2000 vs 2001 BMW 5 Series

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

2000

Nothing that 2001 lacks.

2001

Nothing that 2000 lacks.

Both years

  • Cooling system failure All years

    What to check: Ask for records of the expansion tank, water pump, thermostat and radiator, and watch the temperature gauge on a long drive.

    Euro Premium Parts calls the cooling system the most critical issue on the six, with plastic parts that turn brittle and can fail together, overheating the engine. CarGurus also advises watching the cooling system and changing the coolant regularly.

    CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Timing chain guides on the V8 All years One source so far

    What to check: Listen for a rattle at a cold start.

    Euro Premium Parts says the M62's plastic chain guides wear, and that a failed tensioner left alone can wreck the engine.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Cracks at the rear subframe mounts All years One source so far

    What to check: Have the rear subframe mounting points inspected for cracks, especially on a 540i.

    Euro Premium Parts says the mounting points in the body can crack under stress, making the car unstable, and that the repair means reinforcement welding.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Worn front control arm bushings and ball joints All years One source so far

    What to check: On the test drive, feel for vague steering and listen for clunks.

    Euro Premium Parts calls this nearly universal on E39s past 80,000 miles.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Missing pixels in the instrument cluster All years One source so far

    What to check: Look for dead rows of pixels in the cluster's display.

    Euro Premium Parts calls this very common on older E39s, and minor.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • VANOS wear on the six All years One source so far

    What to check: Feel for a rough idle or a loss of power.

    Euro Premium Parts says the VANOS solenoid and seals degrade with age, and that a rebuild kit is a well-known repair.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls

2000

  • 00V048000 2000

    The brake lamp switch can fail with the brake lamps stuck on or off. Dealers inspect it and fit an improved switch if needed. NHTSA

2001

  • 01V206000 2001

    A failing cooling fan motor can overload the fan's control unit and stop the fan. Dealers replace the fan. NHTSA

  • 02V138000 2001

    A failing cooling fan motor can overload the fan's control unit and stop the fan. Dealers replace the fan. This adds cars to 01V206000. NHTSA

  • 03V421000 2001

    A microprocessor in the airbag control module can fail and fire the airbags, seat belt pretensioners or battery safety terminal unintentionally. Dealers replace the module. NHTSA

  • 17V047000 2001–2002

    A replacement driver's airbag inflator can rupture as its propellant degrades. Owners are told not to drive until dealers inspect and replace it. NHTSA

Both years

  • 19V015000 2000–2003

    The sports steering wheel's airbag inflator can explode as its propellant degrades. Owners are told not to drive until dealers inspect and replace it. NHTSA

What changed between

After 2000, up to and including 2001.

  1. 2001A facelift brings new lights and the 525i and 530i in place of the 528i, plus rear head airbags, parking sensors and a bigger navigation screen. Edmunds, a published reference

What it came with

2000

Engines
2.8L inline-six (1997–2000) CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Four-speed automatic (1997–2000) Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

2001

Engines
2.5L inline-six (2001–2003) CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L inline-six (2001–2003) Edmunds, a published reference

Both years

Engines
4.4L V8 CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Five-speed manual Edmunds, a published reference, Five-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference, Six-speed manual Edmunds, a published reference
Drivetrains
Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, a published reference
Body styles
Sedan Edmunds, a published reference, Sport Wagon (1999–2003) Edmunds, a published reference
Packages
Sport Package Edmunds, Cold Weather Package Edmunds

Colors

2000

  • Electric Red 2000 Edmunds
  • Anthracite Metallic 2000 Edmunds
  • Siena Red Metallic 2000 Edmunds
  • Sahara Beige Metallic 2000 Edmunds
  • Aspen Silver Metallic 2000 Edmunds
  • Glacier Green Metallic 2000 Edmunds
  • Biarritz Blue Metallic 2000 Edmunds

2001

Nothing that 2000 lacks.

Both years

  • Orient Blue Metallic 2000–2003 Edmunds
  • Alpine White 2000–2003 Edmunds
  • Jet Black 2000–2003 Edmunds
  • Titanium Silver Metallic 2000–2003 Edmunds
  • Oxford Green Metallic 2000–2003 Edmunds

Interiors

2000

  • Stone Green 2000 Edmunds

2001

Nothing that 2000 lacks.

Both years

  • Sand 2000–2003 Edmunds
  • Gray 2000–2003 Edmunds
  • Black 2000–2003 Edmunds

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2000

Nothing that 2001 lacks.

2001

Nothing that 2000 lacks.

Both years

  • Sought after: The E39 as a driver's car All years One source so far

    CarGurus says the E39 is generally considered the most rewarding 5 Series to drive and the best of the breed to many fans, and that it is starting to appreciate as a classic. CarGurus