When shifting into reverse, there is a hesitation before transmission shifts in. Hesitation time is increasing. Also, when stepping on pedal for aggressive acceleration or passing, vehicle hesitates, then "clunks" violently into gear. Mechanics have stated that it is a common problem that they see with this vehicle and transmission. Solution is to replace with a brand new transmission(parts cost $5000.00).nothing done yet to remedy problem due to incredible cost. Also, shift lever safety button no longer works, allowing vehicle to be accidentally shifted out of driving gear into other gears. Mechanic stated that internal pin broke and the whole shift lever has to be replaced with a parts cost of $300.00. Other problems: ; power seat controls fail continuously, dash display lights not working, ...
The worst 1994 BMW 540I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine4
- Transmission4
- Seats2
- Acceleration1
- Lights1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine4
- Transmission4
- Seats2
- Acceleration1
- Lights1
Recalls 4
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. If the indications of a critical overheating condition is not noticed by the driver, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.
- Risk
- If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Recall number 98V178000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. It is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. If the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. In this case, during application of the throttle pedal without cruise control being engaged, the outer tube could catch on the edge of the broken bushing.
- Risk
- This could cause the throttle valve to remain partially open. It his were to occur, the car might not decelerate as expected increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. The clip is designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from the bushing.
Recall number 97V131000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position.
- Risk
- If this happens, the brake lights either will not operate or will be continuously on, regardless of brake pedal position. Following drivers would not be able to determine whether the vehicle is stopping, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the existing brake light switch with a newly designed switch.
Recall number 96V111000 · Recall details
Visibility: power window devices and controls
- What is wrong
- The remote activation device can close windows and sunroof from a distance greater than the maximum (6 meters) permitted by fmvss no.118, "power operated window systems."
- Risk
- Consequence of non-compliance: this could allow windows or sunroofs to be closed on an arm or neck of an individual when the remote device operator is not within the immediate vicinity.
- Remedy
- Replace the inside rear view mirror which has the activation receiver with one whose receiver will control the door locking and theft alarm, but will not permit remote operation of the windows and sunroof.
Recall number 94V017000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1994 BMW 540I 1
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1994 BMW 540I fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 21 | 17 |
What 1994 BMW 540I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I bought a bmw 540i in 1996 used at 45,000 miles from a dealership. When shifting into reverse transmission would be delayed temporarily before engaging. Now I was not inform the of the technical bulletin and due to poor transmission fluid, now at 90,000 miles this car would not go into reverse , shifter would slide, and car would not move. Now there is a identical experience with an other consumer case# 889281 with the federal safety agency. My car has been in for other recalls now I would like to know if they failed to do there part and in making sure that the transmisson problem fluid or other technical problems was to be taken car of by the dealership before it became an issue.
To whom it might concern. My bmw 540i was diagnosed for compression loss by the local bmw authorized dealer. According to the dealer, the cause is extended sulfur content used in the us gasoline. The sulfur causes a chemical reaction with the used engine block alloy (nikasil) and erodes prematurely. Current mileage is 99'000 miles. This is far below any service life expectancy standard for a quality make/brand car (engine). Bmw wants to hold their customers responsible for damage caused by a design flaw. Bmw missed to properly test and evaluate this car prior to exporting it into the us market. Bmw confesses to the problem by extending the original warranty from 4 to 6 years. I feel that bmw should have done a total recall on this issue and not just a warranty extension since the defect it is entirely caused by bmw's faulty design. Do you have any information available on this issue? Has there been legal action against bmw in the past? Are there similar issues with other car brands/makes? Any advice in dealing with this? Sincerely,
This is the second engine for this car, the first was replaced at 38,228mi ... This engine was replaced with the same defective engine that was originally in the car, not the newer blocks ... This will be the third engine in 142,00mi and I am getting no help here ... Very disappointing ... I want satisfaction ... I should not be on a third engine, period!!!
Bmw with m60b30 and m60b40 v'8 from 93-95 engines have been known to suffer damage to the cylinder bores from excessive amounts of sulpher in us fuels. The blocks were made of nikasil. The problem represents itself as an excessively high idle which my car has. Bmw initiated an engine warranty, covering all internal lubricated parts, which includes the short block for 100,000, or 6 years. I took my car to be checked and this is when I discovered( based on a compression test) it has the problem bmw knew about. The problem is my car is more than 6 years old with less than 100,000.00 miles bmw willnot repair my problem allthough they acknowledge it exists. I have an extended warranty on the car through preferred warranties 1 800 334 4841 who will pay only $60.00 p/h labor, the bmw dealership charges $80.00 an hour. It( preferred) will also only pay for a used engine which the bmw dealership will not guarantee. So is this an expensive lesson I have to learn or will bmw stand behond it's vechicle that has a defect it knew about? I have contacte prestige auto also. Please advise what if anything I can do. Has this problem been addressed in the past?
At 85,000 miles when shifting into reverse transmission would be delayed temporarily before engaging. Dealer notified manufacturer, who informed consumer that vehicle was out of its warranty, and not covered under a recall. *ak consumer states transmission malfunctioned because manufacturere did not inform him of the technical bulletin and due to poor transmission fluid, finally at 92642 vehicle would not go in to reverse, shifter would slide, but car would not move.
Speed sensor failed, causing failure of transmission, cannot change gears.please provide further information.
Drivers seat "rocks". If in an accident I fear the seat will detatch and driver will die. New seat rails will fix but bmw will not pay.
Compare the 1994 BMW 540I
Other model years
199419951997199819992000200120022003201720182019202020212022202320242025
Questions about the 1994 BMW 540I
Is the 1994 BMW 540I reliable?
Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 1994 BMW 540I, fewer than a typical 540I model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1994 BMW 540I?
Engine and cooling, with 4 complaints. Next is transmission (4).
How many recalls does the 1994 BMW 540I have?
4 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control and exterior lighting.
Was there a recall on the 1994 BMW 540I engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V178000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW 540I have bad engine?
The BMW 540I model years with the most engine complaints are 1998 (16 complaints), 1997 (13 complaints) and 2000 (10 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1994 BMW 540I get?
Official estimates for the 1994 BMW 540I range from 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.0L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 21 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1994 BMW 540I?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history