Looking at a Specific 2001 BMW 540I?
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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2001 > BMW > 5 SERIES

2001 BMW 540I
Sedan 4 DR
Rear wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2001 BMW 540I. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used BMW.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did not test this vehicle model.

Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Not tested by NHTSA
Passenger Not tested by NHTSA
Side Crash: Rating:
Front Seat Not tested by NHTSA
Rear Seat Not tested by NHTSA
Rollover Resistance: Rating:
Rollover Resistance Not tested by NHTSA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   G
Structure/Safety Cage   G
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   G
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   G
Leg/foot, right   G
Restraints/dummy kinematics   G
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The BMW 5 series was redesigned for the 1997 model year.</p> Dummy movement was well controlled. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury. Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. 1997 BMW 540i 4-door 3827 front seat-mounted torso airbags 111 188 71 4.4 L V8 18 24

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2001 BMW 540I . The crashworthiness data for this 2001 BMW 540I was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2001 BMW 540I bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 57 Substantially better than average
Collision Index 122 Worse than average
Theft Index 286 Substantially worse than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2001 BMW 540I are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2001 BMW 540I by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2001 BMW 540I still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: 09-28-2001
Units potentially affected: 1,550
NHTSA campaign number: 02V138000
Defective part or component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Description: On 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. If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment. Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during September 2001 (see recall campaign 01V206). 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.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 23,000
NHTSA campaign number: 03V421000
Defective part or component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
Description: 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. 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. Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification is expected to begin during November 2003. Owners should contact BMW at 1 800-831-1117.


This 2001 BMW 540I safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 5 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 4 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 5 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 5 of 5
  Performance Rating 5 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3.5 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 4.5 of 5
  Style Rating 4.5 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 4 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 4.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 3 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 4 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2001 BMW 5 SERIES reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2001 - 2005):
Category:    540 i 4 Dr Sedan:
Depreciation $20,665
Financing $11,314
Insurance $15,454
State Fees $2,080
Fuel $6,887
Maintenance $1,005
Repairs $1,336
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $58,741

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 4 years or 50,000 miles  
Drivetrain 4 years or 50,000 miles  
Emissions No data from source  
Corrosion 12 years with Unlimited mileage  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 4 years or unlimited miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Roadside assistance 4/unlimited. 2000-2002 full maintenance standard for 3/36. 2002 and newer full maintenance 4/50,000. 6/100,000 program upgrade available up to 5/60,000. Transferable if out of base maintenance warranty period there is a fee to upgrade. May require yearly inspection, at least every 2 years. 2003 and prior model years have a 6/unlimited warranty for corrosion. 2004 and newer model years have a 12/unlimited mileage warranty for corrosion. Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. J&L Warranty Pros recommends performing a vehicle information report to confirm applicable manufacturer warranty coverage.  

This 2001 BMW 540I warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

The benchmark for luxury sports sedans.
By Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief, NewCarTestDrive.com

Great cars abound in the mid-size sedan segment. Driving so many good ones can make us wonder whether BMW still has an edge. Climbing back into the 5 Series quickly dispels such notions, however. These sedan remain the benchmark for luxury sports sedans.

It isn't necessary to drive these cars up Spa's Eau Rouge to appreciate their exemplary handling. They track like they're on rails when cruising around sweepers on America's Interstates. Their suspensions offer a great balance between controlled ride quality and precise handling, though the sports suspension transmits road imperfections.

Overview:

BMW's 5 Series remains the quintessential midsize luxury sports sedan. Each model presents a distinct personality and price range, and all are wonderful cars in their own right.

The 5 Series sport wagons (525iT and 540iT) are fantastic. They offer much better handling than any sport-utility vehicle and better performance than most sedans; judged logically, they make a lot more sense than BMW's own X5.

A new 525i sedan drops the price of entry for 2001, and some minor styling revisions freshen the appearance of all models.

Read the complete 2001 BMW 5 Series review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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