BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7...
Electrical system
BMW 540I Electrical problems by year
8 complaints filed with NHTSA about the BMW 540I's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.
Electrical complaints by model year
Electrical recalls
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.
Latest 540I electrical complaints
See attached document for complaint.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 bmw 540i. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the positive battery cable was burned. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 99v004000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,076.
My transmission would not accelerate or move. I had the trans rebuild and 2 years later the same problem. The trans has lost gears 1-3 and reverse, multistate repaired the trans again 2013, ifor the second time, it never worked after repairs. The engine light stays on, bmw says I need new trans and engine. When I looked up recalls for 540i, it states the same trans problem and it should be replaced. When I look up engine there are known engine problems with 540i, not my vin. I also have electrical issues,...
Read the full complaint
which have a recall on 540i, but not my vin. Also issues with coolant, which is another known issue, but not my vin. I have tried to get bmw to diagnose, but they only recommend replacing all parts at my expense, even though there is a history of these type of issues with the 540i, 1999 cars. I want bmw to replace all know issue parts at their expense and they have refused due to my vin, not willing to add vin to the issue. All issues with my car are known issues for 540i 1999 cars. *Tr
Power steering pump broke causing accessory belt to be thrown from engine at highway speeds, resulting in loss of steering and power. *Tr
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
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
During a down shift, my car sometimes jump forward a foot or so and makes a thump down shifting noise. This forces me to apply the break quickly. Just a week ago, I hit a curve because of this defect and the bottom bumper cover of the car got hit and became cracked! Luckily this problem is rare. This is about 4th failure in a span of 10 months. For about 10 months, my car also stalls (engine loses power) during a slowdown. Usually this happens when I slow to make a right turn. I nearly got into an...
Read the full complaint
accident few times this month because my car stalled in an intersection during a turn. This occurs about 0-2 times per month and each time I take the car to the dealer, im informed that they see no problems or the problem is fixed. Ive reported this complaint to bmw customer service and asked if they are aware of this problem. Theyve told me no.
Turned on ignition and side airbags deployed. Cause is unknown. Please provide any further information.*Ak
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data