2017 BMW 540i xDrive

The 2017 BMW 540i xDrive is a popular luxury sedan known for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology. The 540i xDrive is equipped with a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine producing 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include the 530i with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and the M550i xDrive with a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 producing 456 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. All engine options are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally praise the 540i xDrive for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious interior. Common complaints include the complexity of the iDrive infotainment system and occasional electrical glitches.

Engine

B58 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-Six

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the engine, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty gasket(s) is the most common solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on the location of the leak and if you do the repair yourself)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from the water pump, thermostat housing, or radiator hoses. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant leaks.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty component and associated hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+ (depending on the location and complexity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 8HP 8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly between lower gears. This can manifest as a noticeable “clunk” or hesitation during acceleration.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and software update may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush and software update) - $5,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Malfunction (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicles equipped with the adaptive suspension system may experience damper malfunctions, resulting in a harsh or uneven ride. Warning lights may illuminate on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty damper.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per damper (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• iDrive Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system can experience a range of issues, including freezing, crashing, and unresponsive touchscreen.
  • Solution: Software updates are often released to address these issues. In some cases, a complete system reset or component replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1500+ (component replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as the parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors, and driver-assistance system sensors, can malfunction.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per sensor (depending on the type and location)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain can occur, especially if the vehicle is not driven frequently. This can result in difficulty starting the engine or electrical systems malfunctioning.
  • Solution: Replacing the battery with an OEM battery, if the battery is too old, or having a parasitic drain test performed to find the source of the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ (for battery replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Seat Occupancy Sensor Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat occupancy sensor (used for airbag deployment) can malfunction, leading to an airbag warning light.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 BMW 540i xDrive is a generally reliable vehicle, but owners should be aware of the potential issues outlined above. Engine oil and coolant leaks, transmission issues, electrical glitches, and suspension component failures are the most commonly reported problems. While some issues, such as software glitches, can be resolved relatively easily, others, such as transmission problems or adaptive damper failures, can be costly to repair. Potential buyers should have a thorough inspection performed by a qualified mechanic before purchasing a used 2017 BMW 540i xDrive, and ensure that all necessary maintenance has been performed. Keep in mind that this information is based on owner reports and may not reflect the experience of all owners.