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2000 BMW 540I engine problems

10 complaints (32% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 68,000.

owner complaints
10
of this car's complaints
32%
typical mileage
68,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Cooling system: radiator assembly
    5
  • Cooling system
    2
  • Cooling system: fan
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

BMW 540I engine problems in other years

199420002022

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2000 BMW 540I owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 14, 2014 · Engine · 130,000 miles · DE

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 540i. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, she heard a loud noise as metal shards started to fall from the engine compartment. The contact mentioned that the check engine and the coolant warning lamps were illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that the clutch fan had become separated and coolant was leaking. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the clutch fan was fractured and cutting through the engine compartment. The manufacturer made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 130,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2013 · Engine · 180,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 540i. The contact stated that after shifting into reverse, the engine seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was advised that the vehicle experienced a hydro-lock failure. The vehicle was not repaired and manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Nov 18, 2010 · Engine · 111,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 bmw 540i. While the contact was driving approximately 1 MPH in the driveway, there was a loud roaring noise outside of the vehicle. Immediately, the engine was turned off. The radiator fan blades detached, dented the hood, which caused the paint to peel and then fell to the ground.. The failure mileage was 111,000. The contact was in the process of towing the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

Filed Oct 26, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 109,000 miles · NY · fire

Engine fire: electronic thermostat wires overheated and caused wires and electrical connectors to burn. Smoke entered the cabin while driving and vehicle performance has been degraded.

Filed May 20, 2004 · Engine · 68,000 miles · TX

While driving coolant was leaking from the radiator. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Nov 13, 2003 · Engine · 62,000 miles · OH

Radiator failure (blocked).

Filed Nov 11, 2003 · Engine · 57,135 miles · VA

Radiator failure.

Filed Oct 28, 2003 · Engine · 58,900 miles · GA

Water pump failure.this is a known defect that involves a high percentage of the e39 540i bmw. The failure of the pump is known to happen between 5000-60000 miles and can put the driver in danger and cause unnecessary expensive repairs to be incurred on a car of this caliber. The water pump failure in my case destroyed the main drive belt leaving me with out power steering, brakes, alternator etc. E39 owners who have had this experience should be reimbursed for the repairs and costs associated with the faulty design and problems associated with the water pump and cooling system.

Filed Jul 29, 2003 · Engine · 45,000 miles · IL

Bmw 2000 540i, v8, failure (cracked, loss of coolant) of upper radiator hose connector. I had 3 1/2 yrs/45,000 miles on the car. Plastic component widely known among owners to be prone to failure. Thanks to their advice on warning signs, I was able to stop under control and get repair without major incident; other unsuspecting drivers have been, and will be, less fortunate. To bmw's credit, they replaced my radiator under warranty. But this does not excuse a known design deficiency.

Filed Jul 28, 2003 · Engine · FL

Radiator failure.

Questions about the 2000 BMW 540I engine

Does the 2000 BMW 540I have engine problems?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the engine of the 2000 BMW 540I, 32% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2000 BMW 540I engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 68,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2000 BMW 540I engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

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).

Other 2000 BMW 540I problems

Airbags 8Electrical 8Lights 3Brakes 1Fuel system 1Steering 1Tires 1Visibility 1

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