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1998 BMW 540iaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1998 BMW 540ia, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage78kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 25, 2004. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 BMW 540ia has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling20
Latches/locks/linkages10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1998 BMW 540ia 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

Driveline: differential unit

Recall 98V-142 · Jun 22, 1998 · 1,100 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE A NOISE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL AND, ULTIMATELY, FAILURE OF THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF DRIVE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

1998 vs. every other 540ia 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 540ia median. How we score

'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'97'98'99'00'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 540ia owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 10089862 · Aug 16, 2004 · 77,610 miles

Own a 1998 540ia?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.