MotorDeets

2018 BMW 540D: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2018 BMW 540D: 4 recalls, 3 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.

4vehicle recalls
3owner complaints
0mention a crash
30best combined mpg
No free-license photo yet

Recalls

4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V465000 · 2018 · 5,309 vehicles

What's wrong: The crankshaft sensor May be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xdrive, 230i m240i, m240i xdrive, x2 sdrive28i, x2 xdrive28i, x1 sdrive28i, x1 xdrive28i, 330i, 330i xdrive, 340i,…

Why it matters: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018.

Backup camera Vehicle recall #19V684000 · 2019 · 257,473 vehicles

What's wrong: The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 111, "rearview mirrors."

Why it matters: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #22V614000 · 2022 · 298 vehicles

What's wrong: Bmw of north america, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d xdrive vehicles equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (egr) module with an integrated cooler. The egr cooler May leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.

Why it matters: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of fire.

The fix: Dealers will replace the egr module, and the intake manifold will be inspected and replaced, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2022.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #24V588000 · 2024 · 15 vehicles

What's wrong: Bmw of north america, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 540d xdrive vehicles that were previously repaired under recall number 22v-614. The exhaust gas recirculation (egr) cooler May leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.

Why it matters: An egr valve with smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold increases the risk of an engine fire.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the egr module and the intake manifold as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2024.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine2
Airbags1
Fuel & propulsion1

What owners describe

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive263630Diesel

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 BMW 540D.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2018 BMW 540D manual

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FAQ

Does the 2018 BMW 540D have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2018 BMW 540D. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2018 BMW 540D problems?

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (2), airbags (1), fuel & propulsion (1).

What gas mileage does the 2018 BMW 540D get?

EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2018 BMW 540D repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 540D years

2018