1997 BMW 540i recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1997 BMW 540i owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (13), Electrical system (3), Seat belts (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2), Suspension (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
12/05/2019 · Seat belts
PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEATBELT LOCKS IN THE SIDE PANEL AND WONT EXTEND TO ALLOW PASSENGERS TO GET BUCKLED UP. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT IT HAPPENS.
12/11/2012 · Transmission / drivetrain
INCIDENT #1 2010: ACCELERATED THE VEHICLE TO 75MPH TO ENTER FREEWAY. TOOK FOOT OFF GAS AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. ENGAGED CLUTCH TO STOP ACCELERATION AND RPM CONTINUED TO RISE TO THE LIMITER POINT (APPROX 5500 RPM). PULLED OVER, STARTED CAR AND ENGINE IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE RED LINE. ON INSPECTION, A PLASTIC PART ON AN ACCELERATOR CABLE HAD…
10/25/2010 · Engine
I EXCHANGED THE LAMBDA SENSOR OF MY CAR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. SUDDENLY MY MILEAGE WENT DOWN AND I STARTED AN ERROR SEARCH. SINCE I WAS DOING A COUPLE OF OTHER THINGS ON THE CAR I DIDN'T COME UP WITH THE SENSORS UP FRONT. UPDATED 11/16/10 *BF UPDATED 03/23/11 *BF SO WHEN IT CAME TO THEM I RECOGNIZED THAT THEY WERE GROUNDED THROUGH THE EXHAUST WHAT TH…
12/27/2009 · Vehicle Speed Control
WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES RAPIDLY IN OUT-OF-CONTROL MANNER. SOMETIMES IT ALSO DECELERATES RAPIDLY, AND LURCHES. *TR
05/04/2009 · Vehicle Speed Control
WHENEVER MY CRUISE CONTROL IS SET, VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY OVERCOMPENSATES IN SPEED FLUCTUATIONS. IT IS ALMOST AS IF THE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE GETS STUCK ALL THE WAY DOWN. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO GO FROM HWY SPEEDS TO EXTREMELY DANGEROUS 80+MPH SPEEDS IN A MATTER OF A FEW SECONDS. CRUISE CONTROL MUST THEN BE DISENGAGED. I HAVE OWNED THIS PARTICULAR CAR FOR…
07/13/2005 · Engine
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…
04/14/2005 · Engine
THE RADIATOR NECK BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON MY 1997 540I. IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH BMW BY ALL ACCOUNTS, OWNERS, TECHNICIANS AND EVEN MY OWN PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED IT WITH AN 1988 735I. PLASTIC PARTS ON THE RADIATOR IS UNACCEPTABLE, DANGEROUS AND COSTLY. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS ON THESE EXPENSIVE LUXURY VEHICLES W…
11/27/2004 · Engine
(1) REPLACED WATER PUMP AND ACCESSORY BELTS. ON A FORUM THAT I READ, MANY SUGGEST REPLACING THE RADIATOR WHEN REPLACING THE WATER PUMP, AS PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE DUE TO THE RADIATOR'S HIGH AND FREQUENT FAILURE. REPLACE THE RADIATOR AS PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE?!? I WOULD RATHER NOT. A RADIATOR IS NOT AN OIL OR AIR FILTER. (2) UPPER NECK ON THE RADIATOR BR…