2001 BMW 530I
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2001 BMW 530I. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2001 BMW 530I. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
25 complaints2 involved a crash5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 5301. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the warning light that the engine was overheating was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the failure had occurred at various speeds, and the vehicle stalled due to the engine…
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 5301. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the warning light that the engine was overheating was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the failure had occurred at various speeds, and the vehicle stalled due to the engine overheating. The contact was constantly refilling the coolant reservoir monthly. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and the radiator hoses were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V138000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Major fuel leak under engine of car on a cold start (colder temps ~40 degrees fahrenheit or less). Fuel smell immediately on start up, with a steady stream fuel dripping under the car...fuel lines the driveway when backing out. Dripping appears to stop after car warms up, so multiple failed…
Major fuel leak under engine of car on a cold start (colder temps ~40 degrees fahrenheit or less). Fuel smell immediately on start up, with a steady stream fuel dripping under the car...fuel lines the driveway when backing out. Dripping appears to stop after car warms up, so multiple failed attempts to diagnose issue. However, now can see that all injectors leak and spray fuel from the housing...appears to be where the plastic and metal meets. Car runs fine throughout this time. After searching the internet, it appears that the fuel injectors are known to be faulty and the problem was subsequently corrected at some point. There IS enough fuel pouring out to quickly ignite and burn up the car, garage, and home in a short amount of time. Shop quoted well over $2K to replace the injectors, and was uncertain if it would fix the problem. Asked me to tow the car from their lot, for fear it would ignite. Clearly a dangerous accident waiting to happen and it I am shocked to see there IS info online and at nhtsa, but no safety recall.
- Air bags
Air bag indicator light recently illuminated upon starting car. Now comes on each time car IS driven.
- Unknown or other
Was driving home from work 2.3 miles no a/c on pulled in driveway car was wissling smoke water pour out everywhere . Temp gage did not show over heated. All coolant gone burst and leaked out buttom of engine.
- Engine
Reverse trnsmission not working went out while driving. almost caused an accient.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel injectors leak in extreme cold temperatures. Exact temperature unknown but has been -5F for the past 3 days and the cabin fills with the smell of gas within moments and upon opening the hood you can see a mist of fuel from the injector. Tried it last night at 8F and no noticeable leak…
Fuel injectors leak in extreme cold temperatures. Exact temperature unknown but has been -5F for the past 3 days and the cabin fills with the smell of gas within moments and upon opening the hood you can see a mist of fuel from the injector. Tried it last night at 8F and no noticeable leak, although still faint smell. researched online only to discover this appears to be a consistent problem with people who live in very cold areas as myself. I purchased it used from a much milder climate. Very thankful it didn't catch on fire with my kids in it. Car will remain parked until fixed. I really hope this get looked into. As an insurance agent this IS very concerning to me, both on a personal level and as a professional responsibility. I am not very knowledgeable about cars and when I smelled it I thought it was an exhaustive leak or my fuel running too rich because of the cold, at first. but after getting a headache driving to work I decided it was more. Investigated trying to figure where it came from and once I discovered the smell was more intense under the hood I got worried. My husband investigated when I got home from work and thought I was overreacting since he only smelled a faint smell and looked everything over and saw nothing. This morning though, being cold and him running late for work, my car was running when he went to leave.he could smell it as he walked by. He opened it up and could see the mist of fuel. I have been driving my 3 kids to school the last two days with fuel spraying in the engine compartment. This IS a potentially deadly situation, but because it only occurs in extreme cold it IS easily overlooked and misdiaganosised. Especially as the vehicles are getting older, the drivers are more likely to overlook issues thinking they leaking in the exhaust or tank etc due to deterioration, as I did at first. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system · Structure › Body · Suspension
Takata recall 2001 BMW 530I several related to car accelerates has been reported for the 2001-2005 BMW 530I. car accelerates on its own problem 1 failure date: 12/15/2015 we owns a 2001 BMW 530I. The contact stated while pulling out of a bank of america in miami , florida parking space…
Takata recall 2001 BMW 530I several related to car accelerates has been reported for the 2001-2005 BMW 530I. car accelerates on its own problem 1 failure date: 12/15/2015 we owns a 2001 BMW 530I. The contact stated while pulling out of a bank of america in miami , florida parking space at 5 mph, the vehicle rapidly accelerated crashing into banks wall and the atm machine causing damage to the front of the vehicle and the decoration around the atm, but not the atm machine itself. Brakes were applied but failed due to the amount of acceleration. Only my wife was injured during the crash. After the crash we contact the dealership, they are trying to disregard our complaint and leave us on hold until the line drops. The failure happened with low mileage at just under 47,000 miles. other vehicle speed control related problems of the 2002 BMW 530 vehicle speed control problems 4 car accelerates on its own problems 1
- Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
I'm writing you this email after what happened on my way home from work last night. I got into my car after a day of meetings and turned on the driver's side heated seat. after about 5 minutes I realize that the left side of the seat cushion was getting very, very hot. I then noticed the smell…
I'm writing you this email after what happened on my way home from work last night. I got into my car after a day of meetings and turned on the driver's side heated seat. after about 5 minutes I realize that the left side of the seat cushion was getting very, very hot. I then noticed the smell of something burning. I immediately turned off the heated seat and then pulled into a gas station. when I got out of my car I noticed a hole burned into the left side of the seat. the burn mark IS about the size of a quarter. I've attached a picture of this spot. this also cause a small mark on the jacket that I was wearing, but that's not my issue. after this happened, I also notice that my airbag light has come on my dash board. when I called my local dealer this morning to ask them about this issue and to see if they have heard about this in the past they told me they've heard nothing of this issue, but that it would be $125.00 just to look at it. I said no thank you, appreciated their time and hung up. I'm just shocked that with BMW being such a reputable car company, that an issue such as this would not be something they would take care of in good faith. all I want IS the issue corrected. *kb *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2001 BMW 530I with 74,000 miles- well maintained, but suddenly the car won't go in reverse. I'm told that the automatic transmission has failed, and needs to be replaced. I've found hundreds of similar complaints on the web- nhtsa should investigate and force BMW to issue a recall. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2001 BMW 5301 with 105K miles won't go into reverse. car will move in reverse at idle on a flat surface but will not accelerate. I've noticed 100'S of people have had similar issues and that gm (trans mfg) has recalled similar issues on gm vehicles but BMW will not issue a recall itself. we need the help of nhtsa to require BMW to recall this dangerous and fault transmission part. *Ln
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I am filing this complaint on behalf of my daughter who IS the owner of the car. BMW 530I 2001 the vehicle was parked in my driveway, went to back it out of the driveway but it would not engage. The engine starts everything IS ok but the vehicle refuses to reverse. No problem with reverse before. Also there are no warning lights or anything indicating that something IS wrong with the car. *Tr
- Air bags › Side/window
TL* the contact owns a 2001 BMW 530I. the contact stated while driving at 25 mph the driver side air bag located in the door and the side curtain air bag deployed. the contact suffered a minor injury to the left arm. the contact pulled over to check the vehicle for damages. there were no…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 BMW 530I. the contact stated while driving at 25 mph the driver side air bag located in the door and the side curtain air bag deployed. the contact suffered a minor injury to the left arm. the contact pulled over to check the vehicle for damages. there were no damages to the vehicle that would cause the air bag to deploy. the contact was able to drive the vehicle home. the contact called the manufacturer and they informed the contact that due to the vin number the contact's vehicle was not included in the recall. the contact feels this vehicle should be added to the current recall. the failure mileage was 128,000.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Radiator fan makes a loud noise, drew current while engine was off. Dealer replaced battery twice. 5,900 miles. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
BMW 530I 2001. Failure of reverse gear almost caused a major accident evidently, this IS the most common failure on 3 & 5 BMW series with steptronic transmission years 2001-2003. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 BMW 530I. the contact has experienced continuous failures with the radiator since the vehicle was purchased. while driving 25 mph, the top housing of the radiator detached and caused the engine to fail. the contact noticed smoke under the hood. upon opening the hood…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 BMW 530I. the contact has experienced continuous failures with the radiator since the vehicle was purchased. while driving 25 mph, the top housing of the radiator detached and caused the engine to fail. the contact noticed smoke under the hood. upon opening the hood, water began spraying from the radiator. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they determined that the system overheated. the vehicle was not designed with a pressure release cap, which caused the radiator to explode. the vehicle was repaired at the cost of $1,500. two years later, while driving 20 mph, the radiator failed and exploded. the vehicle overheated and was towed to the dealer. the contact was informed that the plastic on the overflow tank detached and caused the vehicle to overheat. the vehicle was repaired at the cost of $400. the manufacturer stated that the radiator was designed correctly; therefore, no compensation would be provided. the failure mileage was 55,319 and current mileage was 64,699. updated 020209 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle did not equipped with a pressure relief system for the radiator. Updated 02/03/09.*jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2001 BMW 530I, with 77500 miles with transmission type zf 5hp19. Transmission went bad without warning while driving and changing lane, which cause to reduce my speed. I am was almost getting hit by car behind me. I contact the dealer and complained with out any responses. I did research online…
2001 BMW 530I, with 77500 miles with transmission type zf 5hp19. Transmission went bad without warning while driving and changing lane, which cause to reduce my speed. I am was almost getting hit by car behind me. I contact the dealer and complained with out any responses. I did research online and found many issues with these types of transmission. BMW of north american should recall this type to avoid getting someone hurt, because of malfunction design. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
2001 BMW 530I - electric fan come on and makes a very loud noise, it has been previously replaced because it was drawing current even when off that resulted in battery replacement twice. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 BMW 530I. the contact stated the she heard an explosion coming from the engine compartment after the she cranked the vehicle. as a result, the vehicle sustained major damage. as of january 7, 2008, the dealer had not inspected he vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 150,000.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Broken headlight adjusters on both headlights. headlights are sealed beams and non-repairable (parts are not available). if proper adjustment can't be made, it could impair the drivers ability to see at night or it could blind on-coming traffic. *Jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt*: the contact stated while exiting a parking lot at 3 mph the front passenger side curtain airbag deployed and exploded. although the dealer and the manufacturer were alerted no inspection have been made.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
The automatic door locking system failed while driving my 2001 BMW 530I completely disabling the driver side door. It would not open manually. Egress from car was limited to passenger and rear doors. A potentially unsafe condition in event of an accident. *nm
- Unknown or other
Complaint regarding the cup holders in the 2001 BMW 530i.*mr the consumer stated he has been burned several times by the spilling of a hot beverage that was in the cup holed. The consumer stated a typical 16OZ cup will not stay in the cup holder. *Jb
- Air bags · Seats
I had stoped behind a stalled car on US95 in las vegas, NV and was rear ended and pushed into the car in front. both the drivers seat and the passenger seat broke, and we were both nearly prone and under the lap and seat belts.*ak also, the air bags did not deploy which I am not sure they should…
I had stoped behind a stalled car on US95 in las vegas, NV and was rear ended and pushed into the car in front. both the drivers seat and the passenger seat broke, and we were both nearly prone and under the lap and seat belts.*ak also, the air bags did not deploy which I am not sure they should or shouldn't have. I have no knowledge as to what will be done to the car since it could well be "totalled" as a loss. no internal injuries for the driver and passenger, but some scrapes and bruises.
- Electrical system
Electrical malfunction - computer resets while driving turning off lights, stalling motor and all electrical systems. power returns to normal after 4 seconds of power down. stored computer values reset to factory defaults which include maintain schedules and indicators. dealer would not perform…
Electrical malfunction - computer resets while driving turning off lights, stalling motor and all electrical systems. power returns to normal after 4 seconds of power down. stored computer values reset to factory defaults which include maintain schedules and indicators. dealer would not perform warranty maintenance until reset indicators expire. we drove 36,000 miles on original oil until that time when the oil service indicator activated. requesting odi ID # 8016663 to compare fault. first event at 10K miles, second event at 19,500 miles and 3RD on at 35,500 on jan 30, 2003 after we schedule appointment for service.*ak
- Seats
While driving driver's seat IS not properly attached to vehicle due to movements and shifting. could happen while driving or stopping, dealer was contacted. *Ak *yh
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10247567Engine 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: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE
- 10245422Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicles equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.
- 10218384Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not affected.
- 10160287TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10160244TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10154816In 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 open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs.
- 10153726Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
- 10152674Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
- 10149557For 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 ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata driver?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
- 10135028SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10036979BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10033130BMW 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 well. In some cases, epc does not show that the repair kit IS available separately in the illustration, but it IS available in the parts description. All models. No model years listed.
Every BMW 530I model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.