1994 BMW 540I: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 8 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1998
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2003
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2002
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2000
Show 1 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Seats · Jan 2000
Recalls - 4 campaigns
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
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."
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1994 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 540I by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1994 BMW 540I reliable?
NHTSA has 8 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 BMW 540I. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1994 BMW 540I have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:brake lights:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.