2002 BMW 540I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 BMW 540I: 2 recalls, 12 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V318000 · 2015 · 419,235 vehicles
What's wrong: 0i and 4.4i sports activity vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and x5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that May be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began aug 2016.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V015000 · 2019 · 157,549 vehicles
What's wrong: 0i, x5 sav 4.4i, and x5 sav 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began…
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
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are electrical failure (3).
- Steering (5): the most common themes are steering problems (5).
- Engine (2): the most common themes are overheating (2).
- Airbags (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2002 BMW 540I has 12 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 22 540I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 11). Complaints peaked in 2015 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 11 years old, at a median of 98,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (15 complaints, 4 recalls), 2003 (7 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | 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 2002 BMW 540I.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 BMW 540I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2002 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 2002 BMW 540I problems?
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (5), steering (5), engine (2).
What gas mileage does the 2002 BMW 540I get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 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.