2017 BMW 540I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2017 BMW 540I: 1 recall, 20 owner complaints and up to 24 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.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #20V243000 · 2020 · 33 vehicles
What's wrong: Prior exposure to excessive levels of humidity within the driver and passenger head air bag inflators May affect the proper deployment of the head air bags.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the head air bag May be impaired and/or the igniter could separate from the inflator, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right head air bag, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2020.
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
- Airbags (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seats (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2017 BMW 540I has 20 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 22 540I model years for complaints (1.8× the average 540I year). Complaints peaked in 2023 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 20,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2018 (31 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 24 | Premium |
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 2017 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 2017 BMW 540I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2017 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 2017 BMW 540I problems?
Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (5), electrical (4), seats (4).
What gas mileage does the 2017 BMW 540I get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2017 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.