Model year record

1998 BMW 540I

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 28 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V142000

Power train: driveline: differential unit

Component
Power train: driveline: differential unit
Manufacturer
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Vehicles affected
1,100
Reported to NHTSA
1998-06-22
Owners notified
1998-12-28

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DIFFERENTIAL PINION SHAFT WITHIN THE DIFFERENTIAL CASE ASSEMBLY WAS PRODUCED WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE SURFACE HARDENING. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE SHAFT EXPERIENCING PREMATURE WEAR.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE A NOISE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL AND, ULTIMATELY, FAILURE OF THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF DRIVE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly761,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system360,139 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline3
Engine and engine cooling239,787 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor245,838 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock238,288 mi
Structure: body: door2
Air bags1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings154,385 mi
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical133,224 mi
Power train: clutch assembly1
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar1
Suspension: front: wheel bearing151,488 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly136,000 mi

The 1997 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1999 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.