2001 BMW M3 Coupe 6MT
All photo credits
- Photo: 2004 BMW M3 CSL BSO 25 by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2003 BMW M3 CSL BSA25 by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW 3 SERIES COUPE (E46) China by Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW M3, BAS 24, Brussels (P1170529-RR) by Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW M3 rear view by BrackishStowaway, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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 Type | Coupe |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $46,045 ($84,498 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.2L Inline-6 DOHC 24-valve (S54); High-Pressure Double VANOS; 6 individual throttles |
| Displacement | 3.2 L |
| Horsepower | 333 hp @ 7,900 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm |
| Redline | 8,000 rpm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 24-valve, High-Pressure Double VANOS |
| Bore and Stroke | 87.0 x 91.0 |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Injection Type | Electronic fuel injection (BMW MS S54) |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Differential Type | M Variable Differential Lock |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 1st Gear | 4.23 (40 mph **) |
| 2nd Gear | 2.53 (68 mph **) |
| 3rd Gear | 1.67 (102 mph **) |
| 4th Gear | 1.23 (139 mph **) |
| 5th Gear | 1 (171 mph **) |
| 6th Gear | 0.83 (206 mph **) |
| Reverse | 3.75 |
| Final Drive | 3.62 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 15 MPG |
| Highway | 22 MPG |
| Combined | 17 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium |
| Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | BMW M sport suspension (struts, forged-aluminum lower arms, anti-roll bar) |
| Rear Suspension | BMW M sport suspension (Central Link multi-link, anti-roll bar) |
| Turning Diameter | 36.1 ft |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | 325 mm |
| Rear Brake Disc | 328 mm |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 18 x 8.0" |
| Wheels Rear | 18 x 9.0" |
| Tires Front | 225/45ZR-18 |
| Tires Rear | 255/40ZR-18 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 176.9 in |
| Width | 70.1 in |
| Height | 54 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.5 in |
| Front Track | 59.4 in |
| Rear Track | 60 in |
| Cargo Volume | 9.5 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 3,415 lbs |
| Weight Distribution (F/R) | 50.3% / 49.7% |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 37.5 in |
| Headroom Rear | 36.5 in |
| Legroom Front | 41.7 in |
| Legroom Rear | 33.2 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 54.5 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 52.7 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2001 BMW M3 Coupe 6MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
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
| Power Train | 4 |
| Structure | 4 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 |
| Suspension | 3 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 1 |
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.