1994 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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Common 1994 Bmw 540i problems
The BMW 540i, produced in 1994, is known for several common problems that have been reported by owners. These issues cover a range of components, from the cooling system to the transmission.
- Window Regulators: High-mileage E39 Bimmers may experience malfunctions in the front and rear windows due to failed window regulators.
- Oil Leaks: Some E39 owners have reported oil leaks, particularly from the valve cover gaskets or oil pan gaskets.
- Steering and Suspension Vibrations: Certain E39s may experience steering wheel vibrations at certain speeds, which can be attributed to imbalanced wheels, worn suspension components, or tire issues.
- Transmission Problems: The 1994 BMW 540i can experience transmission issues, which can result in the TRANS PROGRAM indicator coming up and putting the car into limp mode, abruptly shifting and locking it in 3rd gear. This issue may require professional diagnosis and repair.
These common problems are based on complaints from owners of the BMW 540i 1994 and should be considered when purchasing, maintaining, or repairing this vehicle. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent or mitigate these issues, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the BMW 540i.
What engine came in the 540i?
3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower engine
The 2022 BMW 540i horsepower of 335 is one of the best produced by a modern sedan, thanks to a combo of a 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower engine mated to an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and a 48V hybrid technology. It's enough power to whip up 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
How much horsepower does a BMW 540i 1993 have?
Petrol
| Model | Years | Power |
|---|---|---|
| 530i | 1988–1991 | 138 kW (185 hp) at 5,500 rpm |
| 1992–1996 | 160 kW (215 hp) at 5,800 rpm | |
| 535i / 535iS | 1987–1992 | 155 kW (208 hp) at 5,700 rpm |
| 540i | 1992–1996 | 210 kW (282 hp) at 5,800 rpm |
Does the 540i have a turbo?
The 540i's engine is a turbocharged six-cylinder that makes 335 horsepower with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The hybrid makes it a seriously punchy ride, and that's on top of the car's already deft, energetic handling.
How much horsepower does a 1995 BMW 540i have?
282 hp1995 BMW 540i / Horsepower
The540i is a little gem, a high-performance sports sedan with a whisper-smooth rocket in a 4-liter, 32-valve, 282-horse-power, V-8 rocket.
How much horsepower does a BMW 540i 1993 have?
Petrol
| Model | Years | Power |
|---|---|---|
| 530i | 1988–1991 | 138 kW (185 hp) at 5,500 rpm |
| 1992–1996 | 160 kW (215 hp) at 5,800 rpm | |
| 535i / 535iS | 1987–1992 | 155 kW (208 hp) at 5,700 rpm |
| 540i | 1992–1996 | 210 kW (282 hp) at 5,800 rpm |
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.
How many turbos does a 540i have?
turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 335 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque (540i) twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque (M550i)
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.
1994 Bmw 540i car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 540i problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Seats problems
- Interior lighting problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Bmw 540i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1994 Bmw 540i complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Bmw 540i.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,SEATS,INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,SEATS,INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THERE IS A HESITATION BEFORE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS IN. HESITATION TIME IS INCREASING. ALSO, WHEN STEPPING ON PEDAL FOR AGGRESSIVE ACCELERATION OR PASSING, VEHICLE HESITATES, THEN "CLUNKS" VIOLENTLY INTO GEAR. MECHANICS HAVE STATED THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT THEY SEE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND TRANSMISSION. SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE WITH A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION(PARTS COST $5000.00).NOTHING DONE YET TO REMEDY PROBLEM DUE TO INCREDIBLE COST. ALSO, SHIFT LEVER SAFETY BUTTON NO LONGER WORKS, ALLOWING VEHICLE TO BE ACCIDENTALLY SHIFTED OUT OF DRIVING GEAR INTO OTHER GEARS. MECHANIC STATED THAT INTERNAL PIN BROKE AND THE WHOLE SHIFT LEVER HAS TO BE REPLACED WITH A PARTS COST OF $300.00. OTHER PROBLEMS: ; POWER SEAT CONTROLS FAIL CONTINUOUSLY, DASH DISPLAY LIGHTS NOT WORKING, ... *NM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-08
- VIN: WBAHE6327RG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I BOUGHT A BMW 540I IN 1996 USED AT 45,000 MILES FROM A DEALERSHIP. WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE TRANSMISSION WOULD BE DELAYED TEMPORARILY BEFORE ENGAGING. NOW I WAS NOT INFORM THE OF THE TECHNICAL BULLETIN AND DUE TO POOR TRANSMISSION FLUID, NOW AT 90,000 MILES THIS CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE , SHIFTER WOULD SLIDE, AND CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. NOW THERE IS A IDENTICAL EXPERIENCE WITH AN OTHER CONSUMER CASE# 889281 WITH THE NHTSA. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR OTHER RECALLS NOW I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THEY FAILED TO DO THERE PART AND IN MAKING SURE THAT THE TRANSMISSON PROBLEM FLUID OR OTHER TECHNICAL PROBLEMS WAS TO BE TAKEN CAR OF BY THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE IT BECAME AN ISSUE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-30
- VIN: WBAHE632XRG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TO WHOM IT MIGHT CONCERN. MY BMW 540I WAS DIAGNOSED FOR COMPRESSION LOSS BY THE LOCAL BMW AUTHORIZED DEALER. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE CAUSE IS EXTENDED SULFUR CONTENT USED IN THE US GASOLINE. THE SULFUR CAUSES A CHEMICAL REACTION WITH THE USED ENGINE BLOCK ALLOY (NIKASIL) AND ERODES PREMATURELY. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 99'000 MILES. THIS IS FAR BELOW ANY SERVICE LIFE EXPECTANCY STANDARD FOR A QUALITY MAKE/BRAND CAR (ENGINE). BMW WANTS TO HOLD THEIR CUSTOMERS RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY A DESIGN FLAW. BMW MISSED TO PROPERLY TEST AND EVALUATE THIS CAR PRIOR TO EXPORTING IT INTO THE US MARKET. BMW CONFESSES TO THE PROBLEM BY EXTENDING THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY FROM 4 TO 6 YEARS. I FEEL THAT BMW SHOULD HAVE DONE A TOTAL RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND NOT JUST A WARRANTY EXTENSION SINCE THE DEFECT IT IS ENTIRELY CAUSED BY BMW'S FAULTY DESIGN. DO YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THIS ISSUE? HAS THERE BEEN LEGAL ACTION AGAINST BMW IN THE PAST? ARE THERE SIMILAR ISSUES WITH OTHER CAR BRANDS/MAKES? ANY ADVICE IN DEALING WITH THIS? SINCERELY,
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-26
- VIN: WBAHE6317RG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS IS THE SECOND ENGINE FOR THIS CAR, THE FIRST WAS REPLACED AT 38,228MI ... THIS ENGINE WAS REPLACED WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE ENGINE THAT WAS ORIGINALLY IN THE CAR, NOT THE NEWER BLOCKS ... THIS WILL BE THE THIRD ENGINE IN 142,00MI AND I AM GETTING NO HELP HERE ... VERY DISAPPOINTING ... I WANT SATISFACTION ... I SHOULD NOT BE ON A THIRD ENGINE, PERIOD!!!*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-06
- VIN: WBAHE6326RG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BMW WITH M60B30 AND M60B40 V'8 FROM 93-95 ENGINES HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO SUFFER DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDER BORES FROM EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF SULPHER IN US FUELS. THE BLOCKS WERE MADE OF NIKASIL. THE PROBLEM REPRESENTS ITSELF AS AN EXCESSIVELY HIGH IDLE WHICH MY CAR HAS. BMW INITIATED AN ENGINE WARRANTY, COVERING ALL INTERNAL LUBRICATED PARTS, WHICH INCLUDES THE SHORT BLOCK FOR 100,000, OR 6 YEARS. I TOOK MY CAR TO BE CHECKED AND THIS IS WHEN I DISCOVERED( BASED ON A COMPRESSION TEST) IT HAS THE PROBLEM BMW KNEW ABOUT. THE PROBLEM IS MY CAR IS MORE THAN 6 YEARS OLD WITH LESS THAN 100,000.00 MILES BMW WILLNOT REPAIR MY PROBLEM ALLTHOUGH THEY ACKNOWLEDGE IT EXISTS. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE CAR THROUGH PREFERRED WARRANTIES 1 800 334 4841 WHO WILL PAY ONLY $60.00 P/H LABOR, THE BMW DEALERSHIP CHARGES $80.00 AN HOUR. IT( PREFERRED) WILL ALSO ONLY PAY FOR A USED ENGINE WHICH THE BMW DEALERSHIP WILL NOT GUARANTEE. SO IS THIS AN EXPENSIVE LESSON I HAVE TO LEARN OR WILL BMW STAND BEHOND IT'S VECHICLE THAT HAS A DEFECT IT KNEW ABOUT? I HAVE CONTACTE PRESTIGE AUTO ALSO. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT IF ANYTHING I CAN DO. HAS THIS PROBLEM BEEN ADDRESSED IN THE PAST?*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-01
- VIN: WBAHE631XRG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AT 85,000 MILES WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE TRANSMISSION WOULD BE DELAYED TEMPORARILY BEFORE ENGAGING. DEALER NOTIFIED MANUFACTURER, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY, AND NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. *AK CONSUMER STATES TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED BECAUSE MANUFACTURERE DID NOT INFORM HIM OF THE TECHNICAL BULLETIN AND DUE TO POOR TRANSMISSION FLUID, FINALLY AT 92642 VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO IN TO REVERSE, SHIFTER WOULD SLIDE, BUT CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. *SLC
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SPEED SENSOR FAILED, CAUSING FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION, CANNOT CHANGE GEARS.PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-08
- VIN: WBAHE6315RG
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVERS SEAT "ROCKS". IF IN AN ACCIDENT I FEAR THE SEAT WILL DETATCH AND DRIVER WILL DIE. NEW SEAT RAILS WILL FIX BUT BMW WILL NOT PAY.*AK
1994 Bmw 540i recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1994 Bmw 540i.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
- Consequence: IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.
- Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ON, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. FOLLOWING DRIVERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STOPPING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
- Summary: THE REMOTE ACTIVATION DEVICE CAN CLOSE WINDOWS AND SUNROOF FROM A DISTANCE GREATER THAN THE MAXIMUM (6 METERS) PERMITTED BY FMVSS NO.118, "POWER OPERATED WINDOW SYSTEMS."
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THIS COULD ALLOW WINDOWS OR SUNROOFS TO BE CLOSED ON AN ARM OR NECK OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHEN THE REMOTE DEVICE OPERATOR IS NOT WITHIN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR WHICH HAS THE ACTIVATION RECEIVER WITH ONE WHOSE RECEIVER WILL CONTROL THE DOOR LOCKING AND THEFT ALARM, BUT WILL NOT PERMIT REMOTE OPERATION OF THE WINDOWS AND SUNROOF.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1994 Bmw 540i problems:
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Other years of Bmw 540i
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