1998 BMW 540IA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
3
Owner Complaints
1
Recall
2
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 1998 BMW 540IA
The 1998 BMW 540IA has received a total of 3 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT. 2 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problem area is the Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly (2 complaints).
Recalls for the 1998 BMW 540IA
NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 1998 BMW 540IA, potentially affecting up to 1,100 vehicles.
Recall 98V142000 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
| 1,100 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE A NOISE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL AND, ULTIMATELY, FAILURE OF THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF DRIVE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 1998 BMW 540IA
3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 BMW 540IA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES OF MY CAR (1998 BMW MODEL 540IA) ARE CONSTRUCTED OF LOW GRADE / FRAGILE PLASTIC MATERIAL WHICH BREAKS DURING NORMAL USAGE. WITHOUT A HANDLE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SITUATION RESULTS WHEN THIS HANDLE HAS BROKEN BECAUSE IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, A DRIVER, OR PASSENGER, WILL BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. TO ESCAPE, THAT PERSON WOULD HAVE TO CRAWL TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR OR TO THE FRONT/REAR SEAT TO OPEN A DOOR. IN CASE OF AN INJURY FROM THE ACCIDENT THIS MIGHT NOT BE POSSIBLE. THIS HAZARDOUS SITUATION IS A RESULT OF THE MANUFACTURERS USE OF LOW QUALITY MATERIALS IN SUCH AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT AS THE DOOR HANDLES USED FOR EMERGENCY EXIT. A STRONGER MATERIAL WHICH IS NOT SO EASILY BROKEN SHOULD BE USED FOR THESE PARTS - SUCH AS STEEL.*AK
VARIOUS PROBLEMS INVOLVING 1998 BMW 540IA WHICH WAS BROUGHT USED. *MR BMW HAD BEEN IMPORTING VEHICLES FOR SALE, FITTED WITH A RADIATOR THAT HAD PLASTIC ENDS AS WELL AS SUPPLY AND RETURN UNDER APPROXIMATELY 21 P.S.I. THESE RADIATORS SUDDENLY RUPTURED UNDER LOAD WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE DRIVERS TO SWERVE ON IMPULSE AT IMPACT OF THE RUPTURE. THE RADIATOR WAS LIKELY TO RUPTURE AT ABOUT 80K MILES. *SC *JB
RADIATOR FAILURE. *JB
Safety Rating for the 1998 BMW 540IA
NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 BMW 540IA in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 BMW 540IA
BMW of North America, LLC has issued 2 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1998 BMW 540IA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
B011618 — AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
121999 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INFORMATION ON PROGRAMMING ME7.2 ENGINE CONTROL MODULES WITH CD 18. *TT
NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 BMW 540IA
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BMW 540IA
- 1993 BMW 540IA — 0 complaints
- 1994 BMW 540IA — 0 complaints
- 1995 BMW 540IA — 0 complaints
- 1997 BMW 540IA — 15 complaints
- 1998 BMW 540IA (current)
- 1999 BMW 540IA — 11 complaints
- 2000 BMW 540IA — 8 complaints
- 2001 BMW 540IA — 8 complaints
- 2002 BMW 540IA — 3 complaints