2001 BMW 540I Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 7%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 145,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the engine of the 2001 BMW 540I, 7% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 145,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“M62 v-8 engines used in the e-39 540 and e-38 740 are notorious for faulty timing chain guides. At around 125,000 the plastic can disintegrate causing the chain to skip a tooth. Once a tooth is skipped the valves are crushed and the engine is destroyed. The cost to replace the guides is extremely expensive. I was lucky in that I replaced mine at 140,000 miles”
NHTSA complaint #11299247, filed 2020-01, 145,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 1 | 11% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2018 | 3 | 10% |
| 2017 | 2 | 10% |
| 2003 | 1 | 14% |
| 2002 | 2 | 17% |
| 2001 | 1 | 7% |
| 2000 | 2 | 6% |
| 1999 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2001 BMW 540I
5 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 BMW 540I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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