1998 BMW 540IA Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1998 BMW 540IA recalls

Most common 1998 BMW 540IA problems

Problem areas named in the 3 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine And Engine Cooling	2
Latches/Locks/Linkages	1

What owners report

2004-12-25, Latches/Locks/Linkages
THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES OF MY CAR (1998 BMW MODEL 540IA) ARE CONSTRUCTED OF LOW GRADE / FRAGILE PLASTIC MATERIAL WHICH BREAKS DURING NORMAL USAGE. WITHOUT A HANDLE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SITUATION RESULTS WHEN THIS HANDLE HAS BROKEN BECAUSE IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, A DRIVER, OR PASSENGER, WILL BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. TO ESCAPE, THAT PERSON WOULD HAVE TO CRAWL TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR OR TO THE FRONT/REAR SEAT TO OPEN A DOOR. IN CASE OF AN INJURY FROM THE ACCIDENT THIS MIGHT NOT BE POSSIBLE. THIS HAZARDOUS SITUATION IS A RESULT OF THE MANUFACTURERS USE OF LOW QUALITY MATERIALS IN SUCH AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT AS THE DOOR HANDLES USED FOR EM

2004-09-08, Engine And Engine Cooling
VARIOUS PROBLEMS INVOLVING 1998 BMW 540IA WHICH WAS BROUGHT USED. *MR BMW HAD BEEN IMPORTING VEHICLES FOR SALE, FITTED WITH A RADIATOR THAT HAD PLASTIC ENDS AS WELL AS SUPPLY AND RETURN UNDER APPROXIMATELY 21 P.S.I. THESE RADIATORS SUDDENLY RUPTURED UNDER LOAD WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE DRIVERS TO SWERVE ON IMPULSE AT IMPACT OF THE RUPTURE. THE RADIATOR WAS LIKELY TO RUPTURE AT ABOUT 80K MILES. *SC *JB

2003-02-02, Engine And Engine Cooling
RADIATOR FAILURE. *JB

1998 BMW 540IA questions

Does the 1998 BMW 540IA have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1998 BMW 540IA: Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 BMW 540IA?

Based on 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (2), Latches/Locks/Linkages (1).

How do I check if a recall on my 1998 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.