1998 BMW 540IA: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 BMW 540IA: 1 recall, 3 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #98V142000 · 1998 · 1,100 vehicles
What's wrong: The differential pinion shaft within the differential case assembly was produced without the appropriate surface hardening. This can result in the shaft experiencing premature wear.
Why it matters: This condition will cause a noise from the differential and, ultimately, failure of the shaft and loss of drive.
The fix: Dealers will replace the entire differential assembly.
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 (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Latches & locks (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1998 BMW 540IA has 3 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 12 540IA model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 4). Neighboring years: 1997 (12 complaints, 0 recalls), 1999 (10 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 | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 22 | 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 1998 BMW 540IA.
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 1998 BMW 540IA have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1998 BMW 540IA. 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 1998 BMW 540IA problems?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (2), latches & locks (1).
What gas mileage does the 1998 BMW 540IA get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 BMW 540IA 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.