1997 BMW 540I
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Owner complaints
27 complaints2 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts
Passenger side front seatbelt locks in the side panel and wont extend to allow passengers to get buckled up. It doesn't happen all the time but it happens.
- Power train
Incident #1 2010: accelerated the vehicle to 75mph to enter freeway. took foot off gas and vehicle continued to accelerate. engaged clutch to stop acceleration and rpm continued to rise to the limiter point (approx 5500 rpm). pulled over, started car and engine immediately went to the red line.…
Incident #1 2010: accelerated the vehicle to 75mph to enter freeway. took foot off gas and vehicle continued to accelerate. engaged clutch to stop acceleration and rpm continued to rise to the limiter point (approx 5500 rpm). pulled over, started car and engine immediately went to the red line. on inspection, a plastic part on an accelerator cable had cracked, causing the accelerator to lock in the fully open position. if the clutch had not been engaged (i.e. If this car had an automatic transmission), this could have resulted in a collision and possible injuries or fatalities. incident #2 12/2/2012. started car and pulled away from curb. at about 3-5 mph the steering wheel locked. stopped car, turned off ignition and started it again. the wheel unlocked but there was an audible clicking sound within the steering column. carefully drove about one mile to house and turned off engine. steering wheel locked again and car could not be started. the wheel locking while the car was being driven was a condition that could have resulted in a collision and possible injuries or fatalities. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
I exchanged the lambda sensor of my car a couple of months ago. Suddenly my mileage went down and I started an error search. Since I was doing a couple of other things on the car I didn't come up with the sensors up front. updated 11/16/10 *bf updated 03/23/11 *bf so when it came to them I…
I exchanged the lambda sensor of my car a couple of months ago. Suddenly my mileage went down and I started an error search. Since I was doing a couple of other things on the car I didn't come up with the sensors up front. updated 11/16/10 *bf updated 03/23/11 *bf so when it came to them I recognized that they were grounded through the exhaust what they shouldn't do at my car! when I asked the manufacturer they dismissed everything as if it IS not their fault. And they keep selling the lambda sensors for a range of cars that definitely do not fit! manufacturer IS borgwarner beru systems gmbh! lambda sensor IS ozh 173 http://beru.com/english/produkte/produktident.php?s=ozh+173&eanr=0824010207&action=step02 the danger results from the implications of the grounding: this leads to a heating up of the lambda sensors which then might ignite unburned fuel in the exhaust. This fuel will definitely be there as the grounding also destroys the output stages of the engine control unit that are responsible for the fuel mixture. The car will ultimately fatten up, resulting in unburned fuel getting to the exhaust and being ignited by the heated up lambda sensors! this IS what can burn down the whole car during driving and also when standing after a longer trip! so these lambda sensors destroyed my motor control unit, my catalytic converters, etc. I would be glad if you could research further into this and notify me of the status! updated11/23/10. *Jb updated 12/01/10. *Jb *tr
- Vehicle speed control
When cruise control IS activated, the vehicle accelerates rapidly in out-of-control manner. sometimes it also decelerates rapidly, and lurches. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Whenever my cruise control IS set, vehicle consistently overcompensates in speed fluctuations. it IS almost as if the accelerator peddle gets stuck all the way down. this causes the vehicle to go from hwy speeds to extremely dangerous 80+mph speeds in a matter of a few seconds. cruise control…
Whenever my cruise control IS set, vehicle consistently overcompensates in speed fluctuations. it IS almost as if the accelerator peddle gets stuck all the way down. this causes the vehicle to go from hwy speeds to extremely dangerous 80+mph speeds in a matter of a few seconds. cruise control must then be disengaged. I have owned this particular car for over a year and it has always done this. cruise control IS not safe to use at any time. several times, it has nearly made me have a rear end collision because it will take off with no warning. *Tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
1997 BMW 540I fuse to the fuel injector blew out.***no answer required*** *mr the vehicle would all of a sudden die when in motion due to the blown fuse(s) to the injector. the thermostat temperature sensor had an internal short which caused the wire to melt and blew the fuse. the sunroof was…
1997 BMW 540I fuse to the fuel injector blew out.***no answer required*** *mr the vehicle would all of a sudden die when in motion due to the blown fuse(s) to the injector. the thermostat temperature sensor had an internal short which caused the wire to melt and blew the fuse. the sunroof was inoperative due to the rail lift pieces being broken. *sc the wiper blades were not cleaning the windows properly. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
The radiator neck broke off while driving at highway speed on my 1997 540I. It IS a common problem with BMW by all accounts, owners, technicians and even my own previously experienced it with an 1988 735I. Plastic parts on the radiator IS unacceptable, dangerous and costly. This has been a problem for more than 10 years on these expensive luxury vehicles with no resolution by bmw.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
(1) replaced water pump and accessory belts. on a forum that I read, many suggest replacing the radiator when replacing the water pump, as preventive maintenance due to the radiator's high and frequent failure. replace the radiator as preventive maintenance?!? I would rather not. a radiator IS…
(1) replaced water pump and accessory belts. on a forum that I read, many suggest replacing the radiator when replacing the water pump, as preventive maintenance due to the radiator's high and frequent failure. replace the radiator as preventive maintenance?!? I would rather not. a radiator IS not an oil or air filter. (2) upper neck on the radiator broke and released more than a gallon of coolant, in less than 50 feet, in the form of liquid and steam. the steam obscured vision on the drivers side of the vehicle. luckily I was making a right-hand turn into a parking lot. (3) no repair as of yet. the failure of the radiator occurred at approximately 11:00 am. I made it home at 12:05 p.m. I called the local BMW parts department (one hour and thirty minutes away) to arrange to pay for the radiator by credit card and then have the part left with one of the salespersons, because the parts department closes at 1:00 p.m. but they no longer accept credit card purchases over the phone from in-state customers, even after practically begging. very poor practice unless they want to loose customers. actually immediately after I submit this I will go on-line and try to find an after-market radiator. probably of better quality anyway. sad but true. I encourage the release of the information contained in this questionnaire to the manufacturer of my vehicle.*ak
- Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
The front strut spring perch failed on my 1997 model BMW 540I. the perch cut into tire. his happened at low-speed, so no injuries resulted (luckily).mw na has issued a recall, but my vehicle supposedly IS not covered, I think it missed by two months. my build date IS 08/96. I contacted BMW na…
The front strut spring perch failed on my 1997 model BMW 540I. the perch cut into tire. his happened at low-speed, so no injuries resulted (luckily).mw na has issued a recall, but my vehicle supposedly IS not covered, I think it missed by two months. my build date IS 08/96. I contacted BMW na on 6/21/04 and spoke to ryan, I was told the vehicle did not qualify for the recall and that BMW na would not reimburse me for the damages. I have digital pictures of the strut that I can email. I also have the struts themselves still in my garage if someone would be interested in seeing them. john. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
While driving on the freeway, the electronic coolant thermostat shorted out and caused engine wiring harness the burn up. this caused the enigine to stop running. Luckily, burning was restricted to wires and no other components were burnt. car IS still waiting for a new wiring harness at the BMW…
While driving on the freeway, the electronic coolant thermostat shorted out and caused engine wiring harness the burn up. this caused the enigine to stop running. Luckily, burning was restricted to wires and no other components were burnt. car IS still waiting for a new wiring harness at the BMW dealer ($2000 est for repair). I have heard of similar occurances with this model car and with 740I of about the same year. this seems to be a dangerous situation and should be prevented by a fuse or fusable link.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Buckle on the seat belt IS in a depressed position, preventing the latch from locking. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who said it would cost $400.00 to repair seat belt buckle. *ak the set belt latch would become continuously depressed in which it would not spring back and would not connect into the latch. *sc
- Suspension › Front
Dealership was unable to perform the front spring strut recall 04v183000 repairs within a reasonable time. The consumer contacted customer service and received an insufficient reply. *ak *sc *jb
- Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
The driver seat creates a clicking noise and moves out of place (very minor movement) at numerous times (as in not in locked position) while making turns. Took to dealer and they want a fortune to check it out. The 540I only has 65K miles on it. It can be a dangerous situation, if the chair some how loses it locking. *Cb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
The radiator in my 1997 BMW 540I has failed twice since I have owned it. I see this as a safety issue. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
My 1997 BMW 540I 6-speed had a radiator failure at 77,500 miles. the plastic radiator connection point for the top hose snapped off. this appears to be a well know issue after speaking with BMW service techs and searching BMW internet sites.*ak I believe that the manufacture should take care of this issue.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
I own a 1997 BMW 540I. radiator broke at plastic attachment point. coolant leaked all over the windshield and engine. this seems to be a well known defect among owners of this car due to the plastic attachment point at the junction of the hose and the radiator. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
My 1997 BMW 540i6 radiator broke on me while driving on a highway on 5/30/03. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
1997, BMW, 540I radiator failure @ 77,500 miles (detected by BMW dealer during routine service inspection); radiator replaced at my cost.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Radiator failure on BMW 540I with only 51K miles, causing loss of traction and almost a wreck
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
The upper radiator hose unexpectly separated from the radiator. inspection showed that the plastic radiator had broken at the hose fitting. the resulting steam cloud and water deposits on windshield abruptly obscured vision, leading to a very dangerous situation. non-reinforced plastic IS an unsafe material for use in this application.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Serious safety issue complete loss of coolant at speed. dt
- Unknown or other
No summary. dt
- Air bags › Side/window · Electrical system › Ignition
Turned on ignition and side airbags deployed. cause IS unknown. Please provide any further information.*ak
- Unknown or other
Driver uses remote key to lock auto from distance away sealing passenger in car: outside temp. 114 degrees. Car design has no escape device from inside inside
- Tires
Delamination/separation of tire tread from caseing-3 of the 4 tires on the car, severe .( dot number: lmt8axbu tire size: 225/55r/16 )
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10160287TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10160244TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10154816In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs.
- 10153726Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
- 10152674Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
- 10149557For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata driver?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
- 10142928SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:
- 10135028SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.
- 600879Condition with dsp amplifier drains battery.*yc
- 600874Information on evaporative emission control and fuel filler cap / filler door labels.
- 600527Situation with the tension rod test gauge.
- 600434Experiencing an intermittent momentary event where the brake pedal does not immediatlely return. Models built prior to 3/97 *db*yc
- 600433New evaporative (charcoal) canister purge line. All E38 and E39 modele introduced into production approximately 3/97 *db*yc
- 600431Condition with brake pad warning stays illuminated after brake pad replacement.
- 600300Various information regarding deactivation of airbags.
- 600299Exhibiting a creaking noise from the upper door area exhibited in some E39 models built prior to 4/97 *db*yc
- 600226Subject on tank ventilation leak couplers.
- 53948Fuel level sensor may have been damaged during production which will cause fuel gauge to read approximately 3/4 full even if tank IS comopletely full.
- 53945BMW navigation system cd v 05 operating software for mark I system.
- 53344Left side engine support may contact the front subframe, causing a drone noise.
Every BMW 540I model year
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