2001 BMW 540IA recalls and problems

The 2001 BMW 540IA has 3 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

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

2001 BMW 540IA recalls

Recall 03V-421: Air Bags

Reported Oct 24, 2003 · 23,000 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

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.

Recall 02V-138: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported May 16, 2002 · 1,550 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

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.

Recall 01V-206: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jun 21, 2001 · 76,469 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

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.

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.

2001 BMW 540IA problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine and Engine Cooling	4
Seat Belts	1
Electrical System	1
Power Train	1
Air Bags	1

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly — 3
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
Electrical System › Wiring — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 57,000 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 540IA complaints

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

Air Bags · reported May 16, 2017

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 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…

Power Train · at 51,000 miles · reported Oct 30, 2009

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.

Electrical System · at 90,000 miles · reported Sep 19, 2005

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…

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 36,000 miles · reported Feb 6, 2005

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 57,000 miles · reported Nov 28, 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.

Other BMW 540IA years

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Compare all BMW 540IA years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 BMW 540IA have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 BMW 540IA: 03V-421 (air bags), 02V-138 (engine and engine cooling), 01V-206 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (4 reports), followed by seat belts (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 57,000 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.