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2001 BMW M5 problems

The most common problem on the 2001 BMW M5 is airbags. Its complaint count is close to a typical M5 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
10
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
15mpg

The worst 2001 BMW M5 problems

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

  • Airbags
    3
  • Tires
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Airbags
    3
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 3

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 20, 2017 · 230,117 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 17V047000 · Recall details

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

Tires: sidewallReported January 4, 2001 · 3,167 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 18-inch tires. (18-inch tires are standard equipment on the m5 and optional equipment on the 7-series models). The machine used to mount and inflate the tires on the wheels at the assembly plant may have damaged the sidewall of one or more tires. The damaged area could weaken to the point where a sudden loss of air from the tire could occur.
Risk
Handling and control would be drastically affected increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the tires and if damage from the mounting machine is found, the tire will be replaced. Owner notification began march 10, 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 01V001000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2001 BMW M5

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 BMW M5 10

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

2001 BMW M5 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.9L 8‑cylRWD121915

What 2001 BMW M5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 23, 2012 · Airbags · 108,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw m5. While parked, the front driver and passenger side air bags deployed inadvertently. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v421000 (air bags:frontal:sensor/control module) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.

Filed Oct 20, 2011 · Airbags · 59,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw m5. The contact stated that the air bag warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The manufacturer advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v421000 (air bags:frontal:sensor/control module). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 59,000 and the current mileage was 66,800.

Filed Jan 18, 2009 · Tires · 68,391 miles · CA

Hi, I purchased a pair of michelin ps2 high performance tires for $600 from tirerack.com and noticed that the lateral tread / groves are blocked with excess rubber throughout both tires. They were installed on 12/06/2008. I received documentation from another tire manufacturer that states the lateral groves play an important function to disperse water to minimize hydroplaning. Currently, tirerack denies my claim for an exchange. I contacted michelin and they referred me back to tirerack. Http://www.yokohamatire.com/customer_service/construction_tread.aspx the blockage is difficult to remove and would require me to use a sharp utility knife to my tires. I am not sure what michelin would say if they knew I took a knife to my tires. Tirerack so far has denied my request for an exchange claiming the problem is cosmetic and would go away. I differ because the problem blocks a functional safety and performance area of the tire and prevents its ability to disperse water. Tirerack's written warranty policy states that they would work with me and the manufacturer to resolve a claim. This has not happened according to my knowledge. I have even submitted a video and pictures. I am submitting this complaint because as a consumer who paid a premium for the most expensive and highest performance tires available, I would like to have the piece of mind that they will not fail... And when it comes to safety, a consumer should not have to contemplate if, when or the likelihood an accident would occur - even if one perceives the likelihood to be low. I'd rather not take that chance and it only takes one event to change someone(s) life forever. I therefore feel that tirerack has delayed this issue for over a month and has no regard for my safety or the safety of pedestrians on the road by making a swift exchange. Tirerack has so far only shown signs of only wanting to make money irregardless of safety. Please follow up on my concerns.

Filed Jun 13, 2003 · Airbags · NY

While driving at very low speed side air bags deployed.

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Questions about the 2001 BMW M5

Is the 2001 BMW M5 reliable?

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2001 BMW M5, close to a typical M5 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 BMW M5?

Airbags, with 3 complaints. Next is tires (1).

How many recalls does the 2001 BMW M5 have?

3 recalls, covering air bags and tires.

What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW M5 get?

Official estimates for the 2001 BMW M5 range from 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.9L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 12 city and 19 highway.

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