Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2001 BMW 540I peaked in 2009, with 2 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model yearDo not drive
2001 BMW 540I
Sedan, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Mar 28, 2001 to Mar 3, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year4259k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints15Close to the median 2001 sedan
Severity index6.72001 sedans average 13.3
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Components
33% of complaints about the 2001 BMW 540I name airbags
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
4 recall campaigns cover the 2001 BMW 540I
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19V-015 | Jan 14, 2019 | This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheelDo not drive | Airbags | 157,549 | Part replacement |
| 03V-421 | Oct 24, 2003 | On certain passenger vehicles, a microprocessor in the air bag control module, which activates the front air bags, the side air bags, the front… | Airbags | 23,000 | Part replacement |
| 02V-138 | May 16, 2002 | On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled | Engine and cooling | 1,550 | Part replacement |
| 01V-206 | Jun 21, 2001 | Vehicle description: passenger vehicles | Engine and cooling | 76,469 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2001 BMW 540I
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
15 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Mar 3, 2026Failure Mar 3, 2026Escondido, CAAir bags
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (17V047000 (AIR BAGS) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
NHTSA complaint 11721725 - Filed Mar 21, 2023Failure Nov 1, 2022105,000 milesMenlo Park, CAAir bags, 12v/24v/48v battery
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540I. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unknown air bag recall repair; however, the failure occurred a year after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, an explosion was heard. The contact entered the vehicle and noticed that the passenger's side air bag had deployed, which shattered the front windshield. The air bag and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The driver's side air bag deployed a month later. The contact stated that there was no impact to the vehicle that could have caused the air bags to deploy. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal sound after it was turned off. The vehicle also needed to be jumpstarted daily due to the battery failing to retain a charge. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
NHTSA complaint 11513083 - Filed Jan 14, 2020Failure Apr 12, 2014145,000 milesWatertown, CTEngineCrash
M62 V-8 ENGINES USED IN THE E-39 540 AND E-38 740 ARE NOTORIOUS FOR FAULTY TIMING CHAIN GUIDES. AT AROUND 125,000 THE PLASTIC CAN DISINTEGRATE CAUSING THE CHAIN TO SKIP A TOOTH. ONCE A TOOTH IS SKIPPED THE VALVES ARE CRUSHED AND THE ENGINE IS DESTROYED. THE COST TO REPLACE THE GUIDES IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE. I WAS LUCKY IN THAT I REPLACED MINE AT 140,000 MILES
NHTSA complaint 11299247 - Filed May 21, 2017Failure Mar 10, 2017156,000 milesAlpharetta, GAAir bags
TAKATA RECALL: BOTH THE MANUFACTURER (BMW NORTH AMERICA) AND THE LOCAL DEALER (UNITED BMW OF ROSWELL, GA) ARE REFUSING TO PERFORM THE INSPECTION OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE REFERENCED VEHICLE, PER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 17V-047. DEALER CLAIMS THAT NO INSPECTION IS REQUIRED SINCE MANUFACTURE'S SERVICE RECORDS FOR THIS VIN SHOW THAT THE "AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT" WAS REPLACED 6/22/04. HOWEVER, THE OPEN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ON THIS VEHICLE NOTES THAT THE INFLATOR MAY HAVE BEEN REPLACED PREVIOUSLY BUT THAT THE INFLATOR THAT WAS REPLACED STILL NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED AT THIS TIME AS IT MAY BE FAULTY.
NHTSA complaint 10990793 - Filed Jul 1, 2016Failure May 1, 201675,000 milesPotomac, MDAir bags
POSSIBLE TAKATA INFLATOR: AT FIRST THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON OCCASIONALLY AND NOW THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON ALL AT THE TIME.
NHTSA complaint 10882005 - Filed May 5, 2015Failure Mar 31, 2015130,000 milesFresno, CASteering
THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE POWER STEERING PUMP ON MY 2001 BMW 540I SNAPPED ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM PIECES OF THE BRACKET RESULTING IN MY BELTS AND PULLEYS TO BE THROWN AND DESTROYED. THE REPAIR IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND TIME CONSUMING. THIS IS BECOMING A MORE AND MORE COMMON PROBLEM ON THE E39 STYLE 1997-2003 BMW 540I'S. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10714790 - Filed Feb 14, 2014Failure Jan 15, 201489,000 milesChagrin Falls, OHSteering
POWER STEERING BRACKETS ON THESE CARS BREAK. HAPPENED TO ME AND THREW A BELT DURING A TURN. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD AS YOU HAVE NO POWER STEERING WHEN THE BRACKET BREAKS AND THE BELT IS THROWN. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE IF YOU SEARCH ON BMW FORUMS AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY BMW! THIS IS HAPPENING TO MY VEHICLE FOR THE SECOND TIME. OTHER OWNERS REPORT MULTIPLE INSTANCES AS WELL. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10564400 - Filed Feb 10, 2011Failure Feb 6, 201173,263 milesCentral Islip, NYPower train
2001 BMW 540I REVERSE GEAR FAILURE ON ZF 5HP24 (A5S 440Z) TRANSMISSION. MY BMW WILL NO LONGER ENGAGE REVERSE, CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS STILL IN NEUTRAL.
NHTSA complaint 10382233 - Filed May 21, 2010Failure May 16, 201098,000 milesSpring Branch, TXElectrical system, Exterior lighting
3RD (HIGH) TAIL LIGHT BULB AND SOCKET OVERHEATS AND MELTS, RENDERING THE LIGHT INOPERABLE AND POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE HAZARD. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10331632 - Filed Mar 19, 2009Failure Mar 10, 2009Manchester, NHElectrical system
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN FAULTY THERMOSTAT CAUSED ALL WIRING TO MELT AND LEAD TO A DAMAGE OF MAIN COMPUTER. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10262484 - Filed Feb 5, 2009Failure Feb 5, 200984,000 milesBrooklyn, NYAutomatic transmission
ON MY 2001 BMW 540I WITH 84000 MILES WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO REVERSE IT WILL NOT REVERSE JUST FILLS LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10257554 - Filed Dec 8, 2005Failure Dec 3, 200570,000 milesSAN Francisco, CAAutomatic transmission
I OWN A 2001 BMW 540I. I WILL PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE CAR WILL MOVE REALLY SLOW, AS I GIVE IT A LITTLE GAS TO GO, THE CAR WILL ONLY REV UP THEN JUMP INTO GEAR. THIS WILL CAUSE A VERY STRONG JERK TO THE CAR. THE CAR ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES, I FEEL THAT IT IS MUCH TOO SOON FOR A $65,000 CAR TRANSMISSION TO GO BAD. I TOOK THE CAR TO BMW TO FIND OUT THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. (COST $5600) I HAVE NOT FIX THE CAR IN HOPE THAT I WILL FIND A SOLUTION FOR BMW TO FIX IT. *NM
NHTSA complaint 10144779 - Filed Jan 16, 2003Failure Oct 24, 2002127 milesMartinez, CAElectrical system, Wiring
BMW 540I ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS / DAMAGE TO INTERNAL HEATING AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. THEY POSE A HAZARD DUE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURE CHANGE IN THE CAR INTERIOR. THE HOT / AND COLD SENSATION LEAVES THE DRIVER FEELING SICK / NAUSEOUS.
NHTSA complaint 10002772 - Filed Jan 22, 2002Failure Jan 15, 2002Norfolk, VAIgnition
VEHICLE FAILS TO START. TOWED TO DEALER. UNABLE TO LOCATE SOURCE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
NHTSA complaint 8002567 - Filed Mar 28, 2001Failure Mar 23, 2001NEW York, NYSide/window
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 60MPH ON INTERSTATE AND SIDE/ TOP AIRBAGS EXPLODED. AFTER THEY EXPLODED, WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE LOST POWER. DEALER GAVE CONSUMER A LOANER CAR . CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED.*AK
NHTSA complaint 884456
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
13 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- B510819 Jan 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. - B160623 Dec 20, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too l… - B653423 Nov 22, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâ™s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additio… - B013118 Apr 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018. - B013118 Apr 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018. - B080119 Feb 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recal… - B011618 Jan 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES. - B650916 Nov 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide - B011618 Oct 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? c… - B122917 Dec 1, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module. - SIB-63-02-01 Aug 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM - SIB-32-04-07 Jun 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM - SIB-16-02-09 Dec 1, 2009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. IN SOME CASES…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.