Most common 1997 BMW 540 problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 540 complaints by model year
Best 540 years: 2001. Compare all years →
What 1997 BMW 540 owners say
Air bags
The driver's side door airbag deployed without warning after turning on the ignition.
1997 BMW 540 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 22 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 BMW 540 a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 540 rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the 540 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 BMW 540?
The air bags — 3 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (2) and wheels & tires (1).
How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 540 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 BMW 540. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 540?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001. See the full BMW 540 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 BMW 540 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 141,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.