1997 BMW 540IA Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1997 BMW 540IA recalls

No safety recalls on file for the 1997 BMW 540IA.

Most common 1997 BMW 540IA problems

Problem areas named in the 12 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine And Engine Cooling	13
Air Bags	1
Suspension	1

What owners report

2006-02-10, Suspension
I HAVE A 1997 540 BMW WITH 180,000 MI. INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE OF A FLAT DRIVER SIDE RIGHT FRONT TIRE I DISCOVERED THE FRONT SPRING STRUT PLATE WAS CRACKED AND ALLOWED ITSELF AND THE COIL SPRING TO CONTACT AND CUT DOWN THE TIRE. FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 04V183000 DESCRIBING EXACT CONDITION. TOWED TO DEVON HILL BMW IN PA. THEY WILL NOT PAY TO REPLACE SPRING STRUT PLATE. THEY STATE BMW DOES NOT SELL THE SPRING STRUT PLATE SEPARATE FROM THE STRUT AND SINCE I INSTALL AFTERMARKET BILSTIEN STRUTS AT 108,000 MI. WHICH REQUIRES THE INSTALLER TO USE THE EXISTING SPRING STRUT PLATE BMW IS NOT RESPONSIBLE. THERE IS ALSO A RECORD OF THE CAR BEING AT ANOTHER BMW DEALER AT 135,000 MILES WHERE TH

2005-12-08, Engine And Engine Cooling
1. BROUGHT MY CAR TO FIRESTONE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR IN LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA AND HAD THE THERMOSTAT REPLACED - WORK COMPLETED BY FIRESTONE - 2-5 DAYS LATER WENT TO BEVERLY HILLS BMW TO HAVE COOLANT RESEVOIR REPLACED WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW THERMOSTAT (JUST REPLACED AT FIRESTONE) AND WATER PUMP AND THAT I HAD A MAJOR ENGINE LEAK (LATER WAS TOLD I HAD A MINOR ENGINE LEAK NOT WORTH REPAIR AT THAT POINT) - HAD WATER PUMP REPLACED. - RECIEVED VEHICLE FROM BEVERLY HILLS BMW WITH THE ENGINE COVER REMOVED AND VEHICLE NOT CHECKED AS ASKED - THIS TOOK 3 WEEKS! 2. THE PROBLEM: WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE HWY 2 HOURS FROM MY HOUSE AN EXPLOSION OCCURED IN THE ENGINE BAY OF THE VEHICLE. 4 PEICES OF

2004-03-17, Engine And Engine Cooling
A FAULTY RADIATOR DESIGN (PLASTIC NECK?) CAUSED MY 97 BMW 540IA TO BREAK DOWN ON THE FREEWAY DURING RUSH HOUR. *NM

2003-10-29, Engine And Engine Cooling
RADIATOR/OVERFLOW TANK ON MY 1997 BMWS 540IA CRACKED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT AT 85,000 MILES. THE RADIATORS IN BMWS ARE KNOWN AS A WEAKNESS AND CONTINUALLY FAIL ON OWNERS. THIS SITUATION SHOULD BE REMEDIED!*AK

2003-09-16, Engine And Engine Cooling
THE RADIATOR HOSE CONNECTION AT THE TOP OF THE RADIATOR FAILED COMPLETELY. IT IS MADE OF PLASTIC, AND SPLIT UNDER COOL WEATHER CONDITIONS. THIS RESULTED IN REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE RADIATOR, AND REPLACEMENT OF RADIATOR OVERFLOW CONTAINER. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE USE OF PLASTIC IN THIS APPLICATION RESULTED IN HEAT STRESS OVER TIME, EVENTUALLY RESULTING IN COMPLETE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING. POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE STILL BEING ASSESSED AT THIS TIME. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED TOO MANY CUSTOMERS, HOWEVER, THE FACTORY REPLACEMENT PARTS APPEAR TO BE EXACTLY THE SAME AS ORIGINAL. THEREFORE, I CAN EXPECT TOTAL COOLANT FAILURE AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. THIS SEEMS IMPRUDENT, AND I HAVE

1997 BMW 540IA questions

Does the 1997 BMW 540IA have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 1997 BMW 540IA at this time.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 BMW 540IA?

Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (13), Air Bags (1), Suspension (1).

How do I check if a recall on my 1997 BMW 540IA 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.