2001 BMW 540 Problems & Complaints

Average33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 540 at the same age

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2001 BMW 540 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the 540 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the air bags (2 complaints, typically around 87,000 miles). One recall covers this model year, including one with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.

5complaints
1recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2001 BMW 540 problems

  • Air bags~87,000 miles
    240%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    120%
  • Engine & cooling~41,000 miles
    120%
  • Steering~99,000 miles
    120%

Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

BMW 540 complaints by model year

199519972001675
Owner complaints per model year, BMW 540. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best 540 years: 2001. Compare all years →

2001 BMW 540 recalls (1)

Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 17V-047 · Jan 20, 2017 · 230,117 vehiclesDo not drive

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.

Remedy: 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.

2001 BMW 540 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.4L 8-cyl5-speed automaticRWD16 / 22 / 18
4.4L 8-cyl6-speed manualRWD14 / 21 / 16

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2001 BMW 540 a good car?

Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 540 rates average: 33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 540 at the same age. It is one of the best 540 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

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

The air bags — 2 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the speed control & acceleration (1) and engine & cooling (1).

How many recalls does the 2001 BMW 540 have?

There is 1 recall for the 2001 BMW 540, the most recent from January 20, 2017 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the BMW 540?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001. See the full BMW 540 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2001 BMW 540 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 87,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.