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2000 BMW 540iaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 2000 BMW 540ia, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints81 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage65kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 20, 2009. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2000 BMW 540ia has problems

8 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 cooling51
Power train20
Structure10

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

0 recalls

2000 BMW 540ia recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

2000 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.

WHILE DRIVING IN MASSACHUSETTS ON 495N AT ABOUT 5:30PM I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. CHECKED MY GAUGES AND ALL SEEMED WELL, THOUGHT IT MAY BE A WOOD BURNING STOVE IN THE AREA I JUST KEPT DRIVING. I TURNED OFF RT495 AND ONTO RT 119. ABOUT A MILE DOWN RT119 I NOTICED A LOT OF SMOKE BUILDING UP INSIDE…
Complaint 10212302 · Dec 19, 2007 · 138,000 miles
FAILURE: ENGINE COOLING FAN CLUTCH SEIZED AND THE FAN TURNED AT WATER PUMP RPM. THE FAN FLEW APART, FLINGING ALL BLADES OFF THE FAN HUB. THIS OCCURRED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR HOME ON A 25 MPH STREET IN THE EVENING WITH OUR TWO SMALL CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT. CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE:…
Complaint 10142201 · Nov 8, 2005 · 65,000 miles
AT 71888 MILES THE RADIATOR OF MY BMW 540I BROKE BECAUSE OF A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC HOUSING AROUND THE OUTLET.I HAD READ ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON THE ROADFLY MESSAGE BOARD. I READ THAT THE RADITORS BROKE AROUND THE HOSE AND THEY ONLY LASTED ABOUT 50,000 MILES. WHEN I READ IT, I WONDERED IF I WAS DUE,…
Complaint 10043678 · Oct 27, 2003 · 71,888 miles

Own a 2000 540ia?

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