CarRecallWatchThe 2003 BMW 540i has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (2 reports).
2003 BMW 540i recalls
Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
Certain BMW vehicles from 2000 to 2004 that have the optional sports steering wheel may have a driver-side frontal airbag inflator that can explode.
Driver air bag may rupture and spray metal fragments
The driver's frontal air bag inflator can be affected by moisture over time.
Most common 2003 BMW 540i problems
Problem areas named in the 7 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 2 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 |
What owners report
Air bag light coming on and off intermittently. Known recall affecting bmw 540 models around this vin number. BMW says this particular vin not affected, but if NHTSA adds vin to list, they will fix.
See attached document for complaint
TAKATA RECALL - THE BMW 2003 540I THAT I OWN, HAS A DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG AND A PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. I COMPLIED WITH THE BMW RECALL FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAG REPLACEMENT SYSTEM THAT TO MY DISSATISFACTION, REPLACED ONLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG. I AM REGISTERING THIS COMPLAINT TO NOTIFY NHTSA THAT BMW DID NOT REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WITH THIS RECALL. THIS NON-REPLACEMENT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS CONCERNING TO ME AS THE PASSENGER IS AT RISK FOR THE PROBLEMS THAT TAKATA AIRBAGS PRODUCE WHETHER DRIVER'S SIDE OR THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT IS ANATHEMA TO PROPER GOOD FAITH PERFORMANCE OF BMW AND TAKATA TO NOT REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE DRIVER'S SIDE AI
DRIVER'S SIDE, REAR TIRE EXPLODED, WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 5 IN CALIFORNIA, CAUSING $5,500 DAMAGE TO THE REAR BODY OF THE CAR. BOTH THE REPAIR FACILITY AND DISCOUNT TIRE FOUND THE OTHER 3 TIRES TO HAVE DEFECTS RENDERING THEM UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
STARTED THE CAR AND BEGAN TO DRIVE OUT OF DRIVEWAY WHEN I HEARD A NOISE IN THE ENGINE. SHUT DOWN ENGINE AND POPPED THE HOOD- FOUND DRIVE BELT SHREDDED BECAUSE POWER STEERING PUMP SNAPPED AND LET LOOSE INTO TENSION PULLEY- LUCKILY I WAS NOT AT SPEED AND BELT DID NOT FAIL- OTHERWISE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR ALONG WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING. *TR
2003 BMW 540i questions
Does the 2003 BMW 540i have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2003 BMW 540i: Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Driver air bag may rupture and spray metal fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW 540i?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (2), Air Bags (2), Power Train (1).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 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.