2001 BMW 540IA: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 BMW 540IA: 3 recalls, 7 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #01V206000 · 2001 · 76,469 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Why it matters: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #02V138000 · 2002 · 1,550 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Why it matters: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during September 2001 (see recall campaign 01v206).
Airbags Vehicle recall #03V421000 · 2003 · 23,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began november10, 2003. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2001 BMW 540IA has 7 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 12 540IA model years for complaints (2.0× the average 540IA year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 57,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (8 complaints, 0 recalls), 2002 (2 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 BMW 540IA.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 BMW 540IA have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2001 BMW 540IA. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 BMW 540IA problems?
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (3), seat belts (1), electrical (1).
What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW 540IA get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 BMW 540IA repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.