Bmw 540i 1994
Model 540i made in 1994 by Bmw got 12 consumer complains as well as 4 recalls. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to engine and engine cooling and interior lighting. There were some recalls concerningengine and engine cooling and service brakes, hydraulic. The car has one 4.0l engine.
Model 1994
| Engine [L] | Cylinders | Transmission | Drive | Estimate MPG (city/highway/combined) | Unadjusted MPG (city/highway/combined) | Fuel | Fuel cost | Class | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ( 4.0L) | 8 | Lockup/automatic, 5 gears | RWD | 16/23/18 | 18/29/21 | Premium | $ 1126 | 4 | 931129 |
Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | ||||||||||||||||
| 98V178000 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | from 02/01/1988 to 11/30/1994 | V (Vehicle) | 340000 | 03/31/1999 | MFR | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 08/04/1998 | 08/14/1998 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. a malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. if the indications of a critical overheating condition is not noticed by the driver, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Owner notification began march 31, 1999. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236). | |||||||||||||||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT | ||||||||||||||||
| 96V111000 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | from 01/01/1990 to 03/01/1994 | V (Vehicle) | 180000 | 09/30/1996 | MFR | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 07/01/1996 | 07/08/1996 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the brake lights off position or in the brake lights on position. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | If this happens, the brake lights either will not operate or will be continuously on, regardless of brake pedal position. following drivers would not be able to determine whether the vehicle is stopping, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will replace the existing brake light switch with a newly designed switch. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | System: brakes; hydraulic; switch; brake light. vehicle description: passenger vehicles. owner notification: owner notification is expected to begin august 5, 1996. note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393. | |||||||||||||||
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | ||||||||||||||||
| 97V131000 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | from 09/01/1993 to 12/30/1995 | V (Vehicle) | 410000 | 10/30/1997 | MFR | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 08/19/1997 | 08/29/1997 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. it is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. if the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. in this case, during application of the throttle pedal without cruise control being engaged, the outer tube could catch on the edge of the broken bushing. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | This could cause the throttle valve to remain partially open. it his were to occur, the car might not decelerate as expected increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. the clip is designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from the bushing. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Owner notification is expected to begin by the end of october 1997. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393. | |||||||||||||||
| VISIBILITY - POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | ||||||||||||||||
| 94V017000 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | from 01/01/1993 to 10/01/1993 | V (Vehicle) | 1400 | 07/20/1994 | MFR | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 01/27/1994 | 01/31/1994 | 571 | 118 | |||||
| Defect Summary | The remote activation device can close windows and sunroof from a distance greater than the maximum (6 meters) permitted by fmvss no.118, power operated window systems. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Consequence of non-compliance: this could allow windows or sunroofs to be closed on an arm or neck of an individual when the remote device operator is not within the immediate vicinity. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Replace the inside rear view mirror which has the activation receiver with one whose receiver will control the door locking and theft alarm, but will not permit remote operation of the windows and sunroof. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | System: equipment; electric power accessories; windows.vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with remote activation devices for door locking and theft alarm arming.note: if your vehicle is presented to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and the remedy is not provided within a reasonable time and free of charge or the remedy does not correct the defect or noncompliance, please contact bmw service center at 1-201-573-2100.also, contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393. | |||||||||||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 07/01/2002 | 82000 | 1 | 01/01/2002 |
| When shifting into reverse, there is a hesitation before transmission shifts in. hesitation time is increasing. also, when stepping on pedal for aggressive acceleration or passing, vehicle hesitates, then clunks violently into gear. mechanics have stated that it is a common problem that they see with this vehicle and transmission. solution is to replace with a brand new transmission(parts cost $5000.00).nothing done yet to remedy problem due to incredible cost. also, shift lever safety button no longer works, allowing vehicle to be accidentally shifted out of driving gear into other gears. mechanic stated that internal pin broke and the whole shift lever has to be replaced with a parts cost of $300.00. other problems: ; power seat controls fail continuously, dash display lights not working, ... *nm | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 12/30/2002 | 87000 | 1 | 10/01/2001 |
| To whom it might concern. my bmw 540i was diagnosed for compression loss by the local bmw authorized dealer. according to the dealer, the cause is extended sulfur content used in the us gasoline. the sulfur causes a chemical reaction with the used engine block alloy (nikasil) and erodes prematurely. current mileage is 99'000 miles. this is far below any service life expectancy standard for a quality make/brand car (engine). bmw wants to hold their customers responsible for damage caused by a design flaw. bmw missed to properly test and evaluate this car prior to exporting it into the us market. bmw confesses to the problem by extending the original warranty from 4 to 6 years. i feel that bmw should have done a total recall on this issue and not just a warranty extension since the defect it is entirely caused by bmw's faulty design. do you have any information available on this issue? has there been legal action against bmw in the past? are there similar issues with other car brands/makes? any advice in dealing with this? sincerely, | |||
| 06/06/2001 | 04/01/2001 | ||
| Bmw with m60b30 and m60b40 v'8 from 93-95 engines have been known to suffer damage to the cylinder bores from excessive amounts of sulpher in us fuels. the blocks were made of nikasil. the problem represents itself as an excessively high idle which my car has. bmw initiated an engine warranty, covering all internal lubricated parts, which includes the short block for 100,000, or 6 years. i took my car to be checked and this is when i discovered( based on a compression test) it has the problem bmw knew about. the problem is my car is more than 6 years old with less than 100,000.00 miles bmw willnot repair my problem allthough they acknowledge it exists. i have an extended warranty on the car through preferred warranties 1 800 334 4841 who will pay only $60.00 p/h labor, the bmw dealership charges $80.00 an hour. it( preferred) will also only pay for a used engine which the bmw dealership will not guarantee. so is this an expensive lesson i have to learn or will bmw stand behond it's vechicle that has a defect it knew about? i have contacte prestige auto also. please advise what if anything i can do. has this problem been addressed in the past?*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 05/26/2002 | 06/01/2001 | ||
| This is the second engine for this car, the first was replaced at 38,228mi ... this engine was replaced with the same defective engine that was originally in the car, not the newer blocks ... this will be the third engine in 142,00mi and i am getting no help here ... very disappointing ... i want satisfaction ... i should not be on a third engine, period!!!*ak | |||
| INTERIOR LIGHTING | |||
| 07/01/2002 | 82000 | 1 | 01/01/2002 |
| When shifting into reverse, there is a hesitation before transmission shifts in. hesitation time is increasing. also, when stepping on pedal for aggressive acceleration or passing, vehicle hesitates, then clunks violently into gear. mechanics have stated that it is a common problem that they see with this vehicle and transmission. solution is to replace with a brand new transmission(parts cost $5000.00).nothing done yet to remedy problem due to incredible cost. also, shift lever safety button no longer works, allowing vehicle to be accidentally shifted out of driving gear into other gears. mechanic stated that internal pin broke and the whole shift lever has to be replaced with a parts cost of $300.00. other problems: ; power seat controls fail continuously, dash display lights not working, ... *nm | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 07/01/2002 | 82000 | 1 | 01/01/2002 |
| When shifting into reverse, there is a hesitation before transmission shifts in. hesitation time is increasing. also, when stepping on pedal for aggressive acceleration or passing, vehicle hesitates, then clunks violently into gear. mechanics have stated that it is a common problem that they see with this vehicle and transmission. solution is to replace with a brand new transmission(parts cost $5000.00).nothing done yet to remedy problem due to incredible cost. also, shift lever safety button no longer works, allowing vehicle to be accidentally shifted out of driving gear into other gears. mechanic stated that internal pin broke and the whole shift lever has to be replaced with a parts cost of $300.00. other problems: ; power seat controls fail continuously, dash display lights not working, ... *nm | |||
| 09/08/2003 | 90000 | 3 | 11/10/1996 |
| I bought a bmw 540i in 1996 used at 45,000 miles from a dealership. when shifting into reverse transmission would be delayed temporarily before engaging. now i was not inform the of the technical bulletin and due to poor transmission fluid, now at 90,000 miles this car would not go into reverse , shifter would slide, and car would not move. now there is a identical experience with an other consumer case# 889281 with the nhtsa. my car has been in for other recalls now i would like to know if they failed to do there part and in making sure that the transmisson problem fluid or other technical problems was to be taken car of by the dealership before it became an issue. *ak | |||
| 11/01/2000 | 2 | ||
| At 85,000 miles when shifting into reverse transmission would be delayed temporarily before engaging. dealer notified manufacturer, who informed consumer that vehicle was out of its warranty, and not covered under a recall. *ak consumer states transmission malfunctioned because manufacturere did not inform him of the technical bulletin and due to poor transmission fluid, finally at 92642 vehicle would not go in to reverse, shifter would slide, but car would not move. *slc | |||
| Speed sensor failed, causing failure of transmission, cannot change gears.please provide further information. *ak | |||
| SEATS - FRONT ASSEMBLY - POWER ADJUST | |||
| 07/01/2002 | 82000 | 1 | 01/01/2002 |
| When shifting into reverse, there is a hesitation before transmission shifts in. hesitation time is increasing. also, when stepping on pedal for aggressive acceleration or passing, vehicle hesitates, then clunks violently into gear. mechanics have stated that it is a common problem that they see with this vehicle and transmission. solution is to replace with a brand new transmission(parts cost $5000.00).nothing done yet to remedy problem due to incredible cost. also, shift lever safety button no longer works, allowing vehicle to be accidentally shifted out of driving gear into other gears. mechanic stated that internal pin broke and the whole shift lever has to be replaced with a parts cost of $300.00. other problems: ; power seat controls fail continuously, dash display lights not working, ... *nm | |||
| SEATS - FRONT ASSEMBLY - RECLINER | |||
| 01/08/2000 | 1 | 12/01/1998 | |
| Drivers seat rocks. if in an accident i fear the seat will detatch and driver will die. new seat rails will fix but bmw will not pay.*ak | |||
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | |||
| Speed sensor failed, causing failure of transmission, cannot change gears.please provide further information. *ak | |||
Car dealers selling
| State | City | Zip | Name | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA | MONROVIA | ASSAEL | 626-358-4269 | |
| CA | SACRAMENTO | IMPORT AUTOS | ||
| CA | SAN DIEGO | 92110 | SMITH AUTO & TRUCK | 619 758 9500 |