CarRecallWatchThe 1998 BMW 540i has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Engine And Engine Cooling (18 reports).
1998 BMW 540i recalls
Most common 1998 BMW 540i problems
Problem areas named in the 26 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 18 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 2 |
| Structure | 2 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Steering | 1 |
| Parking Brake | 1 |
| Visibility | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
What owners report
While stopped (engine still running) at a gas station, the driver side airbag and driver side side curtain airbag both went off. The battery disconnect feature was also triggered. Very lucky I wasn't driving when this occurred.
WHITE STEAM WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ONTO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE STEAM WAS FOGGING THE WINDSHIELD, AND CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING 50-55 MPH. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP. DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE UPPER NECK CONNECTOR OF THE RADIATOR HOSE BROKE.*AK
2ND CATASTROPHIC RADIATOR FAILURE. NOT A LEAK, THE NECK BREAKS OFF CAUSING IMMEDIATE LOSS OF COOLING. 1ST RADIATOR AT 45K, 2ND AT 92K. BASED ON OTHER'S EXPERIENCES, THIS IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS MODEL (AND EVEN LONGER LIFE THAN MANY). CAUSES LOSS OF VISION DUE TO AMOUNT OF STEAM RELEASED. LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING VEHICLE TO GET TO SIDE OF ROAD QUICKLY TO SHUT DOWN. NO WAY TO PREDICT THE FAILURE. SAME ISSUE WITH EXPANSION TANK. BOTH FAILURES ARE ON PLASTIC PARTS.*AK
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY STREET ONE EVENING AND AS I CAME TO A LIGHT, SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF MY HOOD. FORTUNATELY IT WAS IN THE EVENING AND TRAFFIC WAS LIGHTER THAN USUAL. I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAVING KNOWN OTHERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO, I FIRST CHECKED THE RADIATOR AND SURE ENOUGH, THERE WAS A LARGE CRACK DOWN THE SIDE OF THE HOUSING. I HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME AND PURCHASED A NEW RADIATOR FROM BMW OF SEATTLE THE FOLLOWING MORNING. THE NEW RADIATOR WAS ABOUT $200, A FEW HOURS OF MY OWN LABOR AND A FEW MORE HOURS DETAILING THE ENGINE PAY AND HEADLIGHTS WHICH HAD RADIATOR FLUID ALL OVER THEM. ALSO FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS WHO OWN E39 BMW 540S,
PLASTIC NECK OF RADIATOR ON MY '98 BMW 540IA BROKE COMPLETELY AND SUDDENLY ON HIGHWAY. WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT UNDER THE HOOD. SAW TEMP GAUGE CLIMB UP RAPIDLY. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. NO ONE WAS HURT LUCKILY. *NM
1998 BMW 540i questions
Does the 1998 BMW 540i have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1998 BMW 540i: Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 BMW 540i?
Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (18), Latches/Locks/Linkages (2), Structure (2).
How do I check if a recall on my 1998 BMW 540i has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.