Check a VIN

2001 BMW 540IA problems

The most common problem on the 2001 BMW 540IA is engine and cooling. Its complaint count is close to a typical 540IA model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
12
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2001 BMW 540IA problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    3
  • Airbags
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    3
  • Airbags
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 3

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactiveReported October 24, 2003 · 23,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began november10, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.

Recall number 03V421000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported May 16, 2002 · 1,550 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 02V138000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported June 21, 2001 · 76,469 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 01V206000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2001 BMW 540IA

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 BMW 540IA 12

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 12 bulletins for the 2001 BMW 540IA

What 2001 BMW 540IA owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 16, 2017 · Airbags · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw 540ia. The contact stated that the recall notification for the federal safety agency 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 not require another replacement. After reading the summary for the recall the contact discovered that if the air bag inflator was previously replaced due to a crash or as a recall remedy, the replacement air bag inflator may also experience a failure and needed to be replaced a second time. The contact then notified the manufacturer and was also informed that the vehicle would not be eligible for a second replacement inflator although the VIN associated with the vehicle indicated the recall was outstanding. There was no failure mileage.

Filed Oct 30, 2009 · Transmission · 51,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Sep 19, 2005 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · TX

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, then drivers side high beam, then the drivers side front turn light etc. Failures were over approximately a 2 week period. The most disturbing thing is the onboard computer is showing all the external lights working correctly. My bmw mechanic tells me the fault is in the onboard light control module (lcm). I consider a failure of this nature to be completely unacceptable in a 4 year old vehicle and a serious safety defect that has the potential to result in an accident. I have reported the problem to bmw na, so far they are not interested in investigating the problem. *nm updated 07/18/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Feb 6, 2005 · Engine · 36,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed Dec 7, 2004 · Engine · 72,000 miles · CA

Water pump failure. Coolant leaking from shaft. Radiator failure, drivers side top radiator nipple inlet cracked.

Filed Nov 28, 2004 · Engine · 57,000 miles · LA

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.

Filed Apr 24, 2001 · Seat belts · CA

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2001 BMW 540IA before you buy

Compare the 2001 BMW 540IA

Other model years

199719981999200020012002

Questions about the 2001 BMW 540IA

Is the 2001 BMW 540IA reliable?

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2001 BMW 540IA, close to a typical 540IA model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 BMW 540IA?

Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is airbags (1).

How many recalls does the 2001 BMW 540IA have?

3 recalls, covering air bags and engine and engine cooling.

Was there a recall on the 2001 BMW 540IA engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 02V138000, 01V206000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Share your experience with the 2001 BMW 540IA

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2001 BMW 540IA?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN