2000 BMW 540i recalls and problems
The 2000 BMW 540i has 2 safety recalls and 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2000 BMW 540i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2000 BMW 540i recalls
Recall 19V-015: Air Bags
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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 March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 00V-048: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake lamps in these vehicles are controlled by a switch activated by the movement of the brake pedal. This switch could fail internally, causing it to remain either in the "brake lamps off" position or in the "brake lamps on" position.
Risk: If this happens, the brake lamps either will not operate or will be continuously illuminated, regardless of brake pedal position.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the existing brake lamp switch with an improved switch.
2000 BMW 540i problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 8 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 8 | |
| Electrical System | 8 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Engine | 2 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | |
| Tires | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly — 5
- Air Bags › Frontal — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 2
- Visibility › Windshield — 1
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
- Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 1
- Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 91,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2000 BMW 540i complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW 540i years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2000 BMW 540i have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2000 BMW 540i: 19V-015 (air bags), 00V-048 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2000 BMW 540i?
Owners report air bags problems most often (8 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 91,000 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.