Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1999 BMW 540i, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine and engine cooling5
- Electrical system4
- Power train3
- Steering3
- Service brakes, hydraulic3
- Air bags2
- Latches/locks/linkages2
- Engine1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Electronic stability control1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 3 variants: combined 12.8–13.9 L/100 km (about 17–18 mpg US), CO₂ 294–320 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 540i · Compact · Premium gasoline | 14.7 | 10.4 | 12.8 |
| 540i · Compact · Premium gasoline | 16.4 | 10.7 | 13.8 |
| 540i Touring · Station wagon: Small · Premium gasoline | 15.5 | 11.9 | 13.9 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What BMW told its dealers about the 1999 BMW 540i: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10249437 | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| 10244236 | The lower radiator coolant return hose may come in contact with the secondary air system check valve flange gasket when the engine coolant is at operating temperature due to coolant system pressure and expansion of the hose. |
| 10160287 | TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018. |
| 10160244 | TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018. |
| 10154816 | In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs. |
| 10153726 | TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES. |
| 10152674 | Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide |
| 10149557 | For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata driver?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle. |
| 10142928 | SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module: |
| 10135028 | SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)