2001 BMW 540IA
3 recalls, 8 complaints - 18 TSBs
03V421000 Oct 24, 2003
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
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 RES... Read more
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
02V138000 May 16, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Defect Description
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 WITHI... Read more
01V206000 Jun 21, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Defect Description
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.
Complaint Statistics
8 total complaints
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | 3 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 1 |
| AIR BAGS | 1 |
AIR BAGS
May 16, 2017
Incident date: Jan 2, 2017
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 NO... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Oct 30, 2009
Incident date: Oct 29, 2001
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Sep 19, 2005
Incident date: Sep 7, 2005
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, T... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Feb 6, 2005
Incident date: Feb 2, 2005
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Dec 7, 2004
Incident date: Dec 7, 2004
WATER PUMP FAILURE. COOLANT LEAKING FROM SHAFT. RADIATOR FAILURE, DRIVERS SIDE TOP RADIATOR NIPPLE INLET CRACKED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Dec 7, 2004
Incident date: Dec 7, 2004
WATER PUMP FAILURE. COOLANT LEAKING FROM SHAFT. RADIATOR FAILURE, DRIVERS SIDE TOP RADIATOR NIPPLE INLET CRACKED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Nov 28, 2004
Incident date: Nov 28, 2004
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
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Apr 24, 2001
Incident date: Feb 5, 2001
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
Technical Service Bulletins, 2001 BMW 540IA
18 manufacturer communications from 10 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 140000 AIR BAGS | 5 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 2 |
| 072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 1 |
| 015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | 1 |
| 016000 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | 1 |
| 120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1 |
| 140100 AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE | 1 |
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B160623
Dec 20, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pre
B160623
Dec 20, 2023
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pre
B653423
Nov 22, 2023
350000 EQUIPMENT
Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle??A?A?s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) i
B653423
Nov 22, 2023
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle??A?A?s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) i
B013118
Apr 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
B013118
Apr 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
B011618
Jan 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
B011618
Jan 1, 2019
140100 AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
B650916
Nov 1, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
B011618
Oct 1, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?comp
B011618
Oct 1, 2018
140000 AIR BAGS
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?comp
B080119
Feb 1, 2018
140000 AIR BAGS
In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for
SIB-63-02-01
Aug 1, 2010
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM
SIB-32-04-07
Jun 1, 2010
016000 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM
SIB-32-04-07
Jun 1, 2010
015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM
SIB-16-02-09
Dec 1, 2009
072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WEL
BMW 540IA - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BMW 540IA across all model years (1989, 2002).
14
Total Recalls
48
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
3
Reported Crashes
9
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
BMW 540IA - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.