2001 BMW 540 recalls and problems

The 2001 BMW 540 has 1 safety recall and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Urgent: recall 17V-047 carries a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
1
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 BMW 540 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 BMW 540 recalls

Recall 17V-047: Air Bags

Do not driveReported Jan 20, 2017 · 230,117 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2001 BMW 540 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Steering1

Most reported parts

  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 87,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 BMW 540 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Sep 22, 2017
Dealership in concord california has been trying to delay repairing my vehicle airbag even after appointment. Did not even start fixing my vehicle after waiting 5 plus hours.
Steering · at 98,500 miles · reported Dec 2, 2012
I was driving along and I heard a "pang" sound followed by a loss of power steering, a moment later my battery light came on. I was able to get the car to a safe stopping place to be towed before the lost belt that followed overheated me. Pump snapped in at least one place making the pulley crooked, and shredding the belt.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 41,000 miles · reported Aug 26, 2003
Radiator failed at 40k miles in middle of rush hour traffic,obscuring vision while driving between many cars and then stranding car fat dangerous interchange.
Vehicle Speed Control · reported May 8, 2002
Accelerator pedal stcks when foot pressure is released. Response of accelerator is very quick. Dealer was notified. Gas pedal stuttering/ binding condition is worse when vehicle is out in sun for a few hours. Dealer replaced pedal three times.

Other BMW 540 years

20022001

Compare all BMW 540 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 BMW 540 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 BMW 540: 17V-047 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report air bags problems most often (2 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 87,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.