2001 Bmw M roadster problems

General information about Bmw-M roadster
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The BMW M Coupé and BMW M Roadster are high performance models of the BMW Z3 and Z4 coupés/roadsters produced by BMW M. The first generation was based on the Z3 and was produced between 1998 and 2002. The second generation was based on the Z4 and was produced between 2006 and 2008.

All models were produced in the BMW Spartanburg plant in the United States. Some major components— such as the engine and transmission— were imported from Germany.

First generation (1997–2002)

Z3 M Roadster

The M-Roadster E36/7 was introduced in 1997 as the high performance version of the BMW Z3. The most significant cosmetic difference between the M-Roadster, including the M-Coupe, is the substantially flared rear quarter-panels ("fender flares") and the correspondingly offset rear wheels. Additional external differences compared to the standard Z3 models included front and rear bumpers, gills, quad exhaust, trunk, and mirrors.

The standard Z3 models received a facelift in 1999. The appearance of the M was not changed

In the 6 years from 1997 to 2002, 15,322 M Roadsters were produced.

The M Roadster is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The curb weight is 1,420 kg (3,130.6 lb).

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Common 2001 Bmw M roadster problems

Based on the information from the sources provided, here are the common problems with the 2001 BMW M Roadster as reported by owners:

Poor Seat Bushings: Owners have complained that poor seat bushings cause the seats to wobble, affecting comfort and stability while driving. This issue can be addressed by replacing the seat bushings to ensure a secure and comfortable seating position.
Plastic Rear Window Issues: The plastic rear window of the M Roadster is prone to creasing and cloudiness over time. This can impact visibility and the overall appearance of the vehicle. Owners may need to address this by either repairing or replacing the rear window to maintain clarity and functionality.
Window Regulator Failures: Another common problem is window regulator failures, which can lead to issues with opening and closing the windows smoothly. Owners may need to replace the window regulators to ensure proper window operation.
Fading Red Leather: The attractive red leather upholstery in some M Roadsters has been reported to fade over time, affecting the aesthetic appeal of the interior. Owners may consider leather restoration or replacement to maintain the luxurious look of the seats.
Mechanical Issues: The M Roadster shares mechanical problems with E36 or E46 M3 models, including nonfunctioning VANOS units, failing water pumps, rear subframe deterioration, and worn bushings. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to address these mechanical issues and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.

By addressing these common problems proactively, owners of the 2001 BMW M Roadster can maintain the performance, comfort, and aesthetics of their vehicle, enhancing the overall ownership experience without encountering significant issues.

What is the problem with the BMW Z3 Roadster?

It looks great, but its complex maintenance could be a turn-off for non-enthusiasts and aficionados. Common complaints about the BMW Z3 include oil leaks, faulty sound systems, and leaking power steering fluid.

What engine is in the M Roadster?

S54 straight-six engine

M models were introduced in 1998 in roadster and coupé body styles and were powered by the S50, S52, or S54 straight-six engine depending on country and model year. The M models came with a 5-speed manual transmission. The regular Z3s were offered with straight-sixes or four-cylinder engines.

What is the life expectancy of a 2000 BMW Z3?

The estimated lifespan of a Bmw Z3 is 150,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.

How many M Roadsters were made?

In the 6 years from 1997 to 2002, 15,322 M Roadsters were produced. The M Roadster is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

What is the problem with the BMW Z3 Roadster?

What engine is in the M Roadster?

S54 straight-six engine

What is the top speed of M Roadster?

155 mph

Additional external differences compared to the standard Z3 models included front and rear bumpers, gills, quad exhaust, trunk, and mirrors. In the 6 years from 1997 to 2002, 15,322 M Roadsters were produced. The M Roadster is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

What is the top speed of the 2001 BMW M Coupe?

A sprint to 60 mph is done in the high four-second range, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. In 2001, the old S50 and S52 was replaced by the S54, this time from the E46 M3.

2001 Bmw M roadster car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw M roadster problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine and engine cooling problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Equipment adaptive/mobility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Bmw M roadster vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Bmw M roadster complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Bmw M roadster.

2011-05-10

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2011-04-01
VIN: WBSCL93421L
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: GAS PEDAL BROKE AND JAMMED. COULD NOT STOP CAR, ENGINE BEGAN REVVING AT HIGH RPM. TURNED THE CAR OFF AND PULLED ONTO SHOULDER OF INTERSTATE. GAS PEDAL BROKE AT THE BASE. UPDATED 05/12/11 *BF

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2004-10-04

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-09-30
Crash: 1
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Summary: THE BMW THAT I DRIVE IS SUBJECT TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 125 REPORTED AND DOCUMENTED CASES OF THE ENGINE FAILING AT AN ENGINE RPM THAT IS WELL WITHIN THE TOLERANCES OF THE VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS. *AK THESE FAILURES HAVE RESULTED IN ENGINE LOCK UPS, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. BMW HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE IN THE S54 ENGINE THAT DRIVES THE MAJORITY OF THE VEHICLES IN THE M CLASS, HOWEVER, THEY HAVE IGNORED THOSE OF US DRIVING THE M ROADSTER, STILL DRIVEN BY THE SAME ENGINE. PLEASE ADVISE.

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2004-05-21

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-05-21
Crash: 1
VIN: WBSCL93491L
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT REGARDING THE BMW S54 ENGINES THAT ARE CURRENTLY USED IN THE BMW M ROADSTERS. I AM AWARE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE LETTERS MAILED, E-MAILS SENT AND EVEN AN INTERNET SITE ESTABLISHED ALL PERTAINING TO THE PROBLEMATIC S54 ENGINE.*AK A WHILE BACK, BMW ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR ALL OF THE M3 VEHICLES THAT ARE POWERED BY THE AFOREMENTIONED S54 ENGINE, HOWEVER, THEY WENT ON TO EXCLUDE THE M ROADSTER AND THE M COUPE WITH THE EXPLANATION THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT "IMPACTED" BY THIS PROBLEMATIC AND UNSAFE ISSUE. WELL, AS TIME GOES ON, THERE HAVE NOW BEEN SEVERL DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS SPECIFICALY INVOLVING THE VEHICLES THAT BMW STATED WOULD NOT BE IMPACTED BY THIS PROBLEM. I OWN AN M ROADSTER AND THE THOUGHT OF THE ENGINE "BLOWING UP" WHILE I AM DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY SCARES THE CRAP OUT OF ME. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN LETTERS SENT TO NHTSA REGARDING THIS ISSUE BUT IT APPEARS AS THOUGH NHTSA HAS NOT CHALLENGED BMW TO ELIMINATE THIS UNSAVE CONDITION FROM OUR ROADS. CAN YOU PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL WITH YOUR OFFICIAL POSITION ON THIS IMPORTANT MATTER? TONY

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2002-02-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: WBSCL93401L
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT ENGINE STALLS AFTER BEING WARM OR HOT ON INITIAL START UP, AND ENGINE GOES TO LOW RPM (50) OR STALLS OUT COMPLETELY. AFTER RESTARTING ENGINE WILL RUN CORRECTLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED, CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENT IN TRAFFIC. *YD

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2002-02-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: WBSCL93401L
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT ENGINE STALLS AFTER BEING WARM OR HOT ON INITIAL START UP, AND ENGINE GOES TO LOW RPM (50) OR STALLS OUT COMPLETELY. AFTER RESTARTING ENGINE WILL RUN CORRECTLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED, CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENT IN TRAFFIC. *YD

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Bmw M roadster problems:

98-00 m roadster problems?

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?120396-98-00-m-roadster-problems

Aug 6, 2003 ... i decided on bmw because of the high class and reliability that i hope for. i was wondering if anyone knows of any common or known problems ...

What to watch out for on a Z3M Roadster - Page 1 - M Power ...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=181&t=808317

Feb 7, 2010 ... I'm considering a BMW Z3M Roadster (the ... Are there any common problems / faults? ... 1 x E36 (S50) engine (1997 - 2001) and 2 x E46 (S54) Engine ...

2000 M Roadster, reliable?

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?614942-2000-M-Roadster-reliable

Oct 11, 2006 ... ... Roadster was not a reliable car because the engine ... The 2001-02 M roadsters came with the S54 engine ... BMW/Porsche shop and the problems was ...