The 2001 BMW 525I has 3 recalls, the most serious being a driver-side airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
This recall only affects vehicles where the original steering wheel was replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The other two recalls describe the same underlying issue: the electronically controlled engine cooling fan can stop working when the fan motor fails and overloads the control unit's circuitry, which can cause the engine to overheat and sustain damage.
At a glance
What can fail
The sports steering wheel air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for the affected sports steering wheel and replace the air bag module if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The engine cooling fan is electronically controlled and can fail. When the fan motor fails, it overloads the control unit's electrical circuits, causing them to fail and stopping the fan from operating.
What the fix does
The cooling fan will be replaced at no cost by an authorized dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine cooling fan is electronically controlled. If the fan motor fails, it can overload the fan control unit's electrical circuitry, causing the fan to stop working.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the fan at no cost. Contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117 if service is not completed within a reasonable time.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
