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.
The worst 1998 BMW 540IA problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine2
- Locks1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine2
- Locks1
Recalls 1
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The differential pinion shaft within the differential case assembly was produced without the appropriate surface hardening. This can result in the shaft experiencing premature wear.
- Risk
- This condition will cause a noise from the differential and, ultimately, failure of the shaft and loss of drive.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the entire differential assembly.
Recall number 98V142000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 BMW 540IA 9
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- Takata air bag recall-related short-term alternate transportation and consequential repairs
- Takata class action settlement
- Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
- For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?)...
- In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has...
- Information on programming ME7.2 engine control modules with cd 18
- Subject pertaining to dsp amplifier switching to
What 1998 BMW 540IA owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
Radiator failure.
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Questions about the 1998 BMW 540IA
Is the 1998 BMW 540IA reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1998 BMW 540IA, fewer than a typical 540IA model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 BMW 540IA?
Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is locks (1).
How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 540IA have?
1 recall, covering power train.
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