1997 BMW 540I
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 BMW 540I is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 25 on record.
1997 BMW 540I at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1997 BMW 540I recalls 0
No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1997 BMW 540I.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1997 BMW 540I common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1997 BMW 540I MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1997 BMW 540I costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 BMW 540I. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 21
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 21.
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Bulletin B510819 · Electrical System, Visibility · Jan 2024TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
Bulletin B013118 · Air Bags · Apr 2019TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
Bulletin B013118 · Air Bags · Apr 2019TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
Bulletin B011618 · Air Bags · Jan 2019Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
Bulletin B650916 · Equipment · Nov 2018For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? custo…
Bulletin B011618 · Air Bags, Electrical System · Oct 2018In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls;…
Bulletin B080119 · Air Bags · Feb 2018SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.
Bulletin B122917 · Equipment · Dec 2017SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:
Bulletin B122817 · Electrical System, Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2017INFORMATION ON EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL AND FUEL FILLER CAP / FILLER DOOR LABELS. *YC
Bulletin 16 01 98 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 1998Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 540I. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the BMW 540I
The BMW 5 Series is an executive car manufactured and marketed by BMW since 1972. It is the successor to the BMW New Class sedans and is currently in its eighth generation. The car is sold as either a sedan or, since 1991, a station wagon. A 5-door fastback was sold between 2009 and 2017. Each successive generation has been given an internal G-code designation since 2017. Previously, a F-code designation was used between 2010 and 2016, while an E-code designation was used between 1972 and 2010. These are used to distinguish each model and generation from each other.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.