2001 BMW 540I Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 13%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 2001 BMW 540I, 13% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,500 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.
“The bracket that holds the power steering pump on my 2001 Bmw 540I snapped on the top and bottom pieces of the bracket resulting in my belts and pulleys to be thrown and destroyed. The repair is very expensive and time consuming. This is becoming a more and more common problem on the e39 style 1997-2003 Bmw 540I's.”
NHTSA complaint #10714790, filed 2015-05, 130,000 miles“Power steering brackets on these cars break. Happened to me and threw a belt during a turn. This is an extreme safety hazard as you have no power steering when the bracket breaks and the belt is thrown. This is a known issue if you search on Bmw forums and should be addressed by Bmw! This is happening to my vehicle for the second time. Other owners report multiple instances as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10564400, filed 2014-02, 89,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10036979Jun 1, 2010Bmw: a new technical process has been created for bmw to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 BMW 540I
5 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEngine
1 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 28, 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