1997 BMW 540 recalls & problems
The 1997 BMW 540 has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 7 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is air bags (4 complaints).
Recalls0safety recalls
Complaints7filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 1997 BMW 540.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags Frontal; Side/window | 4 | — |
| Structure Body | 2 | — |
| Power train Automatic transmission | 2 | — |
| Tires Sidewall | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Mar 12, 2011 · 141,000 milesPower train › Automatic transmission
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BMW 540. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION RING GEAR FAILED AND CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO SLIP INTO SAFE MODE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 141,000. - May 15, 2003Air bags
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED BECAUSE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WEIGHT SYSTEM. *NLM - Apr 1, 1999Power train
BURNED OUT ODOMETER/TRIP LEDS. SHOWS PARTIAL NUMBERS AND CHARACTERS ONLY. *AK - Feb 1, 1999Structure
STRUCTURE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE (STRUTS BETWEEN WINDOWS) ARE TOO LARGE CAUSING POOR VISIBILTY. YH - Oct 1, 1998Tires › Sidewall
SIDEWALL FAILURE CAUSED HIGH SPEED BLOW OUT. CONTENENTAL SIZE - 225/55R16, DOT033208. - May 26, 1997Air bags › Frontal
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AFTER TURNING ON THE IGNITION. *AK - Apr 17, 1997Air bags
DRIVER FEELS AIRBAGS ARE A PROBLEM FOR SHORT PEOPLE.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.