VehicleVerdict

2001 BMW M5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2001 BMW M5 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other M5 years?

M5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted54 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 7 complaints2003: 3 complaints2006: 54 complaints2007: 8 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 3 complaints2013: 16 complaints2014: 4 complaints2015: 4 complaints2016: 1 complaints2018: 12 complaints2019: 10 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 4 complaints2022: 1 complaints2025: 2 complaints2026: 0 complaints
M5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 BMW M5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags375%
Tires & Wheels125%

Does the 2001 BMW M5 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V047000AirbagsJanuary 20, 2017 · 230,117 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

03V421000AirbagsOctober 24, 2003 · 23,000 units

Defect

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 MALFUNCTION THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UNINTENDED ACTIVATION OF ONE OR MORE OF THESE COMPONENTS.

Consequence

UNEXPECTED 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.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

01V001000Tires & WheelsJanuary 4, 2001 · 3,167 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH TIRES. (18-INCH TIRES ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE M5 AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE 7-SERIES MODELS). THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL OF ONE OR MORE TIRES. THE DAMAGED AREA COULD WEAKEN TO THE POINT WHERE A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE COULD OCCUR.

Consequence

HANDLING AND CONTROL WOULD BE DRASTICALLY AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 10, 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW M5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V421000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 20, 2010

“HI, I PURCHASED A PAIR OF MICHELIN PS2 HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRES FOR $600 FROM TIRERACK.COM AND NOTICED THAT THE LATERAL TREAD / GROVES ARE BLOCKED WITH EXCESS RUBBER THROUGHOUT BOTH TIRES. THEY WERE INSTALLED ON 12/06/2008. I RECEIVED DOCUMENTATION FROM ANOTHER TIRE MANUFACTURER THAT STATES THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · December 15, 2008

2001 BMW M5 — common questions

Is the 2001 BMW M5 reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2001 BMW M5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 BMW M5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW M5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the M5 years to avoid are 2006. The cleanest record among M5 years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.