1999 BMW 540IA: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 1999
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.
“I have a 1999 540i and the reverse has stopped working completely. The forward gears work perfectly but the reverse suddenly stopped working. I have read many similar stories. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2009
“1) check coolant level warning light came on twice in 1 week. Kuni bmw conducted my factory inspection ii service only 2 months before this occured. ) radiator cracked where the upper hose enters the radiator, leaking fluid into the engine bay and ground. 3) replace the radiator. This is a well know defect on this vehicle - why doesn't bmw do something about this?*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2005
“Radiator failed on my 1999 bmw 540 at 54,700 miles. I believe this to be a safety problem that bmw needs to address. This safety problem: - disables the vehicle no matter where you are from rush hour traffic where the panic could endanger other drivers, to the middle of nowhere in the dead of winter by yourself. - steam from failed radiator blocks vision of the road, or whatever else is in the drivers side front corner of the vehicle. - failure can not be predicted by visual inspection of the radiator.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004
Show 1 more owner reports
“Headlamp internal adjusting rods (brittle plastic material) fail prematurely causing headlamp bean to deflect and lamp beams to shudder or wiggle. This tends to reduce the field of vision for drivers and to blind oncoming motorists.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2004
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THICKNESS OF THE MAIN POSITIVE ELECTRICAL CABLE (GENERATOR TO STARTER) INSULATION IS LESS THAN SPECIFIED, MAKING IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO BEING ABRADED OR CUT BY THE CLIP THAT SECURES THE CABLE TO THE GENERATOR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL APPLY A THICKNESS OF INSULATING TAPE TO THE CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE CLIP, AND INSTALL A REVISED CLIP.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5HP24 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PREMATURE WEAR OF THE RING GEAR CAN OCCUR, LEADING TO THE LOSS OF 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, AND REVERSE GEARS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
How other years compare
Check your exact 540IA 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 1999 BMW 540IA reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 BMW 540IA. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1999 BMW 540IA have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables. 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.