repaired · 2020 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2000 BMW 540iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 31 owner complaints about the 2000 BMW 540i, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-015 the manufacturer reports only 23% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 5, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2000 BMW 540i has problems
31 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
8Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
8Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
3Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
2Engine
1Visibility
1Fuel system, gasoline
1Service brakes, hydraulic
1Steering
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 1 |
| Air bags | 8 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 1 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2000 BMW 540i recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Brake lights: switch
Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2000 vs. every other 540i year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 540i median. How we score
'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 540i owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 540I. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH IN THE DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS A LOUD ROARING NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY, THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE RADIATOR FAN BLADES DETACHED, DENTED THE HOOD, WHICH CAUSED THE PAINT TO PEEL AND THEN FELL TO…
ENGINE FIRE: ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT WIRES OVERHEATED AND CAUSED WIRES AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS TO BURN. SMOKE ENTERED THE CABIN WHILE DRIVING AND VEHICLE PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN DEGRADED. *TR
WATER PUMP FAILURE.THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT THAT INVOLVES A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF THE E39 540I BMW. THE FAILURE OF THE PUMP IS KNOWN TO HAPPEN BETWEEN 5000-60000 MILES AND CAN PUT THE DRIVER IN DANGER AND CAUSE UNNECESSARY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS TO BE INCURRED ON A CAR OF THIS CALIBER. THE WATER PUMP FAILURE…
Own a 2000 540i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.