1999 BMW 540I
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 22
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1999
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1999: 22 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1995 | 10 |
| 1997 | 27 |
| 1998 | 26 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 2000 | 31 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
6 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly and cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
Radiator failure at 54,000 miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-25
This is a very common occurence. On the roadfly bulletin board of fellow owners, failure rate is almost 40% of respondents! Typically after only 40 - 50K miles!…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-14
Electrical system
4 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
During a down shift, my car sometimes jump forward a foot or so and makes a thump down shifting noise. This forces me to apply the break quickly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-13
Power steering pump broke causing accessory belt to be thrown from engine at highway speeds, resulting in loss of steering and power.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-27
Also filed under Service brakes and steering
Service brakes
4 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Steering
3 of 22 total reports mention: steering.
Power train
3 of 22 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
On occasions when slowing, transmision downshifts "Hard" Maybe 2-1OR 3-2-1 and even a thumb??and difficult to control at that time??
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-05-14
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1999-02-26Electrical system99V004000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The thickness of the main positive electrical cable (Generator to starter) insulation is less than specified, making it susceptible to being abraded or cut…
Remedy: Dealers will apply a thickness of insulating tape to the cable in the area of the clip, and install a revised clip.
Buy-smart checklist
1999 BMW 540I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V004000 · Electrical system
FAQ
- Is the 1999 BMW 540I reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 BMW 540I?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 BMW 540I have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.