Bmw 530i 2001

Model 530i made in 2001 by Bmw got 31 consumer complains there are 3 recalls as well as 6 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to air bags, electrical system and engine and engine cooling. Technical service bulletines regarding exterior lighting, steering. There were some recalls concerningair bags, engine and engine cooling. The car has one 3.0 engine.

Model 2001

Engine [L]CylindersTransmissionDriveEstimate MPG (city/highway/combined)Unadjusted MPG (city/highway/combined)FuelFuel costClassRelease date
3.0 6Manual, 5 gearsR21/30/2423,0217/37,9588/27,9756Premium970COMPACT CARS
3.0 6Semiautomatic, 5 gearsR18/26/2120,0164/32,7719/24,2668Premium1107COMPACT CARS

Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
AIR BAGS - FRONTAL - SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
03V421000BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEfrom 01/01/2001 to 08/31/2001V (Vehicle)2300011/10/2003MFRBAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE10/24/200310/30/2003
Defect SummaryOn 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.
Consequence SummaryUnexpected 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.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the air bag control module. owner notification began november10, 2003. owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
NotesCustomers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN
01V206000BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEfrom 01/16/2001 to 06/18/2001V (Vehicle)7646909/28/2001MFRBAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE06/21/200107/02/2001
Defect SummaryVehicle 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.
Consequence SummaryIf 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.
Corrective SummaryDealers 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.
NotesAlso contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
02V138000BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE V (Vehicle)1550MFRBAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE05/16/200205/20/2002
Defect SummaryOn 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.
Consequence SummaryIf 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.
Corrective SummaryDealers 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.
NotesAlso contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SIB-63-02-0108/01/201010037025Ready04/27/2011
SIB-63-02-0108/01/201010037025Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty. *rm04/27/2011
STEERING - ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
SIB-32-04-0706/01/201010036979Ready04/25/2011
SIB-32-04-0706/01/201010036979Bmw: a new technical process has been created for bmw to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models. *rm04/25/2011
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
SIB-32-04-0706/01/201010036979Ready04/25/2011
SIB-32-04-0706/01/201010036979Bmw: a new technical process has been created for bmw to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models. *rm04/25/2011

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
AIR BAGS
09/04/200461190203/01/2004
 I had stoped behind a stalled car on us95 in las vegas, nv and was rear ended and pushed into the car in front. both the drivers seat and the passenger seat broke, and we were both nearly prone and under the lap and seat belts.*ak also, the air bags did not deploy which i am not sure they should or shouldn't have. i have no knowledge as to what will be done to the car since it could well be totalled as a loss. no internal injuries for the driver and passenger, but some scrapes and bruises.
AIR BAGS - FRONTAL
04/22/200653000102/01/2005
 Dt*: the contact stated while exiting a parking lot at 3 mph the front passenger side curtain airbag deployed and exploded. although the dealer and the manufacturer were alerted no inspection have been made.
AIR BAGS - SIDE/WINDOW
02/19/2010128000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw 530i. the contact stated while driving at 25 mph the driver side air bag located in the door and the side curtain air bag deployed. the contact suffered a minor injury to the left arm. the contact pulled over to check the vehicle for damages. there were no damages to the vehicle that would cause the air bag to deploy. the contact was able to drive the vehicle home. the contact called the manufacturer and they informed the contact that due to the vin number the contact's vehicle was not included in the recall. the contact feels this vehicle should be added to the current recall. the failure mileage was 128,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11/14/200340001
 Radiator fan makes a loud noise, drew current while engine was off. dealer replaced battery twice. 5,900 miles. *tr
01/30/200319500303/01/2001
 Electrical malfunction - computer resets while driving turning off lights, stalling motor and all electrical systems. power returns to normal after 4 seconds of power down. stored computer values reset to factory defaults which include maintain schedules and indicators. dealer would not perform warranty maintenance until reset indicators expire. we drove 36,000 miles on original oil until that time when the oil service indicator activated. requesting odi id # 8016663 to compare fault. first event at 10k miles, second event at 19,500 miles and 3rd on at 35,500 on jan 30, 2003 after we schedule appointment for service.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
12/19/2007553191
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 bmw 530i. the contact has experienced continuous failures with the radiator since the vehicle was purchased. while driving 25 mph, the top housing of the radiator detached and caused the engine to fail. the contact noticed smoke under the hood. upon opening the hood, water began spraying from the radiator. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they determined that the system overheated. the vehicle was not designed with a pressure release cap, which caused the radiator to explode. the vehicle was repaired at the cost of $1,500. two years later, while driving 20 mph, the radiator failed and exploded. the vehicle overheated and was towed to the dealer. the contact was informed that the plastic on the overflow tank detached and caused the vehicle to overheat. the vehicle was repaired at the cost of $400. the manufacturer stated that the radiator was designed correctly; therefore, no compensation would be provided. the failure mileage was 55,319 and current mileage was 64,699. updated 020209 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle did not equipped with a pressure relief system for the radiator. updated 02/03/09.*jb
04/10/200855001
 2001 bmw 530i - electric fan come on and makes a very loud noise, it has been previously replaced because it was drawing current even when off that resulted in battery replacement twice. *tr
01/03/2008150000101/22/2003
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 bmw 530i. the contact stated the she heard an explosion coming from the engine compartment after the she cranked the vehicle. as a result, the vehicle sustained major damage. as of january 7, 2008, the dealer had not inspected he vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 150,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
11/14/200340001
 Radiator fan makes a loud noise, drew current while engine was off. dealer replaced battery twice. 5,900 miles. *tr
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS
02/12/200541000202/12/2005
 Broken headlight adjusters on both headlights. headlights are sealed beams and non-repairable (parts are not available). if proper adjustment can't be made, it could impair the drivers ability to see at night or it could blind on-coming traffic. *jb
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES - DOORS - LATCH
01/17/200630450109/08/2001
 The automatic door locking system failed while driving my 2001 bmw 530i completely disabling the driver side door. it would not open manually. egress from car was limited to passenger and rear doors. a potentially unsafe condition in event of an accident. *nm
OTHER
01/01/19013
 Complaint regarding the cup holders in the 2001 bmw 530i.*mr the consumer stated he has been burned several times by the spilling of a hot beverage that was in the cup holed. the consumer stated a typical 16oz cup will not stay in the cup holder. *jb
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
03/26/201174000
 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 similair complaints on the web- nhtsa should investigate and force bmw to issue a recall.
12/14/2010105000
 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.
10/16/2010112000
 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.
12/28/2008987501
 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. *tr
08/07/2006775001
 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. *tr
SEATS
09/04/200461190203/01/2004
 I had stoped behind a stalled car on us95 in las vegas, nv and was rear ended and pushed into the car in front. both the drivers seat and the passenger seat broke, and we were both nearly prone and under the lap and seat belts.*ak also, the air bags did not deploy which i am not sure they should or shouldn't have. i have no knowledge as to what will be done to the car since it could well be totalled as a loss. no internal injuries for the driver and passenger, but some scrapes and bruises.
02/15/20021
 While driving driver's seat is not properly attached to vehicle due to movements and shifting. could happen while driving or stopping, dealer was contacted. *ak *yh

Car dealers selling


StateCityZipNamePhone
CASANTA ANA92705CREVIER BMW
FLGAINESVILLE32602WADE RAULERSON HONDA352-372-2329
NJMAYWOODPARK AVENUE BMW
NVLAS VEGAS89134-7106DESERT BMW702-871-1010
TXHOUSTONMOUNTAIN BMW713-596-3270