Complete ABS failure while traveling at speeds. The ABS control module controlled each wheel differently at different times, causing the car to buck wildly at highway safe speeds. While braking, the controller went bad (was reported to dealer previously and told it was the brake pads - changed and still had issue) , locked up the rear wheels, caused sliding condition in traffic, nearly colliding with other cars and underpass barricade. This has happened numerous time and has been reported to dealer (none at speeds - 10 MPH or under - controllable at those speeds).
The worst 1999 BMW 540IAT problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes1
- Engine1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes1
- Engine1
- Transmission1
Recalls 2
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The thickness of the main positive electrical cable (generator to starter) insulation is less than specified, making it susceptible to being abraded or cut by the clip that secures the cable to the generator.
- Risk
- The cable insulation can be worn away, exposing the wire. The wire could contact the clip or a short circuit could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will apply a thickness of insulating tape to the cable in the area of the clip, and install a revised clip.
Recall number 99V004000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a 5hp24 automatic transmission. Premature wear of the ring gear can occur, leading to the loss of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and reverse gears.
- Risk
- If this problem occurs, the car may no longer operate in reverse, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gears.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the automatic transmission.
Recall number 99V005000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 BMW 540IAT 8
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...
- Experiencing an occasional hard 3-2 downshift or clunk when slowing on vehicles with M62TU produced 9/98 -...
What 1999 BMW 540IAT owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Radiator failure on 1999 540 touring - disables the vehicle no matter where you are from rush hour traffic where the panic could endanger other drivers, to the middle of nowhere in the dead of winter by yourself. *ak - steam from failed radiator blocks vision of the road, or whatever else is in the drivers side front corner of the vehicle. - failure can not be predicted by visual inspection of the radiator.
I have experienced an occasional hard downshift or clunk when slowing my vehicle and then briskly accelerating. This is very similar to the problem reported in service bulletin number 240300.
Compare the 1999 BMW 540IAT
Other model years
19992000
Questions about the 1999 BMW 540IAT
Is the 1999 BMW 540IAT reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1999 BMW 540IAT, close to a typical 540IAT model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 BMW 540IAT?
Brakes, with 1 complaint. Next is engine (1).
How many recalls does the 1999 BMW 540IAT have?
2 recalls, covering electrical system and power train.
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