2019 BMW 540I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 17%of 12 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,912miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2019 BMW 540I, 17% of the 12 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,912 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 check engine light came on for chassis stabilization and drivetrain malfunction. I took it to the dealership and they told me they repair would not be covered under warranty. Dealership alleges a rodent gnawed on a engine wiring harness. From what I gather from the dealership this occurs frequently. The manufacturer is aware of this problem but has failed to make necessary design changes to make these wiring harnesses inaccessible to rodents. …”
NHTSA complaint #11324466, filed 2020-05, 8,323 miles“The contact owns a 2019 BMW 540I. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact pressed the button on the gear shifter and the vehicle inadvertently shifted into NEUTRAL. The contact then shifted back into DRIVE. The contact continued driving with no further issues. However, the contact concern was that there should be no reason for the gear shifter to change gear with little to no pressure on the gear shifter from an inadvertent touch of the button on the gear shifter. …”
NHTSA complaint #11433724, filed 2021-09, 43,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10235178Mar 1, 2023BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: Due to a software failure, there is the possibility that the transmission does not go into "sleep mode" if the car is turned off.
- 10233157Feb 1, 2023There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower. The…
Transmission 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 2019 BMW 540I
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLane departure
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 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