2001 BMW M3
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2001
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2001: 14 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 12 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 40 |
| 2003 | 54 |
| 2004 | 31 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 82 |
| 2009 | 45 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
5 of 14 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveshaft and manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Inspection by two mechanics shows cracks in the subframe holding the back wheels.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-04-19
Lots of common complaints on internet site www.bimmer.org e46M3 post board. No safety defect listed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-07-23
My car exhibits a loud clunking in the rear of the car when shifting, going on/off gas and from releasing the clutch at slow speeds. The severity is increasing with mileage. The service center that I am using: burdick BMW, 3904 brewerton rd., n.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-07-12
Structure
4 of 14 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing underbody shields and bumpers.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-17
Also filed under Suspension
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-05
Also filed under Latches/locks/linkages
Suspension
3 of 14 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 14 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-13
Consumer called complaining about having problem with the vehicle stalling while driving the vehicle . Dealer has been notified. Mr. Athary please provide the potential failure of the engine on this vehicle.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-06
Wheels
1 of 14 total reports mentions: wheels.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2001-10-04Parking brake01V245000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the parking brake cable attaching screws and secure them with the proper torque. Owner notification began October 4, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized…
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R
2014-12-01Air bags14V428000 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...
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. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014.
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2017-03-15Air bags17V047000 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...
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. The recall began March 15, 2017.
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2020-02-13Air bags20V018000 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...
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2001 BMW M3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 01V245000 · Parking brake
- Recall 14V428000 · Air bags
- Recall 17V047000 · Air bags
- Recall 20V018000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2001 BMW M3 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW M3?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 BMW M3 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.