One problem related to gas recirculation valve (egr valve) has been reported for the 2001 BMW 540. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
M62 v-8 engines used in the e-39 540 and e-38 740 are notorious for faulty timing chain guides. At around 125,000 the plastic can disintegrate causing the chain to skip a tooth. Once a tooth is skipped the valves are crushed and the engine is destroyed. The cost to replace the guides is extremely expensive. I was lucky in that I replaced mine at 140,000 miles.
| Radiator problems | |
| Engine Cooling System problems | |
| Gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve) problems |