03-12
  • Date Complaint: 2011-04-15
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BMW 540. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION RING GEAR FAILED AND CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO SLIP INTO SAFE MODE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 141,000.
Bmw 540 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-05-11
  • Date Complaint: 2006-05-17
  • VIN: WBADN53421G
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING A ROUND ROCK OF 4-5 INCHES IN DIAMETER WAS DROVE OVER AND STRUCK THE FRONT AIR DAM RIGHT OF THE CENTER. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG AND THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD PROTECTION AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND THE CONTACT IS WAITING FOR A RETURN PHONE CALL.
Bmw 540 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-01-03
  • Date Complaint: 2005-01-12
  • VIN: WBADN6337XG
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MPH THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK. *NM *JB
Bmw 540 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-10-11
  • Date Complaint: 2004-12-05
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: 1. NO SYMPTOMS; 2. CRACKED RADIATOR NECK, THAT WAS FORTUNATLY CAUGHT JUST PRIOR TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE RADIATOR NECK BROKE IN MY HAND AS I WAS REMOVING IT. 3.REPLACED RADIATOR. *AK
Bmw 540 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-06-17
  • Date Complaint: 2003-08-26
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: RADIATOR FAILED AT 40K MILES IN MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC,OBSCURING VISION WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN MANY CARS AND THEN STRANDING CAR FAT DANGEROUS INTERCHANGE. *NLM
Bmw 540 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2003-05-15
  • VIN: WBADE6323VB
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED BECAUSE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WEIGHT SYSTEM. *NLM
Bmw 540 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-10-03
  • Date Complaint: 2002-11-29
  • VIN: WBADN6332XG
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ACCORDING TO REPAIR FACILITY (BMW DEALER), THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, POORLY DESIGNED/MANUFACTURED RADITOR, THAT BMW WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE. THEY WILL NOT EVEN RE-DESIGNED AND OR MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO CURRECT RADIATOR DESIGN FOR THE 540 MODEL. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. DT
Bmw 540 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-02-01
  • Date Complaint: 2002-05-08
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: ACCELERATOR PEDAL STCKS WHEN FOOT PRESSURE IS RELEASED. RESPONSE OF ACCELERATOR IS VERY QUICK. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK GAS PEDAL STUTTERING/ BINDING CONDITION IS WORSE WHEN VEHICLE IS OUT IN SUN FOR A FEW HOURS. DEALER REPLACED PEDAL THREE TIMES. *TT
Bmw 540 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-04-15
  • Date Complaint: 2002-04-16
  • VIN: WVAHE63235G
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THERE'S A HOLE IN CYLINDER, WHICH MAKES VEHICLE HARD TO DRIVE.*AK
Bmw 540 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-04-16
  • Date Complaint: 2002-04-16
  • VIN: WBAHE6323SG
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE CYLINDER WALL CORROSION, KNOWN AS NICKEL CELL CORROSION, CAUSED BY FUEL CONTACTING CYLINDER WALL. EVENTUALLY THE CORROSION CREATES A HOLE IN THE CYLINDER WALL, LEAKS AND LOSS OF COMPRESSION. CONTINUES TO GET WORSE OVER TIME. MECHANIC SAYS ITS A KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT, BMW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 6 YEARS AND 100000 MILES BECAUSE OF IT. IS THE MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THIS DEFECT? HOW MANY VEHICLES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED? WHEN DID BMW EXTEND THE WARRANTY? WHY WEREN'T EXISTING OWNERS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM? ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *TS *JB ****DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS****760777
Bmw 540 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2000-02-09
  • VIN: WBAHE5328SG
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH ON ITS RAILS AND FEELS LOOSE. SEAT BELT IS ANCHORED TO SEAT. SEEMS LIKE SEAT ASSEMBLY MIGHT COME OFF IN AN ACCIDENT. ALSO VERY DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING. *AK
Bmw 540 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 1999-04-01
  • Date Complaint: 1999-11-10
  • VIN: WBADE6322VB
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: BURNED OUT ODOMETER/TRIP LEDS. SHOWS PARTIAL NUMBERS AND CHARACTERS ONLY. *AK

Recalls Bmw 540

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Bmw 540.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Bmw 540 2001
  • Report Received Date: 2017-01-20
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Park It: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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