MYRModel Year Report

1999 BMW 540IA

○ Not enough data
1999 BMW 540IA
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:33:27.802Z

Only 10 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 10 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, 1999 highlighted. 1997: 12 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 10 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2000 2001: 7 complaints 2001 2002: 2 complaints 2002
1999: 10 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19890
19900
19910
19920
19930
19940
19950
199712
19983
199910
20008
20017
20022

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 of 10 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly and cooling system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

MY 1999 BMW 540I SPORT CAUGHT FIRE 12/19/08 WHILE IT WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOME. I NOTICED FLAMES ABOUT 1:30 AM COMING FROM THE SIDES OF THE HOOD. I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR TO DINNER THAT NIGHT AND IT WAS PARKED AND LOCKED IN MY DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20081221

Also filed under EQUIPMENT

NO SUMMARY. DT

NHTSA ODI report, 20021105

POWER TRAIN

2 of 10 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

SERVICE BRAKES

1 of 10 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 of 10 total reports mentions: exterior lighting, most commonly citing headlights.

EQUIPMENT

1 of 10 total reports mentions: equipment.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19990225 — power train

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5HP24 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PREMATURE WEAR OF THE RING GEAR CAN OCCUR, LEADING TO THE LOSS OF 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, AND REVERSE GEARS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

Campaign 99V005000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19990226 — electrical system

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 540IA — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 99V005000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 99V004000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1999 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 1999 BMW 540IA?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1999 BMW 540IA have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.