CarRecallDB

2000 BMW 540I recalls and problems

2 recalls and 31 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2000 BMW 540I.

2
recalls
31
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2000 BMW 540I recalls

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 19V015000 · reported January 14, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC · 157,549 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
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 March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 00V048000 · reported February 17, 2000 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 17,700 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
If this happens, the brake lamps either will not operate or will be continuously illuminated, regardless of brake pedal position.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the existing brake lamp switch with an improved switch.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 5, 2024 · Exterior lighting

The audio suddenly stops and my turn signals also stop working. When this happens when I'm in traffic, this is very frightening because I cannot signal lane changes or turns. Turning off the ignition and restarting the car always fixes the turn signals but only sometimes fixes the audio. It usually takes several…

Aug 20, 2023 · Air bags

Car had sat for about a week since I had driven it. I opened the driver door, inserted the key, and turned the key to the starting position. It failed to crank after the dash lights lit up and then the driver steering wheel airbag deployed in my face. The car was on flat ground and the temperature was not extremely…

Jul 6, 2023 · Air bags

I needed to move the car after it was sitting for about 3 weeks. It would not start due to the battery was run down. As soon as I started charging the battery, the front passenger airbag exploded causing extensive damage to the dashboard and windshield. Thank god my wife was not sitting in the car. I have not…

Mar 14, 2014 · Engine · 130,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 540I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AS METAL SHARDS STARTED TO FALL FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE COOLANT WARNING LAMPS WERE ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER…

Nov 14, 2013 · Exterior lighting · 99,021 miles · fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 540I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED, CAUSING THEM TO OVERHEAT AND MELT THE CASING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V048000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER…

540I model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 23112
2001 41510
2002 21210
2003 2700

Across all years, the 2000 540I has the most complaints (31). All BMW 540I years →

Questions

Does the 2000 BMW 540I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2000 BMW 540I, the most recent reported on January 14, 2019 (Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 BMW 540I?
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (8 complaints), followed by electrical system (8).
How many 2000 BMW 540I complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 31 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 5, 2024.