Power Train Problems of BMW 540

BMW 540 owners have reported 23 power train related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 7 most common power train problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's power train (9 problems). The second most common problem is related to the vehicle's automatic transmission (9 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.


Recently reported Power Train problems of BMW 540

The Power Train problem

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.   Read details...

The Automatic Transmission problem

On my 2001 BMW 540i with 84000 miles when the car is put into reverse it will not reverse just fills like it is in neutral.   Read details...

The Transmission Not Engage problem

Incident #1 2010: accelerated the vehicle to 75mph to enter freeway. Took foot off gas and vehicle continued to accelerate. Engaged clutch to stop acceleration and rpm continued to rise to the limiter point (approx 5500 rpm). Pulled over, started car and engine immediately went to the red line.   Read details...

The Clutch problem

I have drive standard transmissions for over 40 years, I have never had a clutch problem until a purchased a '95 540i (know for poorly designed clutches, particularly the pressure plate). I bought this new '98 with hopes the problem was solved, no such luck.   Read details...

The Automatic Transmission Column Shift problem

The contact owns a 2019 BMW 540i m type, the contact stated while driving at 60 mph, when approaching a street the contact had slightly touch was on the gear shifter that has a button to change the gear shifter and the vehicle suddenly gear shifter from drive to neutral the contact put the gear   Read details...




540 Service Bulletins
540 Safety Recalls
540 Defect Investigations