2001 BMW 540IA Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other 540IA years
- Not enough data 4th of 7 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 3 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 BMW 540IA. That ranks 4th out of 7 540IA model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (3 complaints, 43%), typically at around 57,000 miles. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 7owner complaints
- 3safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2001 BMW 540IA problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 43% | 57,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 1 | 14% | — | — | — |
| Electrical System | 1 | 14% | 90,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 1 | 14% | 51,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 14% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2001 BMW 540IA recalls (3)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Problem: 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.
Risk: Unexpected deployment of the air bag(s) could cause serious injury if an occupant is too close to the deploying air bag(s). In addition, the battery safety terminal may also be activated. If that happens, the starter cable would become disconnected from the battery, and the engine could not be restarted.
Fix: Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began november10, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan
Problem: 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.
Risk: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
Fix: 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.
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan
Problem: 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.
Risk: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
Fix: 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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw 540ia. The contact stated that the recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 17v047000 (air bags) was received in january of 2017. After taking the vehicle to the dealer the contact was informed that the air bag inflator was previously replaced in 2006 and did…
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
I have a 2001 bmw 540ia [xxx] and all the external lights are gradually failing. In all cases the lights bulbs are ok. First the passenger side rear turn signal light failed, then the drivers side daylight running light, then the passenger side reversing light, then the passenger side brake light…
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
Water pump failure. Coolant leaking from shaft. Radiator failure, drivers side top radiator nipple inlet cracked. *ak
Other BMW 540IA years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 540IA | 2 | 1 |
| 2001 | 7 | 3 |
| 2000 540IA | 8 | 0 |
| 1999 540IA | 10 | 2 |
| 1998 540IA | 3 | 1 |
| 1997 540IA | 12 | 0 |
| 1995 540IA | 0 | 1 |
See all BMW 540IA problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 540IA?
Owners most often report engine and engine cooling, air bags, electrical system problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 3 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2001 BMW 540IA?
Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2001 BMW 540IA a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 540IA model years, the 2001 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.