2001 Bmw 540ia problems

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

BMW M62 is a naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine which was produced from 1995 to 2005. A successor to the BMW M60, the M62 features an aluminium engine block and a single row timing chain.

In 1998, a Technical Update included VANOS (variable valve timing) for the intake camshafts.

The S62 engine is the BMW M high performance version of the M62, which was released in the E39 M5, BMW Z8, Ascari KZ1, and the Ascari A10.

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Common 2001 Bmw 540ia problems

Based on the information gathered from various sources about the BMW 540i, particularly the 2001 model, here are some common problems reported by owners:

Timing Chain Guide Rails: Owners have experienced issues with the timing chain guide rails, which can lead to significant engine problems if not addressed promptly. This is a crucial component that requires attention to prevent engine damage.
Check Engine Light: Some owners have reported issues with the check engine light, which can be triggered by various factors such as catalytic converter problems. It is essential to diagnose the specific issue causing the light to ensure proper functioning of the vehicle.
Instrument Cluster Display: A common complaint involves pixelation or burnt pixels on the instrument cluster display. While this may not affect the performance of the car, it can be a nuisance and impact the overall driving experience.
Electrical System: Electrical issues, such as worn-down cables or malfunctioning components, have been reported by some owners. These problems can affect various systems in the car, leading to operational challenges.
General Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for the BMW 540i to ensure its longevity and performance. Neglecting maintenance can lead to a host of issues, including engine problems, suspension issues, and more.

By addressing these common problems proactively and ensuring regular maintenance, owners can mitigate potential issues and enjoy a smoother driving experience with their BMW 540i.

What engine came in the 540i?

3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower engine

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. It's enough power to whip up 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

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?

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.

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 540ia car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Engine and engine cooling problems
Air bags problems
Power train problems
Electrical system problems
Seat belts problems

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

2001 Bmw 540ia complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Bmw 540ia.

2017-05-16

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-01-02
VIN: WBADN63451G
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 540IA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JANUARY OF 2017. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG INFLATOR WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED IN 2006 AND DID NOT REQUIRE ANOTHER REPLACEMENT. AFTER READING THE SUMMARY FOR THE RECALL THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED DUE TO A CRASH OR AS A RECALL REMEDY, THE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG INFLATOR MAY ALSO EXPERIENCE A FAILURE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. THE CONTACT THEN NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR A SECOND REPLACEMENT INFLATOR ALTHOUGH THE VIN ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE INDICATED THE RECALL WAS OUTSTANDING. THERE WAS NO FAILURE MILEAGE.

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2009-10-30

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-10-29
VIN: WBADN63442G
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: TRANSMISSION FROM WORKING PERFECT ONE DAY. AND BOOM THE NEXT MORNING PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT ROLLS BACK AND REVS AS IF IT IS IN NEUTRAL. *TR

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2005-09-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-09-07
VIN: WBADN63441G
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: I HAVE A 2001 BMW 540IA [XXX] AND ALL THE EXTERNAL LIGHTS ARE GRADUALLY FAILING. IN ALL CASES THE LIGHTS BULBS ARE OK. FIRST THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TURN SIGNAL LIGHT FAILED, THEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHT, THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE REVERSING LIGHT, THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT, THEN DRIVERS SIDE HIGH BEAM, THEN THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TURN LIGHT ETC. FAILURES WERE OVER APPROXIMATELY A 2 WEEK PERIOD. THE MOST DISTURBING THING IS THE ONBOARD COMPUTER IS SHOWING ALL THE EXTERNAL LIGHTS WORKING CORRECTLY. MY BMW MECHANIC TELLS ME THE FAULT IS IN THE ONBOARD LIGHT CONTROL MODULE (LCM). I CONSIDER A FAILURE OF THIS NATURE TO BE COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE IN A 4 YEAR OLD VEHICLE AND A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO BMW NA, SO FAR THEY ARE NOT INTERESTED IN INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM. *NM UPDATED 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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2005-02-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-02-02
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: RADIATOR CRACKED, DISABLING CAR ON HIGHWAY. ALSO CAUSED XENON LAMP FAILURE. REPLACED BY DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT ON BMW E-39 SERIES CARS. *JB

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2004-12-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-12-07
VIN: WBADN63401G
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: WATER PUMP FAILURE. COOLANT LEAKING FROM SHAFT. RADIATOR FAILURE, DRIVERS SIDE TOP RADIATOR NIPPLE INLET CRACKED. *AK

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2004-11-28

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-11-28
VIN: WBADN63471G
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: 2001 BMW 540I AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; APPROXIMATELY 57,000 MILES; RADIATOR CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS; SIGNIFICANT STEAM RESULTING IN OBSCURRED VIEW OF THE ROADWAY AND OTHER VEHICLES; CAR TAKEN TO LOCAL REPAIR CENTER; AWAITING COST ESTIMATE AND FULL DAMAGE REPORT. *AK

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2001-04-24

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-02-05
VIN: N/A
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: SEAT BELTS ON PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S SIDES ARE ABLE TO CUT INTO CONSUMER'S NECK. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS SUPPOSE TO FIX PROBLEM ON DAY OF PURCHASE. *AK

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2001 Bmw 540ia recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2001 Bmw 540ia.

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 540ia problems:

2000 BMW 540i reliability

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

Mar 6, 2011 ... Research, learn the issues (check the FAQ) and find one with good service history, or plan to spend $5k putting it right. No current BMWs. 1994 ...

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 ...