Photo: OSX / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2001 BMW 7 Series: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker 7 Series years.
52 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2001 7 Series?The 2001 BMW 7 Series has 52 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine and engine cooling.
Safety record for the 2001 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2001 BMW 7 Series vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 7 Series years only. How we score it
Is 2001 a good year for the 7 Series?
Across the 30 7 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2022) to 317 (2006). With 52 complaints, the 2001 7 Series sits above the model's median of 35.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2001 7 Series
engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan
Campaign 02V138000ON 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.
engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan
Campaign 01V206000VEHICLE 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.
steering:linkages:drag:link:connection
Campaign 10E021000FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
tires:sidewall
Campaign 01V001000VEHICLE 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and ownership phase.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 7 Series. See the full 7 Series owner picture and every model year.
Other 7 Series model years
Compare every 7 Series year side by side to see how 2001 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 7 Series against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy