2021 BMW 540I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 BMW 540I: 6 recalls, 9 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #20V598000 · 2020 · 312 vehicles
What's wrong: A small portion of the rearview image May be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020.
Electrical Vehicle recall #20V761000 · 2020 · 812 vehicles
What's wrong: The connection between the 48-volt battery and the starter-generator May not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Why it matters: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #21V046000 · 2021 · 28 vehicles
What's wrong: The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels May break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.
Why it matters: A broken output shaft can lead to a loss of drive power or a rollaway condition in a parked vehicle (if the parking brake is not engaged), increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021.
Backup camera, Backup camera Vehicle recall #21V096000 · 2021 · 13,858 vehicles
What's wrong: When shifting into reverse, a small portion of the rearview image May be obscured, or the screen May not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #21V554000 · 2021 · 21,537 vehicles
What's wrong: The passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor (alr) May deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #26V525000 · 2026 · 27,720 vehicles
What's wrong: The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential May become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.
Why it matters: An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a damaged driveshaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 2, 2026.
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
- Brakes (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Electrical (2): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 BMW 540I has 9 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 22 540I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 11). Complaints peaked in 2026 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 38,350 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (3 complaints, 5 recalls), 2022 (6 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 27 | 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 2021 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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 BMW 540I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2021 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 2021 BMW 540I problems?
Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (3), transmission & drivetrain (3), electrical (2).
What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW 540I get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 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.