2002 Bmw 540i problems

General information about Bmw-540i
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

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 2002 Bmw 540i problems

The BMW 540i 2002 is a luxury car that has been praised for its superior handling and control. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners of this car:

Valve Cover, Intake Manifold, PCV Plate Oil Leaks: One of the most common problems with the BMW 540i 2002 is oil leaks from the valve cover, intake manifold, and PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) plate. These leaks can lead to a decrease in engine performance, as well as the possibility of engine damage if left unaddressed.
Behr Cooling System Leaking: The cooling system in the BMW 540i 2002, specifically the Behr cooling system, is known to have issues with leaking. This can lead to overheating and potential engine damage if not fixed promptly.
Plastic DISA Valve Breaking & Destroying the Engine: The plastic DISA (Drosselklappe Integral Sonderanfertigung) valve in the BMW 540i 2002 has been reported to break and destroy the engine. This can be a costly repair and may require extensive engine work.
LCD Display / Computer Readout: The LCD display on the dashboard of the BMW 540i 2002 can drop pixels and turn into a jumbled mess of letters and numbers. This can be caused by a faulty ribbon cable or the onboard computer and should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Thrust Arm Bushings: The thrust arm bushings, which are part of the suspension system, have been known to fail around 75,000 miles in the BMW 540i 2002. This can lead to loose steering and jittering when braking.
Window Regulators: In high-mileage BMW 540i 2002s, it is common for the front and rear windows to stop working due to failed window regulators. This can be caused by age and wear and tear, and can be prevented by keeping the windows clean and free from debris.
Water Pump and Thermostat Failure: The water pump and thermostat in the BMW 540i 2002 have been known to fail, leading to cooling system issues and potential engine damage. It is important to keep an eye on the temperature gauge and the "Service Engine Soon" light to catch this issue early.
Hose and Line Leaks: The high-performance engine in the BMW 540i 2002 can lead to leaks in the power steering hoses, oil valve cover, and other lines. It is important to look for fluid deposits and pay attention to handling and steering issues to catch this problem early.

In conclusion, while the BMW 540i 2002 is a luxury car with superior handling and control, it is not without its common problems. Owners of this car should be aware of these issues and address them promptly to avoid further damage and costly repairs.

How reliable are E39 540i?

The E39 is relatively reliable, too, with the exception of a very few known maintenance issues (e.g., I had three replacement radiators over 10 years with my last 540).

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.

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.

Does BMW 540i have Turbo?

A Sporty, Gutsy Drive

The 540i's engine is a turbocharged six-cylinder that makes 335 horsepower with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

2002 Bmw 540i complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Bmw 540i.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2002 Bmw 540i recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2002 Bmw 540i.

2019-01-14

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 model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2015-05-28

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 model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
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 replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2002 Bmw 540i problems:

2000 BMW 540i reliability

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1615910-2000-BMW-540i-reliability

Mar 6, 2011 ... 2000 BMW 540i reliability. Thread: 2000 ... I own a 2002 540i sport that's had one ... My '01 540 has only had common problems that are very common ...

2002 BMW 540i Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2002-bmw-540i/problems

Problem with your 2002 BMW 540i? Our list of 7 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 BMW 540i.

E-39 540I common problems | BimmerFest BMW Forum

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/e-39-540i-common-problems.670733/

Jan 17, 2013 ... E-39 540I common problems · Behr cooling system leaking · Plastic DISA valve breaking & destroying the engine · Cluster pixel tape lifting · MID ...