This page covers 5 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 BMW 540i.
25 mpg combined
9.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The 2020 BMW 540i has 5 recalls, the most serious involving output shafts that can break and cut power to the rear wheels or allow the vehicle to roll away if parked without the parking brake engaged.
On the engine side, a software issue in the engine management system can cause a loss of braking assist during startup. Full mechanical braking still works, but the pedal requires noticeably more force than usual, which can catch a driver off guard in a situation that calls for a quick stop.
Three recalls concern the rearview camera system, and together they cover a range of failure modes. In one, a small portion of the rearview image may be clipped or obscured, reducing what the driver can see while backing up. In another, the camera display can go completely blank when reversing, leaving the driver with no camera view at all. A third involves software that can cause the rearview image to be missing or reduced in a similar way. All three raise the same core risk: a driver backing up and relying on the camera may not see a person or object behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
During engine startup, the engine management software may disable the power braking system. You can still brake manually, but without power assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will update your engine management software at no cost.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When shifting into Reverse, the rearview camera display may show a partially obscured image or fail to illuminate, reducing rear visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and update the rearview camera software as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The output shafts that transfer engine power to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during manufacturing.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the output shaft(s) at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera image may be slightly obscured in certain areas, limiting rear visibility and not meeting federal safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and reprogram it with updated software if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The backup camera display can be adjusted to hide the rear view image, and the vehicle remembers this setting when put in reverse, leaving the screen blank.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the backup camera software at no cost to restore the display functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
