2001 Bmw 540i problems

General information about Bmw-540i
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The BMW E39 is the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series range of executive cars, which was manufactured from 1995 to 2004. It was launched in the sedan body style, with the station wagon body style (marketed as "Touring") introduced in 1996. The E39 was replaced by the E60 5 Series in 2003, however E39 Touring models remained in production until May 2004.

The proportion of chassis components using aluminium significantly increased for the E39, and it was the first 5 Series to use aluminium for all major components in the front suspension or any in the rear. It was also the first 5 Series where a four-cylinder diesel engine was available. Rack and pinion steering was used for four- and six-cylinder models, the first time that a 5 Series has used this steering system in significant volumes. Unlike its E34 predecessor and E60 successor, the E39 was not available with all-wheel drive.

The high performance E39 M5 sedan was introduced in 1998, powered by a 4.9 L (302 cu in) DOHC V8 engine. It was the first M5 model to be powered by a V8 engine.

Social links

Common 2001 Bmw 540i problems

The BMW 540i 2001 is a luxury vehicle known for its smooth power delivery and lovely handling. However, like any other car, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the BMW 540i 2001 based on complaints from car owners.

Valve Cover, Intake Manifold, and PCV Plate Oil Leaks: The valve cover, intake manifold, and PCV plate are known to leak oil in the BMW 540i 2001. This issue can cause a significant amount of oil to leak onto the ground and can lead to more severe problems if left unaddressed.
Behr Cooling System Leaks: The Behr cooling system in the BMW 540i 2001 has been reported to leak, which can cause the engine to overheat. This issue can be challenging to diagnose, and it is essential to address it promptly to avoid more severe damage to the engine.
Plastic DISA Valve Breaking and Destroying the Engine: The plastic DISA valve in the BMW 540i 2001 can break and destroy the engine. This issue can be catastrophic and can lead to the need for a complete engine replacement.
Cluster Pixel Tape Lifting: The LCD display on the dashboard of the BMW 540i 2001 can drop pixels and turn into a jumbled mess of letters and numbers. This issue can be caused by a faulty ribbon cable or the onboard computer.
Thrust Arm Bushings Failure: The thrust arm bushings in the BMW 540i 2001 can fail around 75,000 miles, causing loose steering and jittering when braking. This issue can be challenging to diagnose and can lead to more severe problems if left unaddressed.
Window Regulator Failure: The window regulators in the BMW 540i 2001 can fail due to age and wear and tear, causing the front and rear windows to stop working. This issue can be challenging to diagnose and can lead to more severe problems if left unaddressed.
Sensors Showing Their Age: Sensors in the BMW 540i 2001, such as the ABS and camshaft sensors, can start to show their age and fail. This issue can be challenging to diagnose and can lead to more severe problems if left unaddressed.
Parts of the Cooling System Failing: Parts of the cooling system in the BMW 540i 2001, such as the fan blades and radiator, can fail, causing the engine to overheat. This issue can be challenging to diagnose and can lead to more severe problems if left unaddressed.
Gearbox Going: The gearbox in the BMW 540i 2001 can go, leading to the need for a complete replacement. This issue can be challenging to diagnose and can lead to more severe problems if left unaddressed.
ABS System Going Wrong: The ABS system in the BMW 540i 2001 can go wrong, causing the ABS light to come on and the speedometer to stop working. This issue can be challenging to diagnose and can lead to more severe problems if left unaddressed.

It is essential to address these common issues promptly to avoid more severe problems and ensure the safety and reliability of the BMW 540i 2001. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and prevent these issues before they become more severe.

How much horsepower does a 2001 BMW 540i have?

282 hp2001 BMW 540i / Horsepower

The 2001 5 Series ranges in power from the 525i Sedan 4D with 184 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 8.3 seconds to the 540i Sedan 4D with 282 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds.

What engine does the 540i have?

The 2022 BMW 540i horsepower of 335 is one of the best produced by a modern sedan, thanks to a combo of a 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower engine mated to an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and a 48V hybrid technology.

Does the 540i have a turbo?

The 540i's engine is a turbocharged six-cylinder that makes 335 horsepower with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The hybrid makes it a seriously punchy ride, and that's on top of the car's already deft, energetic handling.

Is a 540i a E39?

From 1997 to 1998, the E39 model range in North America consisted of the 528i and 540i, In 1999 the M5 was introduced along with station wagon (marketed as "sports wagon") versions of the 528i and 540i.

What engine came in the 540i?

3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower engine

Why won't my BMW 540i start?

The most common reasons a BMW 540i won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

Is a 540i a E39?

Does BMW 540i have Turbo?

A Sporty, Gutsy Drive

The 540i's engine is a turbocharged six-cylinder that makes 335 horsepower with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

2001 Bmw 540i car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 540i problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Electrical system problems
Air bags problems
Power train problems
Steering problems
Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Bmw 540i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Bmw 540i complaints

The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Bmw 540i.

2023-03-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-11-01
VIN: WBADN634X1G
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Summary: The contact owns a 2001 BMW 540I. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unknown air bag recall repair; however, the failure occurred a year after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, an explosion was heard. The contact entered the vehicle and noticed that the passenger's side air bag had deployed, which shattered the front windshield. The air bag and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The driver's side air bag deployed a month later. The contact stated that there was no impact to the vehicle that could have caused the air bags to deploy. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal sound after it was turned off. The vehicle also needed to be jumpstarted daily due to the battery failing to retain a charge. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Add Complaint

2020-01-14

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-04-12
Crash: 1
VIN: WBADN53491G
Components: ENGINE
Summary: M62 V-8 ENGINES USED IN THE E-39 540 AND E-38 740 ARE NOTORIOUS FOR FAULTY TIMING CHAIN GUIDES. AT AROUND 125,000 THE PLASTIC CAN DISINTEGRATE CAUSING THE CHAIN TO SKIP A TOOTH. ONCE A TOOTH IS SKIPPED THE VALVES ARE CRUSHED AND THE ENGINE IS DESTROYED. THE COST TO REPLACE THE GUIDES IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE. I WAS LUCKY IN THAT I REPLACED MINE AT 140,000 MILES

Add Complaint

2017-05-21

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-03-10
VIN: WBADN63451G
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: TAKATA RECALL: BOTH THE MANUFACTURER (BMW NORTH AMERICA) AND THE LOCAL DEALER (UNITED BMW OF ROSWELL, GA) ARE REFUSING TO PERFORM THE INSPECTION OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE REFERENCED VEHICLE, PER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 17V-047. DEALER CLAIMS THAT NO INSPECTION IS REQUIRED SINCE MANUFACTURE'S SERVICE RECORDS FOR THIS VIN SHOW THAT THE "AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT" WAS REPLACED 6/22/04. HOWEVER, THE OPEN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ON THIS VEHICLE NOTES THAT THE INFLATOR MAY HAVE BEEN REPLACED PREVIOUSLY BUT THAT THE INFLATOR THAT WAS REPLACED STILL NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED AT THIS TIME AS IT MAY BE FAULTY.

Add Complaint

2016-07-01

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-05-01
VIN: WBADN53471G
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: POSSIBLE TAKATA INFLATOR: AT FIRST THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON OCCASIONALLY AND NOW THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON ALL AT THE TIME.

Add Complaint

2015-05-05

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-03-31
VIN: WBADN53431G
Components: STEERING
Summary: THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE POWER STEERING PUMP ON MY 2001 BMW 540I SNAPPED ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM PIECES OF THE BRACKET RESULTING IN MY BELTS AND PULLEYS TO BE THROWN AND DESTROYED. THE REPAIR IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND TIME CONSUMING. THIS IS BECOMING A MORE AND MORE COMMON PROBLEM ON THE E39 STYLE 1997-2003 BMW 540I'S. *TR

Add Complaint

2014-02-14

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-01-15
VIN: WBADN53481G
Components: STEERING
Summary: POWER STEERING BRACKETS ON THESE CARS BREAK. HAPPENED TO ME AND THREW A BELT DURING A TURN. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD AS YOU HAVE NO POWER STEERING WHEN THE BRACKET BREAKS AND THE BELT IS THROWN. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE IF YOU SEARCH ON BMW FORUMS AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY BMW! THIS IS HAPPENING TO MY VEHICLE FOR THE SECOND TIME. OTHER OWNERS REPORT MULTIPLE INSTANCES AS WELL. *TR

Add Complaint

2011-02-10

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2011-02-06
VIN: WBADN63471G
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: 2001 BMW 540I REVERSE GEAR FAILURE ON ZF 5HP24 (A5S 440Z) TRANSMISSION. MY BMW WILL NO LONGER ENGAGE REVERSE, CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS STILL IN NEUTRAL.

Add Complaint

2010-05-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2010-05-16
VIN: WBADN53481G
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: 3RD (HIGH) TAIL LIGHT BULB AND SOCKET OVERHEATS AND MELTS, RENDERING THE LIGHT INOPERABLE AND POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE HAZARD. *TR

Add Complaint

2009-03-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-03-10
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT IN FAULTY THERMOSTAT CAUSED ALL WIRING TO MELT AND LEAD TO A DAMAGE OF MAIN COMPUTER. *TR

Add Complaint

2009-02-05

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-02-05
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: ON MY 2001 BMW 540I WITH 84000 MILES WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO REVERSE IT WILL NOT REVERSE JUST FILLS LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL. *TR

Add Complaint

2005-12-08

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-12-03
VIN: WBADN63451G
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: I OWN A 2001 BMW 540I. I WILL PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE CAR WILL MOVE REALLY SLOW, AS I GIVE IT A LITTLE GAS TO GO, THE CAR WILL ONLY REV UP THEN JUMP INTO GEAR. THIS WILL CAUSE A VERY STRONG JERK TO THE CAR. THE CAR ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES, I FEEL THAT IT IS MUCH TOO SOON FOR A $65,000 CAR TRANSMISSION TO GO BAD. I TOOK THE CAR TO BMW TO FIND OUT THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. (COST $5600) I HAVE NOT FIX THE CAR IN HOPE THAT I WILL FIND A SOLUTION FOR BMW TO FIX IT. *NM

Add Complaint

2003-01-16

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-10-24
VIN: WBADN63401G
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: BMW 540I ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS / DAMAGE TO INTERNAL HEATING AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. THEY POSE A HAZARD DUE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURE CHANGE IN THE CAR INTERIOR. THE HOT / AND COLD SENSATION LEAVES THE DRIVER FEELING SICK / NAUSEOUS.

Add Complaint

2002-01-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-01-15
VIN: N/A
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: VEHICLE FAILS TO START. TOWED TO DEALER. UNABLE TO LOCATE SOURCE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Add Complaint

2001-03-28

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-03-23
VIN: WBADN663451
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 60MPH ON INTERSTATE AND SIDE/ TOP AIRBAGS EXPLODED. AFTER THEY EXPLODED, WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE LOST POWER. DEALER GAVE CONSUMER A LOANER CAR . CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED.*AK

Add Complaint

2001 Bmw 540i recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2001 Bmw 540i.

2019-01-14

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Park It: 1
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2003-10-24

Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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 RESTARTED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

2002-05-16

Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

2001-06-21

Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Bmw 540i problems:

2000 BMW 540i reliability

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1615910-2000-BMW-540i-reliability

Mar 6, 2011 ... 2000 BMW 540i reliability. Thread: 2000 BMW 540i ... 2001 540i 6speed metallic silver ... My '01 540 has only had common problems that are very ...

E-39 540I common problems | BimmerFest BMW Forum

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/e-39-540i-common-problems.670733/

Jan 17, 2013 ... E-39 540I common problems · Behr cooling system leaking · Plastic DISA valve breaking & destroying the engine · Cluster pixel tape lifting · MID ...

e39 540i what are they like and whats the common faults ? - Page 1 ...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=72&t=1112862

Feb 15, 2012 ... Common issues around the 100k mark are bushes which begin to crack and will impact on steering/braking. Sensors can also start to show their age ...

2001 BMW 540i Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2001-bmw-540i/problems

Top 2001 BMW 540i Problems · Valve Cover, Intake Manifold, PCV Plate Oil Leaks · Multiple Parts May be Recommended For Leaks in Cooling System · Blower Final ...