Bmw M3 2001 problems
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. M3 models have been produced for every generation of 3 Series since the E30 M3 was introduced in 1986.
The initial model was available in a coupé body style, with a convertible body style made available soon after. M3 saloons were offered initially during the E36 (1994–1999) and E90 (2008–2012) generations. Since 2014, the coupé and convertible models have been rebranded as the 4 Series range, making the high-performance variant the M4. Variants of the 3 Series since then have seen the M3 produced as a saloon, until 2020, when the M3 was produced as an estate (Touring) for the first time, alongside the saloon variant.
E30 generation (1986–1991)
The first BMW M3 was based on the E30 3 Series and was intended to be a homologation special to satisfy the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft and Group A Touring rules, which required a total of 5,000 cars to be built. It was presented to the public at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, and began production from March 1986 to June 1991. The E30 M3 was mainly produced in the coupé body style, but limited volumes of convertibles were also produced.
The front splitter, the rear apron, sill panels, as well as changes to the body in the area of the rear window (C-pillar) and the bootlid improved the aerodynamics. For aerodynamic reasons, the rear window was flattened and the tailgate was made of light, glass-reinforced plastic raised by approximately 40 mm for better air flow. The changes over the rear of the car resulted in lower lift forces and better straight-line stability. In addition, the windscreen was glued in – not, as with the other E30 models, framed with a window rubber and piping. As a result, the M3 achieved a relatively low drag coefficient of Cd=0.33 instead of Cd=0.38 as in the standard 3 Series. The only exterior body panels the regular 3 Series and the M3 shared were the bonnet, roof panel, and sunroof.
The brake calipers, discs and master cylinder were unique to the M3 model.
The transmission was a Getrag 265 5-speed manual. European models were outfitted with a dogleg version with close ratios and a 1:1 ratio for fifth gear. North American models used a traditional shift pattern and had wider gear spacing with an overdriven fifth gear. A clutch-type limited-slip differential was standard equipment.
In 2004, Sports Car International named the E30 M3 number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s. In 2007, Automobile Magazine included the E30 M3 in their "5 greatest drivers cars of all time" under their 25 Greatest Cars of All Time.
Social links
Common Bmw M3 2001 problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here are the common problems with the BMW M3 2001 based on complaints from owners:
- Rubbing Noise From Rear Differential When Turning:
Another common problem reported by owners is a rubbing noise coming from the rear differential when turning. This issue can indicate potential problems with the differential system, impacting the car's performance and safety.
- Blower Final Stage Fan Issues:
Owners have experienced problems with the blower final stage fan. Issues with this component can affect the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system of the vehicle, leading to discomfort for the occupants.
These issues highlight some of the common complaints and problems associated with the BMW M3 2001 model. It is essential for owners to address these problems promptly to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of their vehicles.
Are old BMW M3 reliable?
As with any vehicle, the BMW M3 can last up to 200,000 miles or more with proper care and maintenance. While it has a reliability rating of just 2.0 out of 5.0, the BMW M3 does have a lot of power and excellent handling.
What is the big 3 issue with the E46 M3?
The BMW E46 M3 with the S54 engine is an incredibly powerful and capable vehicle, but it has some notable points of failure. You will often hear people talk about “The Big 3” when it comes to maintenance on your E46. The Big 3 includes rod bearings, a rebuilt VANOS, and subframe reinforcement.
What are common problems with E46 M3?
We'll go into more detail about what to look out for when buying a used E46 M3 later on in this article, but as a starting point, here are some of the key common problems to be aware of: Rust – especially on the arches. Cracked rear subframe components. SMG auto gearbox pump and software issues.
Is the BMW M3 E46 reliable?
The Vanos system of this S54 engine is famous for its reliability issues, and a complete failure could cost thousands of dollars to fix. Other engine issues such as connecting rod bearing failure and throttle position sensor issues are also common with some of the earlier examples of the E46 M3.
Are old BMW M3 reliable?
As with any vehicle, the BMW M3 can last up to 200,000 miles or more with proper care and maintenance. While it has a reliability rating of just 2.0 out of 5.0, the BMW M3 does have a lot of power and excellent handling.
What are common problems with E46 M3?
We'll go into more detail about what to look out for when buying a used E46 M3 later on in this article, but as a starting point, here are some of the key common problems to be aware of: Rust – especially on the arches. Cracked rear subframe components. SMG auto gearbox pump and software issues.
Is BMW M3 good or bad?
Highs Heroic powertrain, available with a six-speed manual transmission, a performance car that's easy to daily-drive. Lows Too many unnecessary drive modes, Competition and CS model are automatic-only. Verdict For as intensely fast as the M3 is on track, it's surprisingly livable for commuting every place else.
What is the big 3 issue with the E46 M3?
The BMW E46 M3 with the S54 engine is an incredibly powerful and capable vehicle, but it has some notable points of failure. You will often hear people talk about “The Big 3” when it comes to maintenance on your E46. The Big 3 includes rod bearings, a rebuilt VANOS, and subframe reinforcement.
Bmw M3 2001 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw M3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Suspension problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Wheels problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw M3 2001 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Bmw M3 2001 complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw M3 2001.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-03
- VIN: WBSBL93421J
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-27
- VIN: WBSBL93471J
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
- Summary: 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.
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-04
- VIN: WBSBL93471J
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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 *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-13
- VIN: WBSBL93481J
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: NORMAL DRIVING HAS WEAKENED THE SUB-FRAME TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS CRACKED AND SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-08
- VIN: WBSBL93461J
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: LEFT REAR SUSPENSION SPRING BROKE WITH ONLY ABOUT 50K MILES. RESULTED IN NOISE, POOR SUSPENSION CONTROL OVER BUMPS. REPAIR SHOP IS REPLACING WITH A NEW ONE. *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-01
- VIN: WBSBL93461J
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: AUTOMATIC DIMMING REAR VIEW MIRROR DEVELOPED A "BUBBLE," WHICH ITSELF IMPEDED REAR VIEW VISION, AND STOPPED DIMMING EFFECTIVELY, MAKING NIGHT TIME DRIVING DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-26
- VIN: WBSBR93451E
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-20
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE GRAZED THE CURB AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, DRIVER'S VISIBILITY WAS IMPAIRED, AND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CEMENT WALL. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-25
- VIN: WBSBR93401E
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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 IS NEGLECTING THE OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE BY NOT NOTIFYING THEM WHEN FIRST SIGNS OF PROBLEMS OCCUR. IRONICALLY BMW DOES KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY HAVE REPLACED ALL THE PARTS IN THE NEW ENGINE WHILE KEEPING QUIET TO CURRENT CONSUMERS, ALSO MECHANICS HAVE BEEN TOLD TO REPLACE PARTS WHILE WORKING IN THE AREA OF THE ENGINE W/O TELLING CONSUMERS. MECHANICS AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP HAS HAD MY VEHICLE FOR OVER A MONTH, WITH NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF PROGRESS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-05
- VIN: WBSBL9349ZG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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. TS
PARKING BRAKE,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-19
- VIN: WBSBL93451J
- Components: PARKING BRAKE,STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH PASSENGER'S REAR TIRE LOCKED UP, AND CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHEN DRIVING, THERE WAS RECALL (01V245000) FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK THERE WAS A BOLT STICKING THROUGH THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLY. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS LOOSE AND GRINDING AND THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE REAR BUMPER WAS DAMAGED ON LOT. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-13
- VIN: WBSBL93471J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.!!!!. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBSBL93461J
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: LOTS OF COMMON COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET SITE WWW.BIMMER.ORG E46M3 POST BOARD. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBSBL93431J
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. SYRACUSE NY 13212, 315-458-7590 HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THE CAR. I HAVE BEGUN RECEIVING REPORTS FROM OTHER OWNERS OF THIS PROBLEM ULTIMATELY LEADING TO THE FAILURE OF THE DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT AT THE DIFFERENTIAL ON THEIR CARS. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING TO ME AND I CANNOT HELP BUT WORRY ABOUT THE SERIOUS SAFETY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROBLEM.
Bmw M3 2001 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Bmw M3 2001.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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 inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
- Remedy: 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. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, THE CABLE MOUNTING BRACKET WOULD NO LONGER BE FIXED TO THE BACKING PLATE AND THE PARKING BRAKE COULD NO LONGER BE APPLIED ON THAT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT A SCREW COULD LODGE WITHIN THE PARKING BRAKE DRUM, IMPAIRING THE FREE MOVEMENT OF THE DRUM. THIS WOULD PRODUCE NOISE, AND COULD CAUSE THE PARKING BRAKE ON THAT SIDE TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING.
- 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 DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Positive Bmw M3 2001 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about Bmw M3 2001 problems:
Known issues with 2000-06 BMW M3... - The 19th Hole - GolfWRX
Oct 18, 2011 ... 1999 was the last year of the E36 I believe, and the 2001 started the E46 which ran until 2006. I have owned both. The E46 is what I presume you ...
Older M3 Convertible Issues and Problems - BMW E46 M3
Rear subframe was an issue with coupes; window regulators are weak in all E46s; wouldn't buy a high mile SMG car; check the Ti shadow trim on the interior for ...
BMW E46 M3 Buyer's Guide - Common Issues, Problems, Pricing
Aug 5, 2020 ... The E46 3-Series suffered from a design flaw in which the mounting points for the rear subframe would crack or tear over time, causing some ...
Overheating issues on E46 M3 help please. | E46 Fanatics Forum
Sep 8, 2015 ... I have a 2001 e46 m3 with 157,000 miles. I have owned this car since about 90,000 miles. it has always overheated in 90+ degree weather or ...
E46 M3 post 100k mi problems? : r/BMW
Apr 24, 2019 ... Electrical issues happen, but aren't commonplace. Alternators and coil packs are fairly common failures on high-mile cars. Rear-view mirrors can ...
Robb Rogahn 2024-07-09
Hey there! Have you seen the ultimate convertible yet?
Cary Jones 2024-07-03
It was love at first sight! I own a 1998 M3 coupe and let me tell you, the 6th gear really does the job. The telescoping wheel is also a big plus. I enjoy street racing and there's not much out there that can match my M3. In addition to all the power and luxury, I get a lot of head turns each time I drive it. I absolutely love it! I plan to keep this car forever and pass it down to my son when I can no longer drive it. The Navigation and the park distance control work excellently.
Nash Leffler 2024-05-04
Performance bargain of the century--prodigious power, grip, and braking. It makes my E36 M3 daily driver seem weak-kneed and wobbly. Plus, the exhaust note is absolutely Wagnerian. If a Ferrari 360 sounded like this car, it would definitely sound better.
Aiden Jerde 2024-04-13
An 02/2001 production car which is simply the best car I have owned in the past 35 years. It outperforms all 5 911 Porsches to date, with the last being a 1992 coupe. It is much more practical than a Porsche and $20-25,000 less expensive. It offers Porsche performance with seating for 4 WITH luggage. It is easily worth every penny.
Liam Connelly 2024-04-02
I'm so excited to share that I recently picked up a new car from my friend's dealership! I couldn't believe my luck when I found it. Every time I get to drive to and from work, it's the highlight of my day. The car has 330 hp and gets 30 mpg at 75 mph, which is amazing. The styling is fantastic and I'm already looking forward to buying a used 07 M3 with the V8. I'm definitely a BMW owner for life!