Model year record

1998 BMW 540IA

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 3 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 assembly277,610 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch157,000 mi

The 1997 model has about a fifth as many complaints as this one. The 1999 model has about a quarter as many 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.