2001 BMW 3 Series Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 6%of 36 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the body and structure of the 2001 BMW 3 Series, 6% of the 36 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,250 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The engine of my car shut off, and upon being towed to the dealer, they got back to me to say that the engine failed as a result of drivers error from a downshift from 4th to 2nd. The dealer said that this was identified by the car's computer system. However, after talking to many mechanics, I have been instructed that this problem could never have been identified by a car's computer, and this was just an out for the manufacturer and dealer. I am not satisfied with their answer, and am looking for a way to protest their decision. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070268, filed 2004-01, 22,500 miles“Bmw e46 model 3-series have a known subframe weakness causing the rear axle to separate from the vehicle. A class action lawsuit supposedly resolved this, but the terms of the suit ended in 2010 leaving anyone that experiences the problem after the term of the suite to fix the Bmw admitted engineering failure themselves. This leaves thousands of 1999-2006 Bmw 3 SERIES as potential hazards on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10404508, filed 2011-06, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10030626Oct 2, 2009Bmw vehicles: doors will not unlock using the key fob or central locking button. *pe updated1/4/10. *pe updated 5/24/10.
- 10033135Oct 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: rear axle carrier (sub frame) support proposed class action settlement. Under certain circumstances, a fracture in the steel body structure could form in the area…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 14% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 9 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 7% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 6% |
| 2000 | 30 | 34% |
| 1999 | 1 | 17% |
| 1997 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2001 BMW 3 Series
8 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology