2002 BMW 540IA
Only 2 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 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 2 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1997 | 12 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 10 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 2001 | 7 |
| 2002 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seats
1 of 2 total reports mentions: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
I went out to my BMW 540I and found the driver's power seat all the way back in the horizontal position. I did not leave it this way, so this was confusing to me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-24
Also filed under Electrical system
Power train
1 of 2 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
On 7/19/2008, my 2002 BMW 540I with automatic transmission caught fire while myself and my wife driving toward an evening party. At first I smell something is burning then see a tiny bit of smoke.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-07-21
Electrical system
1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.
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
2001-12-10Tires01V352000 Vehicle description: during the tire mounting process on certain passenger vehicles built with standard (Non-sport) suspension and equipped with continental contitouringcontact CH95 ecoplus tires…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect all five tires for a possible cut in the sidewall, and if a cut is found, the tire will be replaced. Owner notification began December 10, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles…
Buy-smart checklist
2002 BMW 540IA — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seats: 1 report on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 01V352000 · Tires
FAQ
- Is the 2002 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 2002 BMW 540IA?
- The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 540IA 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.