Most common 2001 BMW M3 problems
Share of the 14 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW M3 complaints by model year
Best M3 years: 2007, 2006, 2017. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2011, 2010, 2003. Compare all years →
2001 BMW M3 recalls (4)
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and…
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW 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.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge.
Parking brake › Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage and cable
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The two screws that secure the parking brake cable mounting bracket to the backing plate were not tightened properly. As a result, the screws could loosen and eventually fall into the parking brake drum.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the parking brake cable attaching screws and secure them with the proper torque. Owner notification began October 4, 2001.
What 2001 BMW M3 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
Inspection by two mechanics shows cracks in the subframe holding the back wheels. There was a legal case involving this defect that was settled by BMW which was to fix the problem and notify all owners of 3 series BMW's about the defect so it could be fixed. They never informed me of defect and have staled on the repair.
My M3 cic makes a loud grinding/clatter type noise when disengaging the 6-speed manual clutch in both 1st and reverse. This happens when the car is moving at about 1-2 MPH. BMW tech's say this is normal operation, however, I can't duplicate the same problem on a new M3 w/6 speed transmission.
Body & structure
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 BMW M3. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed of a severe crack in the subframe that supported the rear wheels and suspension. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.
Passenger door cannot be opened either from insider or outside. Appears like the door is double locked. Luckily both doors are not double locked with passenger inside the vehicle. Possible failure of lock actuator without warning or failure of gm5 module
Engine & cooling
The engine of the BMW 2001 M3 had serious engine failures. The request from the BMW dealership on explaination was rejected, nor was there any explaination from the consumer relations of BMW na. The failure was convered under warranty but I was told my vehicle was the only abnormal car in thousands that were sold. From my research there were more than 100 documented cases of the new e46 M3 engine having problems ranging from crankshaft failure to full engine detonation and oil spillage. BMW should be required to compensate owners of a $60K car in the decrease in value of the car and also have extended warranty for ongoing problems (there are complaints that new "replaced" engines also experienced the same problems). There is a very high chance a deadly accident could occur if I did not notice the problem early, ranging from oil spills to fire. …
BMW M3 enignes are blowing up at an alarming rate. Manufc claims overrev. Which is not true . Too many failures. BMW is in cover up by making us sign cofidetial/and no sue agreements. Many owners suffering lossesand no coop. From manu. Or dealers. Please help.!!!!.
2001 BMW M3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 22 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 BMW M3 a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 M3 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the M3 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 BMW M3?
The transmission & drivetrain — 4 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about driveline › driveshaft. Next are the body & structure (4) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2001 BMW M3 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2001 BMW M3, the most recent from January 15, 2020 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW M3?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007, 2006 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2009, 2011, 2010 and 2003. See the full BMW M3 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 BMW M3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 54,000 miles; 44% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.