1.6

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
105,833 miles

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problem #3

Mar 312015

540 8-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
The bracket that holds the power steering pump on my 2001 BMW 540I snapped on the top and bottom pieces of the bracket resulting in my belts and pulleys to be thrown and destroyed. The repair is very expensive and time consuming. This is becoming a more and more common problem on the E39 style 1997-2003 BMW 540I's.

- Fresno, CA, USA

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problem #2

Jan 152014

540 8-cyl

  • 89,000 miles
Power steering brackets on these cars break. Happened to me and threw a belt during a turn. This is an extreme safety hazard as you have no power steering when the bracket breaks and the belt is thrown. This is a known issue if you search on BMW forums and should be addressed by BMW! this is happening to my vehicle for the second time. Other owners report multiple instances as well.

- Chagrin Falls, OH, USA

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problem #1

Dec 012012

540 8-cyl

  • 98,500 miles
I was driving along and I heard a "pang" sound followed by a loss of power steering, a moment later my battery light came on. I was able to get the car to a safe stopping place to be towed before the lost belt that followed overheated me. Pump snapped in at least one place making the pulley crooked, and shredding the belt.

- Mobile, AL, USA

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