2001 BMW 530I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 20%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 BMW 530I, 20% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,750 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10372183, filed 2010-12, 105,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10360847, filed 2010-10, 112,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10396567, filed 2011-04, 74,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10237553, filed 2008-08, 77,500 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10257526, filed 2009-02, 98,750 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 13% |
| 2020 | 1 | 10% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 | 4 | 7% |
| 2004 | 11 | 9% |
| 2003 | 6 | 13% |
| 2002 | 3 | 10% |
| 2001 | 5 | 20% |
| 1994 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2001 BMW 530I
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 BMW 530I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology