Most common 2001 BMW M5 problems
Share of the 4 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW M5 complaints by model year
Best M5 years: 2010, 2016. Years to avoid: 2006. Compare all years →
2001 BMW M5 recalls (3)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began november10, 2003. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Tires › Sidewall
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.
Remedy: 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.
What 2001 BMW M5 owners say
Air bags
Tl* 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.
Tl* 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.
2001 BMW M5 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 12 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 BMW M5 a good car?
Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 M5 rates few complaints: about as many complaints as a typical year of the M5 at the same age. 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 M5?
The air bags — 3 complaints, 75% of all complaints for this model year, most often about side/window. Next is the wheels & tires (1).
How many recalls does the 2001 BMW M5 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2001 BMW M5, 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 M5?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006. See the full BMW M5 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 BMW M5 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 0% 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.