2001 BMW M5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 BMW M5: 3 recalls, 4 owner complaints and up to 15 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.
Tires Vehicle recall #01V001000 · 2001 · 3,167 vehicles
What's wrong: (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. The damaged area could weaken to the point where a sudden loss of air from the tire could occur.
Why it matters: Handling and control would be drastically affected increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V047000 · 2017 · 230,117 vehicles
What's wrong: 0i, x5 4.4i, and x5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles May have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that May rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity,…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: 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. The recall began March 15, 2017.
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
- Airbags (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2001 BMW M5 has 4 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 26 M5 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 4). Neighboring years: 2000 (4 complaints, 2 recalls), 2002 (6 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 19 | 15 | 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 M5.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 BMW M5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2001 BMW M5. 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 M5 problems?
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (3), tires (1).
What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW M5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (4.9 L, Manual 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 BMW M5 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.