1995 BMW 540I: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
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 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1995 bmw 540i. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle surged with increased acceleration. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 97v131000 (vehicle speed control). In addition, the vehicle would not decelerate at the appropriate time due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 66,774.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2017
“The bilstein shock absorbers I purchased for my car have begun to come apart which allows the strut to move when and where it shouldn't this making the car easy to lose control of. The car pulls and darts while maintaining a straight course in motion. It's worse when steering since the busted part has become a movable link rather than a fixed link. The shocks are defective from the manufacturer. The bilstein part number for the shock insert is s4-p36 3019 ho”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2014
“While driving at any speed consumer heard a screeching sound coming from the brakes. The screeching occurred whether the brakes were depressed or not. Dealer examined the vehicle on five different occasions, and dealer replaced the rotors and brake pads. However, the screeching brake problem was still evident. Also, consumer became locked inside of the vehicle and could not get out due to the automatic locks malfunctioning.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2003
Show 4 more owner reports
“Transmission dropped out. I found two earlier reports to bmw..bmw will not make allowances...engine short block replaced by bmw at 84,500 miles under 2nd owner. Trans would down shift creating a drag on car...dealer told me that was normal../other pa dealer on second owner said the same (no problem - normal). The trans is a sealed unit...therfore no change of fluid recommended. Is this right??? Is this a safety problem in slick or snowy/icy weather??”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2001
“The front seats cables malfunction. As a result, the seats twist. Dealer contacted. They confirmed that "this is a standard problem".”Owner report · Seats · Oct 2000
“A coolant failure just like mentioned recall # 98 v 178 000 coolant system. Had taken vehicle to dealer for repairs. Had problems with passenger's side leaking coolant/ visibility problem with window getting fogged, and a strong odor inside of vehicle. Dealer took care of the recall after some confrontation with consumer, but,,afterwards similar problems reappeared, and dealer was refusing to repair vehicle for the second time. Please provide more information.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2000
“The drivers seat rail frame becomes loose due to elongated bolt holes, subsequently, the seat rocks during normal use. Seems this might be a problem should the vehicle be in an accident. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Jan 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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 1995 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 1995 BMW 540I reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 BMW 540I. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 1995 BMW 540I have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:cooling system. 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.