2003 BMW 540i Recalls

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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.

NHTSA 19V015000

Report Date

14/01/2019

Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer

BMW of North America, LLC

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy / Corrective Action

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.

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

NHTSA 15V318000

Report Date

28/05/2015

Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer

BMW of North America, LLC

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy / Corrective Action

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.

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Where to Find VIN for Recall Check

To check for recalls on your 2003 BMW 540i, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2003 BMW 540i for Recall Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Recall Verification

Each character in your 2003 BMW 540i 17-digit VIN helps identify specific recalls affecting your vehicle. Learn how the VIN structure works for accurate recall lookup.

2003 BMW 540i VIN Structure for Recall Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2003 BMW 540i Recalls in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2003 BMW 540i dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Enter VIN in Checker

Input your VIN into our free recall checker tool above to search NHTSA database for safety recalls, TSBs, and service campaigns specific to your vehicle.

Review & Schedule Repair

Check the recall details including affected components, consequences, and remedy. Contact your BMW dealer to schedule free recall repair appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 540i have?

The 2003 BMW 540i currently has 2 recalls according to NHTSA records. All recall information is sourced directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database.

Are 2003 BMW 540i recalls free to fix?

Yes! All safety recalls for 2003 BMW 540i vehicles must be repaired free of charge by authorized dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. Contact your local BMW dealer to schedule a recall repair.

How do I check if my 2003 BMW 540i has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in our VIN decoder tool. The 17-character VIN can be found on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or on the driver's side dashboard visible through the windshield.

Where can I find my 2003 BMW 540i VIN number?

Your 2003 BMW 540i VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

What should I do if my 2003 BMW 540i has a recall?

Contact your nearest BMW dealership immediately to schedule a free recall repair. Bring your vehicle registration or VIN number. All safety recalls must be fixed free of charge by the manufacturer, regardless of vehicle age or mileage.

Are NHTSA recalls mandatory to fix on 2003 BMW 540i?

While not legally required for vehicle owners to fix recalls, it's strongly recommended for safety. However, dealerships and manufacturers must offer free repairs for all official NHTSA recalls on 2003 BMW 540i vehicles.