2001 BMW 540IA Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 43%of 7 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 BMW 540IA, 43% of the 7 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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 540i automatic transmission; approximately 57,000 miles; radiator cracked spontaneously under normal driving conditions; significant steam resulting in obscurred view of the roadway and other vehicles; car taken to local repair center; awaiting cost estimate and full damage report.”
NHTSA complaint #10100661, filed 2004-11, 57,000 miles“Radiator cracked, disabling car on highway. Also caused xenon lamp failure. Replaced by dealer under warranty. This is a well known defect on Bmw e-39 series cars.”
NHTSA complaint #10109932, filed 2005-02, 36,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V138000May 16, 2002On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor…Covers: BMW 540IA 2001, X5 2001, 330I 2001 +17 more
- 01V206000Jun 21, 2001Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the…Covers: BMW 540IA 2001, X5 2001, 330I 2001 +17 more
Related service bulletins
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Engine 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…
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 BMW 540IA
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 BMW 540IA
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