1999 BMW 540IA: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 BMW 540IA: 2 recalls, 10 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #99V004000 · 1999 · 1,615 vehicles
What's wrong: The thickness of the main positive electrical cable (generator to starter) insulation is less than specified, making it susceptible to being abraded or cut by the clip that secures the cable to the generator.
Why it matters: The cable insulation can be worn away, exposing the wire. The wire could contact the clip or a short circuit could occur.
The fix: Dealers will apply a thickness of insulating tape to the cable in the area of the clip, and install a revised clip.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V005000 · 1999 · 249 vehicles
What's wrong: Premature wear of the ring gear can occur, leading to the loss of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and reverse gears.
Why it matters: If this problem occurs, the car May no longer operate in reverse, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gears.
The fix: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Exterior lights (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1999 BMW 540IA has 10 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 12 540IA model years for complaints (2.9× the average 540IA year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 54,375 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (3 complaints, 1 recalls), 2000 (8 complaints, 0 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 | Regular |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | Regular |
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 1999 BMW 540IA.
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 1999 BMW 540IA have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1999 BMW 540IA. 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 1999 BMW 540IA problems?
Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (6), transmission & drivetrain (2), exterior lights (1).
What gas mileage does the 1999 BMW 540IA 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 1999 BMW 540IA 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.