In August 2022, just under 300 units of the 2018 BMW 540d xDrive Sedan were recalled for an exhaust gas recirculation module that could leak coolant. In combination with soot from the diesel engine and high temperatures, the resulting smoldering particles could melt the intake manifold. A fire under the hood is also possible, which is why the Bavarian automaker has decided to replace the EGR module and, if necessary, the intake manifold as well.
Two years after the publication of the safety recall 22V-614 on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website, BMW has determined that some vehicles may have received the incorrect remedy. More specifically, a small number of incorrect remedies EGR Replacement modules could have been used to repair 15 units of the 2018 BMW 540d xDrive Sedan.
Both the correct and incorrect modules are from Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH, a German subsidiary of Benteler International AG based in Austria. To date, BMW of North America has received no reports of leaks or fires related to the condition described.
Dealers should inspect the EGR modules and intake manifolds of the above vehicles. If necessary, both will be replaced at no cost to affected customers. An exhaust gas recirculation module that is leaking coolant is relatively easy to identify. Not only would the driver experience a reduction in engine power, but the unpleasant odor and unusual noise and smoke coming from the engine compartment are enough to alert them to this problem.
The G30-gen executive sedans were produced at the BMW Group Dingolfing plant in Germany between October 9, 2017 and June 18, 2018 for the 2018 model year. Owners will be notified by first-class mail on September 30, 2024. Owners can find out if their diesel sedans have been recalled by entering the 17-character VIN starting with W on the automaker’s recall portal.
Photo: BMW
BMW of North America discontinued a handful of diesel vehicles after the 2018 model year. At the time, the lineup included the 328d, 540d, and X5 35d. Their indirect replacements are gasoline-powered mild hybrids or plug-in hybrids. In the case of the 540d, BMW claims 261 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 457 pound-feet (620 Nm) at 2,000 rpm from a turbocharged 3.0-liter I6.
B57 is the codename for the powerplant, with the B57 featuring a twin-turbo setup as opposed to the single turbo of the gas-guzzling B58. The ultimate incarnation of the B57 is a quad-turbo monster dubbed the B57D30S0 that's based on the F10-gen 5 series' N57S tri-turbo mill.
All versions of the B57 and N57 carry the TwinPower Turbo badge, which originally meant a single twin-scroll turbo. TwinPower Turbo also means Valvetronic, double VANOS and solenoid-type direct fuel injectors. When it comes to diesel engines, this is called common rail direct injection.
At press time, BMW's most powerful production turbodiesel engine is, of course, the B57. The G60-gen 540d xDrive for Europe is good for 286 ps (282 hp) and 650 newton metres (479 pound-feet), plus another 18 ponies and 200 newton metres (148 pound-feet) from the integrated starter-generator.