1998 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 1998 Bmw 540i problems
The BMW 540i, model year 1998, is known for several common problems based on owner complaints. These issues include:
- Sensors and Electrical Issues: Sensors in the 1998 BMW 540i, such as the ABS and camshaft sensors, can start to show their age and may require replacement.
- Cooling System Failures: Parts of the cooling system, such as fan blades, can fail and cause dents in the bonnet or even write the car off due to overheating. It's essential to maintain the cooling system and address any issues promptly to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
- Gearbox Issues: The gearbox, specifically the ZF automatic transmission, can go wrong in the 1998 BMW 540i, which can be costly to repair and potentially write off the car.
- Bushing and Suspension Problems: At around the 100,000-mile mark, bushings in the 1998 BMW 540i can begin to crack, impacting steering and braking. Regular maintenance and replacement of worn-out bushings can help prevent these issues.
- Seatbelt Slack: The slack in the seatbelts can result in them getting caught in the doors, causing damage to the inside door panels. This issue can be addressed by adjusting the seatbelts or replacing them if necessary.
- Tire Wear and Handling: The stock tires on the 1998 BMW 540i may wear out quickly, especially if the car is driven hard. It's essential to monitor tire wear and replace them as needed to maintain optimal handling and safety.
- Interior Quality and Durability: Some owners have reported issues with the interior quality and durability of the 1998 BMW 540i, including problems with the cup holders and other components. While these issues may not affect the car's performance, they can impact the overall ownership experience.
What is the top speed of a 1998 540i?
Unlike our long-term M3, the 540i never suffered bent wheels. At the track when new, the 3768-pound sedan whooshed to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and turned the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at an even 100 mph. Skidpad grip measured a sports-car-like 0.84 g. A governor reigned in top speed at 155 mph.
How much horsepower does a 1998 BMW 540i have?
282 hp1998 BMW 540i / Horsepower
The 1998 5 Series ranges in power from the 528i Sedan 4D with 190 horsepower to the 540i Sedan 4D with 282 horsepower.
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.
Is a 540i a E39?
From 1997 to 1998, the E39 model range in North America consisted of the 528i and 540i, In 1999 the M5 was introduced along with station wagon (marketed as "sports wagon") versions of the 528i and 540i.
What is the top speed of a 1998 540i?
Unlike our long-term M3, the 540i never suffered bent wheels. At the track when new, the 3768-pound sedan whooshed to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and turned the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at an even 100 mph. Skidpad grip measured a sports-car-like 0.84 g. A governor reigned in top speed at 155 mph.
What series is a 1998 BMW 540i?
1998 BMW 5 Series
The 1998 BMW 5 Series comes in 2 different trims, ranging from the 528i Sedan 4D with a base MSRP of $3,020.00 to the 540i Sedan 4D with a base MSRP of $3,908.00.
What engine is in the 540i?
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.
How many kW is a 1998 BMW 540i?
Petrol engines
| Model | Years | Power |
|---|---|---|
| 535i | 1996–1998 | 173 kW (235 hp) at 5,700 rpm |
| 1998–2003 | 180 kW (245 hp) at 5,800 rpm | |
| 540i | 1995–1998 | 210 kW (286 hp) at 5,700 rpm |
| 1998–2003 | 210 kW (286 hp) at 5,400 rpm |
1998 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
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Structure problems
- Air bags problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Bmw 540i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Bmw 540i
The NHTSA has received 26 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Bmw 540i. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Bmw 540i vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WBADE5328WB
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: While stopped (engine still running) at a gas station, the driver side airbag and driver side side curtain airbag both went off. The battery disconnect feature was also triggered. Very lucky I wasn't driving when this occurred.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHITE STEAM WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ONTO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE STEAM WAS FOGGING THE WINDSHIELD, AND CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING 50-55 MPH. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP. DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE UPPER NECK CONNECTOR OF THE RADIATOR HOSE BROKE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-12
- VIN: WBADE6329WB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 2ND CATASTROPHIC RADIATOR FAILURE. NOT A LEAK, THE NECK BREAKS OFF CAUSING IMMEDIATE LOSS OF COOLING. 1ST RADIATOR AT 45K, 2ND AT 92K. BASED ON OTHER'S EXPERIENCES, THIS IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS MODEL (AND EVEN LONGER LIFE THAN MANY). CAUSES LOSS OF VISION DUE TO AMOUNT OF STEAM RELEASED. LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING VEHICLE TO GET TO SIDE OF ROAD QUICKLY TO SHUT DOWN. NO WAY TO PREDICT THE FAILURE. SAME ISSUE WITH EXPANSION TANK. BOTH FAILURES ARE ON PLASTIC PARTS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-02
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY STREET ONE EVENING AND AS I CAME TO A LIGHT, SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF MY HOOD. FORTUNATELY IT WAS IN THE EVENING AND TRAFFIC WAS LIGHTER THAN USUAL. I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAVING KNOWN OTHERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO, I FIRST CHECKED THE RADIATOR AND SURE ENOUGH, THERE WAS A LARGE CRACK DOWN THE SIDE OF THE HOUSING. I HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME AND PURCHASED A NEW RADIATOR FROM BMW OF SEATTLE THE FOLLOWING MORNING. THE NEW RADIATOR WAS ABOUT $200, A FEW HOURS OF MY OWN LABOR AND A FEW MORE HOURS DETAILING THE ENGINE PAY AND HEADLIGHTS WHICH HAD RADIATOR FLUID ALL OVER THEM. ALSO FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS WHO OWN E39 BMW 540S, I FULLY EXPECT THIS TO HAPPEN AGAIN IN THE NEXT 50K MILES. I ALSO EXPECT THE EXPANSION TANK TO GO WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-20
- VIN: WBADE6322WB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PLASTIC NECK OF RADIATOR ON MY '98 BMW 540IA BROKE COMPLETELY AND SUDDENLY ON HIGHWAY. WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT UNDER THE HOOD. SAW TEMP GAUGE CLIMB UP RAPIDLY. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. NO ONE WAS HURT LUCKILY. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-03
- VIN: WBADE5322WB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MULTIPLE COOLANT DEFECTS ON THE 1998 540. THE CAR HAS NOW HAD 3 RADIATORS, 3 THERMASTATS, WATER TUBE SEALS REPLACED TWICE, AND A WATER PUMP. THE COSTS HAVE BEEN OVER $3,500. THESE LEAKS ARE NOT JUST EXPENSIVE, THEY POSE A REAL DANGER TO CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY AND DAMAGE. THE FAILURE RATE IS KNOWN TO BE VERY HIGH. HTTP://WWW.VOTATIONS.COM/ASP/SURVEYRESULTS.ASP?POLLID=66461 .*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-26
- VIN: WBADE5322WB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COOLING RADIATOR HOSE FITTING BROKE OFF. LOST ALL COOLANT ON HIGHWAY. DEALER REPLACED RADIATOR UNDER WARRANTY AND STATED IT IS COMMON FAILURE ON 540I BMW DUE TO PLASTIC PARTS NOT STONG ENOUGH TO RESIST TEMPERATURE. WELL DOCUMENTED ON PRIVATE WEB SITES.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-02
- VIN: WBADE5322WB
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DRIVER-SIDE FRONT WHEEL BEARING MAKES NOISE WHEN WHEEL SPINS FREELY. THIS WAS REPORTED SEVERAL TIMES TO DEALER IN PAST. DEALER REPLACED PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT BEARING ! DRIVER-SIDE BERAING STILL NOISY. WAITING FOR COMPLETE FAILURE TO PROVE DEALER WRONG. FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS ARE MARGINALLY DESIGNED FOR BMW 540I, THIS IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON VARIOUS WEB SITES OF BMW OWNERS. BEARINGS LAST 75,000 MILES!
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-24
- VIN: WBADE5322WB
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: BOTH SUN VISORS CRACKED ALONG WELD SEAM. REPLACED BY DEALER. TEMPERATURE CONTROL SWITCHE COVERS BROKEN. REPLACED BY DEALER. NOTICED THE DESIGN OF NEW COVERS IS DIFFERENT AND ELIMINATES RISK OF FAILURE. PARKING BRAKE DOESN'T HOLD. DEALER ADMITS BAD DESIN AND TRIED DIFFERENT SHOES WITHOUT SUCCESS IN PAST. DELER COULDN'T FIX, RESULTING IN SAFETY HAZARD.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-28
- VIN: WBADE5322WB
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SUNROOF FAILED AND MOVING UP AND DOWN ON BUMPS. DEALER REPLACED SLIDING MECHANISM. STILL RATTLES AND DOESN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY. DEALER DECLINES TO FIX UNDER WARRANTY. DOOR SEALS SQUEEK. DEALER LUBRICATED THEM. SILL SQUEEK AFTER A FEW DAYS. ALL CUP HOLDERS BROKEN. DEALER REPLACED THEM.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-05
- VIN: WBADE5322WB
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TRUNK LATCH FAILED. TRUNK STAYS OPEN. DEALER REPLECED ACTUATOR.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-19
- VIN: WBADE5322WB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE DOESN'T REV UP ABOVE 4500 RPMS AND MISFIRES. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON. DEALER REPLACED ONE OF TWO CATALYTIC CONVERTERS UNDER WARRANTY. ACCORDING TO PRIVATE CLUBS ABD WEB SITES OF BMW OWNERS, 540I CAT CONVERTERS LAST 50KMILES ONLY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-29
- VIN: WBADE5322WB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE IDLES ROUGH AND STALLS WHILE DRIVING. DEALER REPLACED FAULTY CAMSHAFT SENSOR UNDER WARRANTY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-15
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RADIATOR NECK SHEARED OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY. CAUSED IMMEDIATE LOSS OF COOLANT AND EMERGENCY STOP. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-08
- VIN: WBADE5321WB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: SECOND RADIATOR FAILURE AT 56,254 MILES IN 10/19/2001 CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. DT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-14
- VIN: WBADE6328WB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RADIATOR FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. STEAM OBSCURRED VISION. DT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBADE5329WB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TECHNICIANS TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM SINCE MANUFACTURER SWITCH TO PLASTIC RADIATORS. THE UPPER HOSE FITTING BROKE OFF THE RADIATOR. *PH *JB **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**762585
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE ENTERMITTENTLY STALLED WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED WHILE DRIVING AND IS RELATED TO AN INTERMITTENT LOW RMP ENGINE MALFUNCTION. YH
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBADE632XWB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: HANDLES (2 INCIDENTS) BROKE OFF IN THE NORMAL ACTION OF OPENING THE DOOR. NOTHING EXTRAORDINARY ABOUT THE SITUATION. SEEMS A VERY CHEAP COMPONENT ON A VERY SAFETY CONSCIOUS VEHICLE. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-01
- VIN: WBADE6326WB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL COLUMN ADJUSTMENT FAILS. MAKING ADJUSTMENT OF STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE SAFE TO OPERATE. STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT SEAT ADJUMENTS FAIL TO OPERATE FORCING OPERATOR TO DRIVE WITHOUT ABILITY TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL OR SEAT. HAS FORCED ME TO ABANDON VEHICLE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-20
- VIN: WBADE5321WB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DRASTIC ENGINE POWER LOSS 4-5000RPM. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON HTTP://WWW.BIMMER.ORG/5SERIES/MESSAGES/. DEALER HAS NO KNOWLEDGE.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
- VIN: WBADE6328WB
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TRUNK LATCH FAILED. *YC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- VIN: WBADE6320WB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: INTERIOR DOOR LATCH/HANDLE BROKEN AND FELL OFF OF DOOR, MUST BE OPENED FROM THE EXTERIOR. MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- VIN: WBADE6328VB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM FAILED. *YC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-10
- VIN: WBADEB320WB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER MAY BE DRVING AT ANY GIVEN SPEED. WHEN HE BEGINS TO SLOW DOWN OR IF HE DOWNSHIFTS AND TURNS, ENGINE WILL SHUT DOWN, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROL. BMW DEALERSHIPS CANNOT FIND A CAUSE. *AK
1998 Bmw 540i recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 Bmw 540i.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DIFFERENTIAL PINION SHAFT WITHIN THE DIFFERENTIAL CASE ASSEMBLY WAS PRODUCED WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE SURFACE HARDENING. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE SHAFT EXPERIENCING PREMATURE WEAR.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE A NOISE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL AND, ULTIMATELY, FAILURE OF THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF DRIVE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Bmw 540i problems:
E-39 540I common problems | BimmerFest BMW Forum
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