1998 BMW 540iA Problems

Complaints Reported

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

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4.5/5.0

48 reviews

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.