2001 BMW M3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 21%of 14 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 BMW M3, 21% of the 14 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,000 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 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000101, filed 2002-12, 21,000 miles“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.!!!!.”
NHTSA complaint #761360, filed 2002-04Related service bulletins
- 10032574Oct 1, 2009Bmw: voluntary emissions recall 08e-a03; m3 s54-dme reprogramming for catalyst conversion diagnosis. The dme programming, as originally installed, may cause the obd diagnostic to…
- 10030850Aug 1, 2009Bmw: thermostat housing inspection. The retaining springs of the thermostat housing quick release couplings for the coolant hoses may not be locked correctly. This situation may…
- 10029304Apr 1, 2009Bmw: as originally installed, the dme programming may cause the obd diagnostic to erroneously evaluate the efficiency of the catalytic converters. Model e46 (m3) coupe and…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 7% |
| 2005 | 3 | 25% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 4% |
| 2002 | 12 | 30% |
| 2001 | 3 | 21% |
| 1999 | 1 | 9% |
| 1998 | 1 | 7% |
| 1997 | 3 | 16% |
| 1995 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2001 BMW M3
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 BMW M3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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