Bmw 540i problems
The BMW E39 is the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series range of executive cars, which was manufactured from 1995 to 2004. It was launched in the sedan body style, with the station wagon body style (marketed as "Touring") introduced in 1996. The E39 was replaced by the E60 5 Series in 2003, however E39 Touring models remained in production until May 2004.
The proportion of chassis components using aluminium significantly increased for the E39, and it was the first 5 Series to use aluminium for all major components in the front suspension or any in the rear. It was also the first 5 Series where a four-cylinder diesel engine was available. Rack and pinion steering was used for four- and six-cylinder models, the first time that a 5 Series has used this steering system in significant volumes. Unlike its E34 predecessor and E60 successor, the E39 was not available with all-wheel drive.
The high performance E39 M5 sedan was introduced in 1998, powered by a 4.9 L (302 cu in) DOHC V8 engine. It was the first M5 model to be powered by a V8 engine.
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Bmw 540i model years
Common Bmw 540i problems
Based on complaints from BMW 540i owners, several common problems have been reported:
- Faulty Ignition Coils: BMW 540i owners have experienced issues with faulty ignition coils. Neglecting this problem can lead to costly repairs and unintended consequences on other systems if not addressed promptly.
- Faulty Coolant Systems: The coolant systems in BMW 540i cars tend to fail, potentially leaving owners stranded. Regular servicing is crucial to prevent failures, which typically occur after driving between 80,000 and 120,000 miles.
- Electric Windows Won't Shut: Some BMW 540i owners face issues with electric windows that fail to close properly. This problem not only affects comfort but also poses a security risk, especially considering BMWs are often targeted by thieves.
- Problems With Heater Core: BMW 540i cars may experience issues with the heater core, leading to heating system malfunctions. Symptoms include overheating or insufficient heat, accompanied by a sweet smell from the heating system due to coolant leaks.
- Leaky Oil Filter Gasket: The gasket connecting the oil filter to the BMW engine is prone to leaks, causing oil seepage. This issue requires attention to prevent oil leaks and maintain engine performance.
- Dead Batteries: BMW 540i owners have reported frequent dead battery issues. Dead batteries can prevent the central locking system from functioning, requiring manual access to the vehicle and potential jump-starting.
- Faults With Automatic Headlights: Some BMW 540i models exhibit problems with automatic headlights staying on unnecessarily, draining the battery and contributing to other electronic issues in the car.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues to ensure the longevity and reliability of BMW 540i cars.
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?
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*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.
Is 540i discontinued?
2024 BMW 5 Series Price And Competition
It appears that the rear-wheel-drive 540i and powerful V8 M550i have been discontinued, however. Completing the lineup are the i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60 xDrive models.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 540i years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 540i cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 540i model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 540i model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 540i years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw 540i car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 540i , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 540i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 540i model years
A total of 4 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 540i model years
There were a total of 5 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 540i model years
There were a total of 6 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 153 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 540i . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 540i vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Bmw 540i 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-05
- VIN: WBADN5342YG
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The audio suddenly stops and my turn signals also stop working. When this happens when I'm in traffic, this is very frightening because I cannot signal lane changes or turns. Turning off the ignition and restarting the car always fixes the turn signals but only sometimes fixes the audio. It usually takes several restarts before the audio works. When in the failed condition with no audio and no turn signals and the engine running, disconnecting the Dynavin D9 "ibus box" from the vehicle instantly fixes the turn signals but not the audio. It has not been reproduced or confirmed nor has it been inspected. There is never any warning before the problem appears. I have been in continuous contact with the manufacturer in California. They sent a new ibus box, hoping that would fix the problem but it did not.
Bmw 540i 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-18
- VIN: WBAJE7C31HG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: On G models of the bmw 5 series. Ac coil leaks r1234yf freon which causes safety issue due to the gas being exposed into the cabin of the car and to the atmosphere. Dealerships wants $5000-7000 for this repair as the whole dash needs to come out. This is almost a guaranteed failure and BMW has failed to recall for this fix. This issue arises usually at 50k-70k miles. There are no lights that come out everything will work but AC will not.
Bmw 540i 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-06
- VIN: WBAJE5C3XHG
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Daytime running lights are dim or discolored. SIB 63 04 was issued acknowledging the problem, however repairs are only covered under the new vehicle warranty. In most cases, the issue occurs after the new vehicle warranty has expired.
Bmw 540i 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-22
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-03
- VIN: WBAJE7C35HG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: 1. Airbag Light - Repaired on 9/18/23 ( cause : pass. front seat occupancy detection ) a. no explanation needed b. replaced by dealer c. warning chime and message on dash d. Labor and part cost $2380.93 2. Instrument Cluster - Repaired on 9/18/23 ( Blackout , loss of speedometer , fuel level , engine temp. directional indicator , etc. a. Cluster would blink ( on - off ) than total blackout. b. Labor and part cost $1905.28
Bmw 540i 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-22
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-20
- VIN: WBADN6344YG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Car had sat for about a week since I had driven it. I opened the driver door, inserted the key, and turned the key to the starting position. It failed to crank after the dash lights lit up and then the driver steering wheel airbag deployed in my face. The car was on flat ground and the temperature was not extremely hot or extremely cold. The previous several times I had driven the car there was no indication of an SRS light and the car started perfectly every time.
Bmw 540i 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-06
- Date Complaint: 2023-07-06
- VIN: WBADN6349YG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I needed to move the car after it was sitting for about 3 weeks. It would not start due to the battery was run down. As soon as I started charging the battery, the front passenger airbag exploded causing extensive damage to the dashboard and windshield. Thank god my wife was not sitting in the car. I have not contacted anyone about this. It happened a few hours ago. It is about 93 degrees with very high humidity. I am sending this report because someone could have been killed.
Bmw 540i 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-12
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-12
- VIN: WBAJE7C35HG
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 2017 BMW 540I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO SIDEWALL ISSUES WITH PIRELLI RUN FLAT TIRES.
Bmw 540i 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-03-21
- VIN: WBADN634X1G
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540I. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unknown air bag recall repair; however, the failure occurred a year after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, an explosion was heard. The contact entered the vehicle and noticed that the passenger's side air bag had deployed, which shattered the front windshield. The air bag and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The driver's side air bag deployed a month later. The contact stated that there was no impact to the vehicle that could have caused the air bags to deploy. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal sound after it was turned off. The vehicle also needed to be jumpstarted daily due to the battery failing to retain a charge. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Bmw 540i 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-04
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-21
- VIN: WBAJE7C30HG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The steering wheel will not go to its set position. BMW Dealer Service ran tests and found that the steering column hall effect sensor is faulty and is integral to the steering column. They have mentioned that the steering wheel adjustment will stop functioning in the future. If the steering wheel column cant be adjusted, it seems to create risky driving conditions for the driver. The dealer has reproduced and confirmed the issue. There were no other symptoms or warning messages.
Bmw 540i 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-16
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-21
- VIN: WBAJE7C30HG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Daytime Running Lights on the driver's side are malfunctioning. Connection between headlight housing and the daytime running lights are melted. Dealer found faults stored for headlight malfunction. They recommended replacing headlighthousing and LED module. The dealer has reproduced and confirmed the issue.
Bmw 540i 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-01-12
- VIN: WBAJE5C34HG
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: Passenger Restraint System error in BMW seems to be a common problem. This should be looked over for a recall issue.
Bmw 540i 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-25
- Date Complaint: 2022-10-02
- VIN: WBAJE7C3XHG
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The passanger seat on this car’s seatbelt and airbags have malfioned numerous times. 3/2021 seat belt warning, seat matpad replaced 9/2022 air bag malfunction while driving with a passenger on highway. Once again seat matpad replaced. Car no longer in warranty $2500. It is extremely dangerous that this passanger seat keeps failing. What if I got into an accident on highway and malfunction happened right before accident? Many people on bmw post complaining about seat belt warning and air bag malfunction. You can contact BMW, from 2017 until now, the car has neen in shop 4 times with passenger seatbelt and now airbag malfunction warnings. All services done at bmw of bayshore. I have included invoices I kept on this malfunctioned passenger seat
Bmw 540i 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-24
- Date Complaint: 2022-09-24
- VIN: WBAJE7C33HG
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: Passenger seat in 2017 BMW 5 series cars have a well known and not covered fault where in a loud chiming will go off requiring the passenger seatbelt to be buckled. This chime does not stop and continues until the seat belt is buckled. There is nothing in the passengers seat. The noise is very loud and distracting. It occurs at random including driving at highway speeds. Upon bringing this to my dealer's attention they informed me that a service to repair this safety issue would cost over $2,000. I believe this will result in an unnecessary loss of life due to people either a) people fully removing the (sometimes valid) notifications of a no seatbelt warning, or b) an owner becoming alarmed by the sudden and loud chimes, possibly not knowing how to prevent the sound, and causing an accident If required I have a video of the incident (which happens daily now) if required. These issues are well documented on the BMW G30 forums for the 2017 model year.
Bmw 540i 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-03-18
- VIN: WBAJE7C3XHG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The Instrument Cluster Display Shakes and goes completely black unable to know haw fast Your driving with all the system down You never know when its going to happen
Bmw 540i 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-25
- VIN: WBAJE7C31HG
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: Front Passenger Seat Malfunction - Intermittent on and off warning No risk yet but BMW road aside assist confirmed that air bag might not deploy on passenger side Vehicle inspected by Irvine BMW and warning or concerns shown, just tried to bill me without root causing the issue. Yes the warning comes up on and off. Intermittent.
Latest 5 recalls Bmw 540i
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 27 recalls for different components of the Bmw 540i.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw 540i 2021
- Report Received Date: 2021-07-21
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).
- Model: Bmw 540i 2021
- Report Received Date: 2021-02-19
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Model: Bmw 540i 2021
- Report Received Date: 2021-02-03
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles. The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.
- Consequence: A broken output shaft can lead to a loss of drive power or a rollaway condition in a parked vehicle (if the parking brake is not engaged), increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Model: Bmw 540i 2021
- Report Received Date: 2020-12-09
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
- Consequence: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Model: Bmw 540i 2021
- Report Received Date: 2020-09-30
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Are you having problems with your Bmw 540i?
