1999 BMW 540I Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 9%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 144,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1999 BMW 540I, 9% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 144,500 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.
“My 1999 Bmw 540I has had intermittent door unlocking failures for several years. The any of the four doors may suddenly become double locked so that neither the electronic buttons or any manual efforts will unlock/open the doors. Fortunately not all of the door locks have failed at the same time, so occupants have been able to climb over and between seats to egress the car. Mechanics say that the problem is relays in the general module (GM iii) which controls all of the door locks. In the past the problem would self-correct in a few hours or days. …”
NHTSA complaint #10283077, filed 2009-09, 154,000 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Bmw 540I. The contact stated that the rear drivers side door was unable to open from the inside and outside. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who informed the contact that the door lock actuator had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 135,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10366694, filed 2010-11, 135,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 BMW 540I
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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