The Lemon Index2001 BMW 5 Series.
The 2001 BMW 5 Series is better than average by owner complaints: 21 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 50, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 16 to 21 mpg combined. The best BMW 5 Series year is 2016.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 86 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every BMW 5 Series year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 50K to 127K miles on the car (60 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- airbags 2019
This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel.
- airbags 2003
ON 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 …
- engine 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED.
Show all 4 recalls
- engine 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 14 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the…
- Engine will crank but not start
- Fuel level sensor repairs
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3800–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
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.
2001 BMW 5 Series owner · NHTSA complaint 10090595
More owner reports
While driving at very low speed side air bags deployed.
NHTSA complaint 10024045
Bmw 540i electrical problems / damage to internal heating and electrical equipment. They pose a hazard due to extreme temperature change in the car interior. The hot / and cold sensation leaves the driver feeling sick / nauseous.
NHTSA complaint 10002772
Quick answers
Is the 2001 BMW 5 Series reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 50; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW 5 Series year by this measure is 2016.
What are the most common 2001 BMW 5 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (33%), electrical (24%) and engine (24%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 BMW 5 Series have?
4 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW 5 Series get?
16 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2001 BMW 5 Series problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,100 and 127,000 miles. The middle report was at 86,500 miles, from 60 complaints.
Does the 2001 BMW 5 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2001 BMW 5 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $3800 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2001 BMW 5 Series have?
2.5L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
What BMW 5 Series year is better than the 2001?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2016, 2015 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works