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2001 BMW M3 Coupe 6MT

The 2001 BMW M3 Coupe 6MT is a 333-hp 3.2-liter inline-6 coupe with a 6-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $46,045 MSRP and is rated at 17 mpg combined.

It makes 333 horsepower at 7,900 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 4900 rpm, spinning to a 8,000 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (17 mpg combined).

The M3 measures 176.9 inches long on a 107.5-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,415 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeCoupe
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$46,045 ($84,498 *)
Engine
Engine Type3.2L Inline-6 DOHC 24-valve (S54); High-Pressure Double VANOS; 6 individual throttles
Displacement3.2 L
Horsepower333 hp @ 7,900 rpm
Torque262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Redline8,000 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 24-valve, High-Pressure Double VANOS
Bore and Stroke87.0 x 91.0
Compression Ratio11.5:1
Injection TypeElectronic fuel injection (BMW MS S54)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Differential TypeM Variable Differential Lock
Transmission
Transmission6-speed manual
1st Gear4.23 (40 mph **)
2nd Gear2.53 (68 mph **)
3rd Gear1.67 (102 mph **)
4th Gear1.23 (139 mph **)
5th Gear1 (171 mph **)
6th Gear0.83 (206 mph **)
Reverse3.75
Final Drive3.62
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway22 MPG
Combined17 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium
Tank Capacity16.6 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionBMW M sport suspension (struts, forged-aluminum lower arms, anti-roll bar)
Rear SuspensionBMW M sport suspension (Central Link multi-link, anti-roll bar)
Turning Diameter36.1 ft
Brakes
Front Brake Disc325 mm
Rear Brake Disc328 mm
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front18 x 8.0"
Wheels Rear18 x 9.0"
Tires Front225/45ZR-18
Tires Rear255/40ZR-18
Dimensions & Weight
Length176.9 in
Width70.1 in
Height54 in
Wheelbase107.5 in
Front Track59.4 in
Rear Track60 in
Cargo Volume9.5 ft³
Curb Weight3,415 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R)50.3% / 49.7%
Interior
Headroom Front37.5 in
Headroom Rear36.5 in
Legroom Front41.7 in
Legroom Rear33.2 in
Shoulder Room Front54.5 in
Shoulder Room Rear52.7 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars
** Theoretical max speed per gear at redline

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2001 BMW M3. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jan 15, 2020 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE Park it

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.

NHTSA campaign 20V018000

Jun 11, 2018 · AIR BAGS Park it

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: 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 became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

NHTSA campaign 14V428000

Jan 20, 2017 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE Park it

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.

NHTSA campaign 17V047000

Jul 31, 2001 · 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.

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.

NHTSA campaign 01V245000

14 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2001 BMW M3

Owner Complaints

14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 BMW M3 (1 mention a crash). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Power Train4
Structure4
Engine And Engine Cooling3
Suspension3
Air Bags1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jul 17, 2018 · Suspension, 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…”
Apr 19, 2016 · Suspension, Power Train, Wheels
“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…”
Aug 5, 2014 · Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages
“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…”
Aug 29, 2011 · Structure
“NORMAL DRIVING HAS WEAKENED THE SUB-FRAME TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS CRACKED AND SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS. *TR”
Sep 9, 2010 · Suspension
“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”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2001 BMW M3. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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