BMW 540 owners have reported 18 steering related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 6 most common steering problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's power steering pump (9 problems). The second most common problem is related to the vehicle's steering (4 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Power Steering Pump problems | |
| Steering problems | |
| Lose Power Steering problems | |
| Power Steering Fluid problems | |
| Steering Is Loose problems | |
| Steering Wheel problems |
The bracket that holds the power steering pump on my 2001 BMW 540i snapped on the top and bottom pieces of the bracket resulting in my belts and pulleys to be thrown and destroyed. The repair is very expensive and time consuming. Read details...
The steering wheel will not go to its set position. BMW dealer service ran tests and found that the steering column hall effect sensor is faulty and is integral to the steering column. They have mentioned that the steering wheel adjustment will stop functioning in the future. Read details...
Power steering pump mounting brackets broke off ( on a power steering pump itself), car thus lost power steering, belt got off, in a turn it would have been a disaster , somehow I was able to steer it clear in a turn. I guess I was lucky. Read details...
1. Events leading up to failure: I drove the car 5min and parked for 30 minute lunch. When I started the car, the power steering failed immediately and I couldn't turn the wheel. 2. The failure, frequency, consequences: power steering pump mounting brackets fractured near the bolts that retain the Read details...
Driving home one evening, I noticed a binding feeling being transmitted through the drive-train, drive-ability did not seem too affected, other than the odd bind being felt. The next morning upon start-up, the car began making a loud, rpm sensitive whining noise. Read details...