2001 BMW M5: common problems and reliability
An average M5 year.
4 owner complaints, most about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2001 M5?The 2001 BMW M5 has 4 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and tires.
Safety record for the 2001 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2001 BMW M5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other M5 years only. How we score it
Is 2001 a good year for the M5?
Across the 19 M5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 124 (2006). With 4 complaints, the 2001 M5 sits about the same as the model's median of 4.
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 M5
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 17V047000BMW 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.
air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Campaign 03V421000ON 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.
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 sharply divided by generation and is heavily influenced by ownership costs.
Owner insights cover all generations of the M5. See the full M5 owner picture and every model year.
Other M5 model years
Compare every M5 year side by side to see how 2001 ranks against the rest.
Compare the M5 against its rivals
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