2021 BMW 540i xDrive

The 2021 BMW 540i xDrive is a luxury sedan known for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology. The 540i xDrive comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2021 5 Series include the 530i’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, and the M550i’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the 540i xDrive’s smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious interior. Common dislikes include the complicated infotainment system and the high cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (B58)

• Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold, burning oil smell, visible oil accumulation around the valve cover.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from various locations including the water pump, thermostat housing, and radiator hoses. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant puddles under the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty components, such as the water pump, thermostat housing, or radiator hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,200+ depending on the component
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or hesitant shifting, particularly at lower speeds. This can manifest as jerky acceleration or delayed gear changes.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) can resolve the issue. In more severe cases, the valve body or mechatronic unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (Software Update) - $3,000+ (Valve Body/Mechatronic Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature failure of the adaptive dampers can lead to a rough ride, poor handling, and error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty adaptive dampers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ per damper
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system can experience glitches, freezes, or software errors. Some owners report issues with the navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, or the touchscreen display.
  • Solution: A software update can often resolve these issues. In some cases, the iDrive unit itself may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $1,500+ (iDrive Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Driver Assist Sensors)
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty parking sensors or driver assist sensors (e.g., lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring) can cause error messages and disable these features.
  • Solution: Replacement of the defective sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor depending on type
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Comfort Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the comfort of the seats, particularly on longer drives. This can include complaints of insufficient lumbar support or discomfort in the thigh area.
  • Solution: There are aftermarket lumbar support products available for the seats, and also the seats may need to be re-upholstered for excessive discomfort.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (Lumbar Support Products) - $1,500+ (Re-upholstery)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: LED tail lights can experience individual LED failures or complete light failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the entire tail light assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per tail light
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 BMW 540i xDrive generally offers a refined driving experience. However, like many modern luxury vehicles, it can be prone to certain issues. Electrical problems with the infotainment system and sensor malfunctions are relatively common and can be annoying. Mechanical issues like oil and coolant leaks and transmission issues can be more costly to address. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs. It is also advisable to check the vehicle’s history for any prior repairs related to these common issues.