1999 BMW 540I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 BMW 540I: 1 recall, 22 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #99V004000 · 1999 · 1,615 vehicles
What's wrong: The thickness of the main positive electrical cable (generator to starter) insulation is less than specified, making it susceptible to being abraded or cut by the clip that secures the cable to the generator.
Why it matters: The cable insulation can be worn away, exposing the wire. The wire could contact the clip or a short circuit could occur.
The fix: Dealers will apply a thickness of insulating tape to the cable in the area of the clip, and install a revised clip.
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.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (4): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (3): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
The 1999 BMW 540I has 22 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 22 540I model years for complaints (1.9× the average 540I year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (26 complaints, 1 recalls), 2000 (31 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | Regular |
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 1999 BMW 540I.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 BMW 540I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1999 BMW 540I. 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 1999 BMW 540I problems?
Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (5), electrical (4), transmission & drivetrain (3).
What gas mileage does the 1999 BMW 540I get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 BMW 540I 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.