2001 BMW M5 recalls and problems

The 2001 BMW M5 has 3 safety recalls and 4 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
3
Complaints
4
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 BMW M5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 BMW M5 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.

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 01V-001: Tires

Reported Jan 4, 2001 · 3,167 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2001 BMW M5 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags3
Tires1

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,391 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 M5 complaints

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

Air Bags · at 108,000 miles · reported Feb 23, 2012
The contact owns a 2001 bmw m5. While parked, the front driver and passenger side air bags deployed inadvertently. The contact referenced NHTSA 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.
Air Bags · at 59,000 miles · reported Oct 20, 2011
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 NHTSA 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.
Tires · at 68,391 miles · reported Jan 18, 2009
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…

Other BMW M5 years

Compare all BMW M5 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 BMW M5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 BMW M5: 17V-047 (air bags), 03V-421 (air bags), 01V-001 (tires). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report air bags problems most often (3 reports), followed by tires (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,391 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.