2001 BMW 540IA: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 7 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Radiator cracked, disabling car on highway. Also caused xenon lamp failure. Replaced by dealer under warranty. This is a well known defect on bmw e-39 series cars. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2005
“Water pump failure. Coolant leaking from shaft. Radiator failure, drivers side top radiator nipple inlet cracked. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004
“2001 bmw 540i automatic transmission; approximately 57,000 miles; radiator cracked spontaneously under normal driving conditions; significant steam resulting in obscurred view of the roadway and other vehicles; car taken to local repair center; awaiting cost estimate and full damage report. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2004
Show 2 more owner reports
“Transmission from working perfect one day. And boom the next morning put it in reverse and it rolls back and revs as if it is in neutral. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2001
“Seat belts on passenger's and driver's sides are able to cut into consumer's neck. Contacted dealer, and dealer was suppose to fix problem on day of purchase. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2001
Recalls - 3 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A MICROPROCESSOR IN THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE, WHICH ACTIVATES THE FRONT AIR BAGS, THE SIDE AIR BAGS, THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONERS, AND THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL, MAY HAVE A MALFUNCTION THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UNINTENDED ACTIVATION OF ONE OR MORE OF THESE COMPONENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). 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 1-800-831-1117.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. 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 1-800-831-1117.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all 540IA years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact 540IA by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 BMW 540IA reliable?
NHTSA has 7 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 BMW 540IA. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2001 BMW 540IA have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.