Model year guide

2001 BMW 5 Series

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2001 BMW 5 Series is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 48 on record.

2001 BMW 5 Series — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2001 BMW 5 Series at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints3
Typical price$2,455

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2001 BMW 5 Series recalls 2

Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting NHTSA Campaign #19E058000 · 28/08/2019

ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.

Fix: ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan NHTSA Campaign #12E029000 · 10/08/2012

This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor o…

Fix: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2001 BMW 5 Series common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

What's a 2001 BMW 5 Series worth?

Low
$725
Typical price
$2,455
High
$4,100

From 47 comparable 2001 BMW 5 Series listings.

2001 BMW 5 Series trims & engines on record

Trims
530i · 525i · 540i
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 225 hp · 2.5L 6-cyl · 2.5L 6-cyl 184 hp · 4.4L 8-cyl 282 hp

2001 BMW 5 Series vehicles on record

Other BMW 5 Series model years

2001 BMW 5 Series — frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 BMW 5 Series have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2001 BMW 5 Series. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 5 Series?

Based on 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are exterior lighting, visibility, electrical system.

How much is a 2001 BMW 5 Series worth?

Comparable 2001 BMW 5 Series listings run roughly $725–$4,100, typically around $2,455 (from 47 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.