NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 BMW 525i; the most frequently affected component is engine and engine cooling — fan. Owners filed 22 complaints, most often about electrical system. 1 recall carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.
Air bags — Inflator moduleCampaign 19V015000 · 14 Jan 2019
Do not drive until repaired
Problem: 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.
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.
Air bags — Sensor/control module-inactiveCampaign 03V421000 · 24 Oct 2003
Problem: 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: 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.
Engine and engine cooling — FanCampaign 02V138000 · 16 May 2002
Problem: 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: 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.
Engine and engine cooling — FanCampaign 01V206000 · 21 Jun 2001
Problem: 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: 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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 22 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Electrical system6 · 27%
Air bags4 · 18%
Engine and engine cooling4 · 18%
Engine4 · 18%
Vehicle speed control2 · 9%
Power train2 · 9%
Electronic stability control (esc)2 · 9%
Unknown or other1 · 5%
When complaints were filed
20011
20022
20031
20041
20051
20071
20081
20092
20102
20132
20171
20192
20204
20241
From owner complaints
I purchased my used 2001 bmw e39 525i two yrs ago with many issues as expected when i learned it was a "lease", prior owner never maintained the vehicle. I began to experience for months "airbag" light on. Paid for months having it reset, then i finally i started a search to locate a "recall for airbag module" for…
We arrived at church, and I remained behind finishing my makeup. My husband locked the car with the fob out of habit, and my foot was holding the passenger door open. Forgetting the door had been locked with the fob, I accidentally allowed the passenger door to close. I had no keys. Services began, not a soul in site…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 bmw 525i. While the contact was driving approximately 50 mph, the check engine light illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. After two hours, the contact turned the vehicle on and took it to a local repair shop where he was informed that the engine cooling fan needed…
Possible bmw recall issue (car spontaneously caught fire while car off). Car purchased on 11/8/17. On 11/16/17, car was parked in our driveway with ignition off after driving approximately 30 minutes. Approximately 10 minutes later, driver heard the car alarm go off which prompted him to go outside and saw flames and…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.