NHTSA (USA)High Risk
1998 BMW 540INHTSA Campaign #98V142000
The official notice
Defect
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.
Safety 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.
Updated June 10, 2026