1994 BMW 540I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 BMW 540I: 4 recalls, 8 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #94V017000 · 1994 · 1,400 vehicles
What's wrong: The remote activation device can close windows and sunroof from a distance greater than the maximum (6 meters) permitted by fmvss no.118, "power operated window systems."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: this could allow windows or sunroofs to be closed on an arm or neck of an individual when the remote device operator is not within the immediate vicinity.
The fix: Replace the inside rear view mirror which has the activation receiver with one whose receiver will control the door locking and theft alarm, but will not permit remote operation of the windows and sunroof.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #96V111000 · 1996 · 180,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position.
Why it matters: If this happens, the brake lights either will not operate or will be continuously on, regardless of brake pedal position. Following drivers would not be able to determine whether the vehicle is stopping, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the existing brake light switch with a newly designed switch.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #97V131000 · 1997 · 410,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. It is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. If the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. In this case, during application of the throttle pedal without cruise control being engaged, the…
Why it matters: This could cause the throttle valve to remain partially open. It his were to occur, the car might not decelerate as expected increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. The clip is designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from the bushing.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #98V178000 · 1998 · 340,000 vehicles
What's wrong: A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. If the indications of a critical overheating condition is not noticed by the driver, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.
Why it matters: If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant.
The fix: Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (3).
- Engine & cooling (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seats (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1994 BMW 540I has 8 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 22 540I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 11). Complaints peaked in 2000 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 87,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (0 complaints, 1 recalls), 1995 (10 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 BMW 540I.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 BMW 540I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1994 BMW 540I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 BMW 540I problems?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (4), engine & cooling (4), seats (2).
What gas mileage does the 1994 BMW 540I get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (4.0 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 BMW 540I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.