MYRModel Year Report

1998 BMW 540IA

○ Not enough data
1998 BMW 540IA
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:21:52.343Z

Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 540IA Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1993 1994: 0 complaints 1995: 0 complaints 1995 1997: 12 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 10 complaints 2000: 8 complaints 2000 2001: 7 complaints 2002: 2 complaints 2002
1998: 3 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19890
19900
19910
19920
19930
19940
19950
199712
19983
199910
20008
20017
20022

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 3 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040908

RADIATOR FAILURE. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030202

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 of 3 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20041225

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19981228 — power train

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DIFFERENTIAL PINION SHAFT WITHIN THE DIFFERENTIAL CASE ASSEMBLY WAS PRODUCED WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE SURFACE HARDENING. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE SHAFT EXP

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 98V142000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 BMW 540IA — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 98V142000 (power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 BMW 540IA 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 1998 BMW 540IA?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 540IA have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.