BMW issued a recall on the 5 SERIES model

On certain 540d xDrive models, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler could crack internally and leak. If this happens, you may notice the following symptoms: a warning symbol in the instrument cluster displaying a loss of coolant, reduced engine power, an unpleasant exhaust odour, an unusual noise from the engine and/or smoke from the engine compartment.

A cracked EGR cooler could create the risk of an engine fire.

BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the EGR module. The dealer will also inspect the intake manifold, and replace it, if necessary.