BMW 540I: best and worst years
Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.
Held up best: 1994, 2020
The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.
20219 complaints · 6 recalls2020solid year3 complaints · 5 recalls201911 complaints · 1 recalls201831 complaints · 2 recalls201720 complaints · 1 recalls200212 complaints · 2 recalls200115 complaints · 4 recalls200031 complaints · 2 recalls199922 complaints · 1 recalls199826 complaints · 1 recalls199727 complaints · 0 recalls199510 complaints · 2 recalls1994solid year8 complaints · 4 recalls
Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.