1994 BMW 540I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 50%of 8 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1994 BMW 540I, 50% of the 8 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought a Bmw 540I in 1996 used at 45,000 miles from a dealership. When shifting into reverse transmission would be delayed temporarily before engaging. Now I was not inform the of the technical bulletin and due to poor transmission fluid, now at 90,000 miles this car would not go into reverse , shifter would slide, and car would not move. Now there is a identical experience with an other consumer case# 889281 with the NHTSA. …”
NHTSA complaint #10037497, filed 2003-09, 90,000 miles“When shifting into reverse, there is a hesitation before transmission shifts in. Hesitation time is increasing. Also, when stepping on pedal for aggressive acceleration or passing, vehicle hesitates, then clunks violently into gear. Mechanics have stated that it is a common problem that they see with this vehicle and transmission. Solution is to replace with a brand new transmission(parts cost $5000.00).nothing done yet to remedy problem due to incredible cost. Also, shift lever safety button no longer works, allowing vehicle to be accidentally shifted out of driving gear into other gears. …”
NHTSA complaint #10155238, filed 2006-04, 82,000 miles“At 85,000 miles when shifting into reverse transmission would be delayed temporarily before engaging. Dealer notified manufacturer, who informed consumer that vehicle was out of its warranty, and not covered under a recall. Consumer states transmission malfunctioned because manufacturere did not inform him of the technical bulletin and due to poor transmission fluid, finally at 92642 vehicle would not go in to reverse, shifter would slide, but car would not move.”
NHTSA complaint #889281, filed 2001-05Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 17% |
| 2022 | 4 | 67% |
| 2021 | 3 | 33% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 | 1 | 5% |
| 2003 | 1 | 14% |
| 2001 | 3 | 20% |
| 1999 | 3 | 14% |
| 1998 | 1 | 4% |
| 1997 | 1 | 4% |
| 1995 | 2 | 20% |
| 1994 | 4 | 50% |
Other parts of the 1994 BMW 540I
4 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 BMW 540I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology