BMW 540i

19942021 · 27 configurations

Lowest
16
Average
18
Best
27

The BMW 540i has been tested by the EPA across 27 different configurations spanning model years 1994 through 2021. Over this period, the 540i has achieved combined fuel economy ratings ranging from 16 MPG to 27 MPG, with an overall average of 18 MPG across all engine, transmission, and drivetrain combinations. Below you will find a comprehensive breakdown of every tested configuration, organized by model year. Click any row to view detailed specifications, emissions data, and annual fuel cost estimates for that specific vehicle.

All Configurations

Year Powertrain Annual Cost City Hwy Comb MPGCompare
2021
3L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic (S8)Premium
$2,550253227MPG
2020
3L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic (S8)Premium
$2,750223025MPG
2019
3L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic (S8)Premium
$2,900212924MPG
2018
3L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic (S8)Premium
$2,900213024MPG
2017
3L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic (S8)Premium
$2,900203024MPG
2003
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic 5-spdPremium
$3,850162218MPG
2003
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Manual 6-spdPremium
$4,300142116MPG
2003
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic (S5)Premium
$4,050151917MPG
2002
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic 5-spdPremium
$3,850162218MPG
2002
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Manual 6-spdPremium
$4,300142116MPG
2002
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic (S5)Premium
$4,300141916MPG
2001
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic 5-spdPremium
$3,850162218MPG
2001
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Manual 6-spdPremium
$4,300142116MPG
2001
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic (S5)Premium
$4,300141916MPG
2000
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic 5-spdPremium
$3,850162218MPG
2000
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic 5-spdPremium
$4,300141916MPG
2000
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Manual 6-spdPremium
$4,300142116MPG
1999
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic 5-spdRegular
$3,300162218MPG
1999
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic 5-spdRegular
$3,750141916MPG
1999
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Manual 6-spdRegular
$3,750142116MPG
1998
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic 5-spdRegular
$3,300162218MPG
1998
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Manual 6-spdRegular
$3,750142216MPG
1997
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic 5-spdPremium
$3,850162218MPG
1997
4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Manual 6-spdPremium
$4,300142216MPG
1995
4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic 5-spdPremium
$3,850152318MPG
1995
4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Manual 6-spdPremium
$4,300132216MPG
1994
4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Automatic 5-spdPremium
$4,050152117MPG

Historical Efficiency

2021
27
2020
25
2019
24
2018
24
2017
24
2003
18
2002
18
2001
18
2000
18
1999
18
1998
18
1997
18
1995
18
1994
17

Safety Rating History

NHTSA typically tests the base platform of a vehicle and does not test every specific trim level. This specific configuration (540i) has not been independently rated.

Complaint & Incident History

The data below represents all official consumer complaints reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the BMW 540i. Click on any year to drill down and read the unedited, raw problem narratives submitted directly by vehicle owners.

Platform Recall Intelligence

Most Recalled Components

Tip: Click any component bar to view detailed recall narratives.

Historical Severity Timeline

2021
2
2020
4
2018
2
2017
1
2002
1
2001
3
2000
2
1999
1
1998
1
1994
4
Critical
Moderate
Advisory