Table 1 shows one common power train related problems of the 2018 BMW 540.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Power Train problems |
On September 11, 2024, I took my vehicle to BMW of great neck for a tire and rim job under insurance. BMW failed to return my lug nuts, leaving my vehicle in an unsafe condition. It took nearly a month for them to provide the missing lug nuts. Upon inspection, each wheel had fewer than the required 5 lug nuts, creating a serious safety risk. On September 24, 2024, I had to return to BMW due to a tire pressure monitor (tpm) sensor issue, which should not have occurred after their September 11th service. Instead of addressing the issue, BMW dismissed it and suggested I get it fixed elsewhere. BMW’s own manager confirmed my vehicle was returned in this unsafe condition. If I hadn’t noticed, this could have resulted in wheel detachment, loss of control, or a crash. Additionally, after a routine oil change on December 27, 2024, BMW’s multi-point inspection (provided January 12, 2024) revealed: •a missing stiffening plate, which supports chassis integrity. BMW stated this could cause chassis damage. •coolant expansion tank & vent hose leaks, affecting vehicle cooling. •fluid leaks, which could worsen over time. Contradiction in BMW’s diagnostics & evidence of negligence: •the 1/12 multi-point inspection contradicts the 12/27 diagnostic image I captured from service advisor kevin guo. •BMW failed to identify these issues on 12/27, despite servicing my vehicle that day. •this suggests either a misdiagnosis, negligence, or an attempt to cover up damages. Safety concerns & inspection status: •the wheel issue put my safety at risk, and BMW has not taken accountability. •the stiffening plate issue affects vehicle stability, which could lead to handling problems or structural failure. •these issues were confirmed by BMW’s own inspection report on 1/12/25, contradicting the 12/27 diagnostic. BMW of great neck’s negligence directly compromised my vehicle’s safety. I request an investigation into their repair practices to prevent this from happening to others.
The vehicle was at a complete stop, when the gas pedal was tapped to move forward slightly the vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control. There was an attempt to apply the brakes, but the vehicle continued to accelerate and "drive train malfunction" began to flash on the dashboard of the vehicle. The vehicle proceeded to accelerate as it jumped a curb, crashed into a ditch, before finally becoming lodged in a fence and coming to a complete stop when half of the vehicle was lifted off of the ground. The driver of the vehicle suffered a fractured back as a result of the incident. We have reported this incident to BMW and are awaiting a response from the manufacturer. The vehicle has been inspected by the driver's insurance and, while we do not have a report from them yet, the vehicle was totaled.