2001 BMW 540iA Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 complaints

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. *JB

Feb 06, 2005

WATER PUMP FAILURE. COOLANT LEAKING FROM SHAFT. RADIATOR FAILURE, DRIVERS SIDE TOP RADIATOR NIPPLE INLET CRACKED. *AK

Dec 07, 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. *AK

Nov 28, 2004

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

TL* 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 THEN NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR A SECOND REPLACEMENT INFLATOR ALTHOUGH THE VIN ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE INDICATED THE RECALL WAS OUTSTANDING. THERE WAS NO FAILURE MILEAGE.

May 16, 2017

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

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. *TR

Oct 30, 2009

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

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 (LCM). I CONSIDER A FAILURE OF THIS NATURE TO BE COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE IN A 4 YEAR OLD VEHICLE AND A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO BMW NA, SO FAR THEY ARE NOT INTERESTED IN INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM. *NM UPDATED 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Sep 19, 2005

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

SEAT BELTS ON PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S SIDES ARE ABLE TO CUT INTO CONSUMER'S NECK. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS SUPPOSE TO FIX PROBLEM ON DAY OF PURCHASE. *AK

Apr 24, 2001

4.9/5.0

84 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 2001 BMW 540iA, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2001 BMW 540iA for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 2001 BMW 540iA 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

2001 BMW 540iA VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2001 BMW 540iA Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2001 BMW 540iA dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your BMW dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2001 BMW 540iA have?

The 2001 BMW 540iA currently has 7 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2001 BMW 540iA?

The most common problems reported for the 2001 BMW 540iA are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2001 BMW 540iA problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2001 BMW 540iA comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2001 BMW 540iA?

You can report safety problems with your 2001 BMW 540iA directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2001 BMW 540iA VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2001 BMW 540iA reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2001 BMW 540iA. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.