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 PER YEAR
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 | 11 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 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.
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030825
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! DT
NHTSA ODI report, 20021114
4 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system.
CRASHShow 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, 20040413
POWER STEERING PUMP BROKE CAUSING ACCESSORY BELT TO BE THROWN FROM ENGINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING AND POWER. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20131127
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and STEERING
4 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
3 of 22 total reports mention: steering.
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??*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020514
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 B
Remedy: DEALERS WILL APPLY A THICKNESS OF INSULATING TAPE TO THE CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE CLIP, AND INSTALL A REVISED CLIP.
Campaign 99V004000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 BMW 540I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V004000 (electrical system) has been completed.
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.