2001 BMW M3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 29%of 14 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,855miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 BMW M3, 29% of the 14 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,855 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.
“My M3 cic makes a loud grinding/clatter type noise when disengaging the 6-speed manual clutch in both 1st and reverse. This happens when the car is moving at about 1-2 MPH. Bmw tech's say this is normal operation, however, I can't duplicate the same problem on a new M3 w/6 speed transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10102760, filed 2004-12, 46,710 miles“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 owners of 3 series Bmw's about the defect so it could be fixed. They never informed me of defect and have staled on the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10860335, filed 2016-04, 129,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 11% |
| 2016 | 1 | 20% |
| 2013 | 3 | 23% |
| 2011 | 4 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 13% |
| 2009 | 24 | 53% |
| 2008 | 37 | 45% |
| 2006 | 2 | 14% |
| 2005 | 2 | 17% |
| 2004 | 6 | 19% |
| 2003 | 14 | 26% |
| 2002 | 8 | 20% |
| 2001 | 4 | 29% |
| 1999 | 1 | 9% |
| 1998 | 3 | 21% |
| 1997 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2001 BMW M3
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 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 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