One problem related to radiator has been reported for the 2002 BMW 540. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I was driving in stop and go traffic when I noticed the steering felt a little stiffer than usual. After about 5 miles and better flowing traffic I pulled into a restaurant for dinner when my upper radiator hose exploded. I pulled into a stall and opened the hood to inspect what happened. The hose was very apparent and after further investigation I noticed the power steering pumps pulley at a very sharp angle compared to linear with the serpentine belt. I can only assume that from the bracket on the pump breaking, it caused a chain reaction of events. First the bracket brocket putting the pump at a steep angle n forcing the belt to go off track which then caused all the other accessories to be disabled including the water pump which overheated the car.
| Radiator problems | |
| Water Pump problems |