1998 BMW 540iA Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

VARIOUS PROBLEMS INVOLVING 1998 BMW 540IA WHICH WAS BROUGHT USED. *MR BMW HAD BEEN IMPORTING VEHICLES FOR SALE, FITTED WITH A RADIATOR THAT HAD PLASTIC ENDS AS WELL AS SUPPLY AND RETURN UNDER APPROXIMATELY 21 P.S.I. THESE RADIATORS SUDDENLY RUPTURED UNDER LOAD WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE DRIVERS TO SWERVE ON IMPULSE AT IMPACT OF THE RUPTURE. THE RADIATOR WAS LIKELY TO RUPTURE AT ABOUT 80K MILES. *SC *JB

Aug 16, 2004

RADIATOR FAILURE. *JB

Feb 02, 2003

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES OF MY CAR (1998 BMW MODEL 540IA) ARE CONSTRUCTED OF LOW GRADE / FRAGILE PLASTIC MATERIAL WHICH BREAKS DURING NORMAL USAGE. WITHOUT A HANDLE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SITUATION RESULTS WHEN THIS HANDLE HAS BROKEN BECAUSE IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, A DRIVER, OR PASSENGER, WILL BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. TO ESCAPE, THAT PERSON WOULD HAVE TO CRAWL TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR OR TO THE FRONT/REAR SEAT TO OPEN A DOOR. IN CASE OF AN INJURY FROM THE ACCIDENT THIS MIGHT NOT BE POSSIBLE. THIS HAZARDOUS SITUATION IS A RESULT OF THE MANUFACTURERS USE OF LOW QUALITY MATERIALS IN SUCH AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT AS THE DOOR HANDLES USED FOR EMERGENCY EXIT. A STRONGER MATERIAL WHICH IS NOT SO EASILY BROKEN SHOULD BE USED FOR THESE PARTS - SUCH AS STEEL.*AK

Dec 25, 2004

4.5/5.0

48 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 1998 BMW 540iA, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 1998 BMW 540iA for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 1998 BMW 540iA 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

1998 BMW 540iA VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 1998 BMW 540iA Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 1998 BMW 540iA dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your BMW dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1998 BMW 540iA have?

The 1998 BMW 540iA currently has 3 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1998 BMW 540iA?

The most common problems reported for the 1998 BMW 540iA are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1998 BMW 540iA problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1998 BMW 540iA comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 1998 BMW 540iA?

You can report safety problems with your 1998 BMW 540iA directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 1998 BMW 540iA 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.

Is the 1998 BMW 540iA reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 1998 BMW 540iA. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.