Power Train Problems of BMW 540

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.

See all problems of the 2018 BMW 540 🔎.

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.

"refill coolant" indicator displays even with full reservoirs. Two trips to the dealer so far, for repairs. Comes on when driving or when parked, after driving; after opening driver door. For example, drive one day. Parked over night. Message displays next day when driver door is opened. Goes away again after a drive, without adding any fluid. Same exact issue as others are experiencing here: https://g30. Bimmerpost. Com/forums/showthread. Php?t=1526216&page=1.

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My check engine light came on for chassis stabilization and drivetrain malfunction. I took it to the dealership and they told me they repair would not be covered under warranty. Dealership alleges a rodent gnawed on a engine wiring harness. From what I gather from the dealership this occurs frequently. The manufacturer is aware of this problem but has failed to make necessary design changes to make these wiring harnesses inaccessible to rodents. My case is not the worse case scenario but a fire could have started, my vehicle could have become inoperable and cause an accident while operating the vehicle. I would like to request fmvss be updated to address these product design defects. A wiring harness that can potential disable regular functions of the vehicle could result in death should not be easily disabled by a rodent.

See all problems of the 2019 BMW 540 🔎.

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. I shut the car off and drove one of my others. When I opened the hood it was obvious that the serpentine belt was not aligned correctly. Through further observation, it was clear that the power steering pump mounts were broken. The broken mounts caused the pump to push forward and not be aligned. The belt was being chewed up in the process. While removing the pump I noticed that the bolts holding it in place were loose. These loose bolts were alarming and could have resulted in the power steering pump loosening even further cause the belt to jump. In my opinion, it is completely unacceptable for this to have happened. The fact that a molded piece of aluminum would fracture and break is alarming, and the loose bolts is even worse. It is very possible that the belt could have jumped (has happened to fellow 540i drivers) which would have resulted in no power steering.

See all problems of the 2003 BMW 540 🔎.

My transmission would not accelerate or move. I had the trans rebuild and 2 years later the same problem. The trans has lost gears 1-3 and reverse, multistate repaired the trans again 2013, ifor the second time, it never worked after repairs. The engine light stays on, BMW says I need new trans and engine. When I looked up recalls for 540i, it states the same trans problem and it should be replaced. When I look up engine there are known engine problems with 540i, not my VIN. I also have electical issues, which have a recall on 540i, but not my VIN. Also issues with coolant, which is another known issue, but not my VIN. I have tried to get BMW to diagnose, but they only recommend replacing all parts at my expense, even though there is a history of these type of issues with the 540i, 1999 cars. I want BMW to replace all know issue parts at their expense and they have refused due to my VIN, not willing to add VIN to the issue. All issues with my car are known issues for 540i 1999 cars.

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2001 BMW 540i reverse gear failure on zf 5hp24 (a5s 440z) transmission. My BMW will no longer engage reverse, car feels like it is still in neutral.

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I have a 1999 540i and the reverse has stopped working completely. The forward gears work perfectly but the reverse suddenly stopped working. I have read many similar stories.

Burned out odometer/trip leds. Shows partial numbers and characters only.

See all problems of the 1997 BMW 540 🔎.