2018 BMW 540I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 BMW 540I: 2 recalls, 31 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (14): the most common themes are fails to deploy (3), warning light on (3).
- Seat belts (11): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seats (10): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Other / unknown (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2018 BMW 540I has 31 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 22 540I model years for complaints (2.7× the average 540I year). Complaints peaked in 2025 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 8,150 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (20 complaints, 1 recalls), 2019 (11 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 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 2018 BMW 540I.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 BMW 540I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2018 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 2018 BMW 540I problems?
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (14), seat belts (11), seats (10).
What gas mileage does the 2018 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 2018 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.