Two problems related to brakes failed have been reported for the 2001 BMW X5. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2001 BMW X5. Without warning, the motor assembly fan failed and caused extensive radiator and engine damage. The radiator was extremely hot due to the failure. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the motor assembly fan needed to be replaced. The contact also mentioned that there was intermittent brake failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who made several unknown repairs, but the failure recurred. The brake pedal was not completely stopping the vehicle when it was depressed. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 03v001000 (service brakes, hydraulic), 02v194000 (service brakes, hydraulic), 01v197000 (service brakes, hydraulic), 02v138000 (engine and engine cooling), and 01v206000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 181,060.
My husband and I have both experienced total brake failure with our brand new BMW X5. I experienced the brake failure two and a half weeks after purchase. We immediately took the vehicle to vob BMW for work. Vob said they never found any problem, and claimed to have replaced the hydralic system. They had the car for 14 days. We picked up the vehicle on a March 15th. The brakes failed again, with my husband driving on the 17th. We had the vehicle towed to vob, where it is still sitting today 4/2/01. Both brake failures were simular. My husband and I were both driving on dry pavement. It was shortly after turning the vehicle on, and we were both driving at a low rate of speed (approx. 35 mph). Neither of us were doing hard breaking, rather just tying to slow the vehicle. Upon pressing on the brake, the brake pedal went directly to the floor in both cases. The dealership still claims they cannot find a problem and will not do anything further. We have sent numerous certified letters to the manufacturer, and have not received a response. I just found out today, that this same situation accoured to a dr. Living in the columbia MD area. He was issued a new vehicle from his dealer. My husband and I assumed we had a lemon on our hand, however, now after learning of this other incidence I have to wander how many others this has happened to.