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Vehicle recall 99V004000 · January 4, 1999

BMW 540i, 540iA and 3 more models

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The thickness of the main positive electrical cable (generator to starter) insulation is less than specified, making it susceptible to being abraded or cut by the clip that secures the cable to the generator.
Consequence
The cable insulation can be worn away, exposing the wire. The wire could contact the clip or a short circuit could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will apply a thickness of insulating tape to the cable in the area of the clip, and install a revised clip.
Notes
Owner notification began February 26, 1999.OWNERS who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-0117. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

NHTSA campaign
99V004000
Reported to NHTSA
January 4, 1999
Filed by
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Owner notification
February 26, 1999
Vehicles potentially affected
1,615
Initiated by
the manufacturer
Components
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
Recall 99V004000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Has your BMW been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A BMW dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.