VehicleVerdict

1999 BMW 540iA problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 1999 BMW 540iA — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

11

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other 540iA years?

540iA NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted15 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints1997: 15 complaints1998: 3 complaints1999: 11 complaints2000: 8 complaints2001: 8 complaints2002: 3 complaints
540iA NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 540iA years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 BMW 540iA problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine655%
Transmission218%
Brakes19%
Lighting19%
Other19%

Does the 1999 BMW 540iA have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

99V004000Electrical SystemJanuary 4, 1999 · 1,615 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.

Consequence

THE CABLE INSULATION CAN BE WORN AWAY, EXPOSING THE WIRE. THE WIRE COULD CONTACT THE CLIP OR A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL APPLY A THICKNESS OF INSULATING TAPE TO THE CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE CLIP, AND INSTALL A REVISED CLIP.

99V005000TransmissionJanuary 4, 1999 · 249 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5HP24 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PREMATURE WEAR OF THE RING GEAR CAN OCCUR, LEADING TO THE LOSS OF 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, AND REVERSE GEARS.

Consequence

IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, THE CAR MAY NO LONGER OPERATE IN REVERSE, 1ST, 2ND, OR 3RD GEARS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY 1999 BMW 540I SPORT CAUGHT FIRE 12/19/08 WHILE IT WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOME. I NOTICED FLAMES ABOUT 1:30 AM COMING FROM THE SIDES OF THE HOOD. I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR TO DINNER THAT NIGHT AND IT WAS PARKED AND LOCKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. I JUST HAPPENED TO NOTICE THE FLAMES THROUGH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 19, 2008 · fire

“I HAVE A 1999 540I AND THE REVERSE HAS STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. THE FORWARD GEARS WORK PERFECTLY BUT THE REVERSE SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR STORIES. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 14, 2009

“I HAD TROUBLES WITH MY ABS MODULE UNIT THAT IS ATTACHED TO MY BMW 1999 540IA. I HAVE BECOME AWARE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT DISABLES THE ABS CONTROL OF MY CAR AND MANY OTHER SAME MODEL CARS AS MINE. I HAD TO REPLACE THE PART MYSELF DUE TO NO RECALL OR ACCEPTANCE FROM BMW THAT THIS IS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 10, 2005

“MY 1999 BMW 540I SPORT CAUGHT FIRE 12/19/08 WHILE IT WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOME. I NOTICED FLAMES ABOUT 1:30 AM COMING FROM THE SIDES OF THE HOOD. I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR TO DINNER THAT NIGHT AND IT WAS PARKED AND LOCKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. I JUST HAPPENED TO NOTICE THE FLAMES THROUGH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 19, 2008 · fire

“HEADLAMP INTERNAL ADJUSTING RODS (BRITTLE PLASTIC MATERIAL) FAIL PREMATURELY CAUSING HEADLAMP BEAN TO DEFLECT AND LAMP BEAMS TO SHUDDER OR WIGGLE. THIS TENDS TO REDUCE THE FIELD OF VISION FOR DRIVERS AND TO BLIND ONCOMING MOTORISTS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · April 8, 2004

1999 BMW 540iA — common questions

Is the 1999 BMW 540iA reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1999 540iA problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (6 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), other (1 complaints).

Does the 1999 BMW 540iA have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 BMW 540iA. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.