2001 BMW M3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 BMW M3: 4 recalls, 14 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Parking brake Vehicle recall #01V245000 · 2001 · 2,438 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: Dealers will replace the parking brake cable attaching screws and secure them with the proper torque. Owner notification began October 4, 2001.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V047000 · 2017 · 230,117 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #14V428000 · 2018 · 574,007 vehicles
What's wrong:
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts…
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V018000 · 2020 · 292,948 vehicles
What's wrong: These inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Body & structure (4): the most common themes are door / lock issues (2).
- Engine & cooling (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Suspension (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2001 BMW M3 has 14 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 33 M3 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 13). Complaints peaked in 2002 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 54,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (0 complaints, 2 recalls), 2002 (40 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 BMW M3.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 BMW M3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2001 BMW M3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 BMW M3 problems?
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (4), body & structure (4), engine & cooling (3).
What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW M3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (3.2 L, Manual 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 BMW M3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.