I am looking at a 2001 M3 with 26K miles on it that is being sold for $28K. I have read in some research that the 01 M3's had some engine problems. So looking for some insight and advice on what to look out for on the 01 model and if it is better to spend a bit more to get an 02 model with higher miles or not. Also, when did BMW provide a 100K warranty on the engines- what year was that?

I would not use the car as my DD, but would drive it on nice days and weekends and take it to auto-x events and driving schools.

Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

 

Get the VIN and call your local dealer to see if all the recalls have been done. Most likely if its an 01, it has had the rod bearing recall done which warrantys the engine till 100k miles or 6 years from when the warranty ends.

Be extra careful with the 01's b/c like all cars, since it was the first year, it has all the bugs the manufacturer has to work out.

I owned a 2002.5 and used it as a DD, you'll be happy.

 

so long as it had the rod bearing recall done...you should be good...looks prestine...be ready to spend a lot of money on it!

 

The rod bearing issue was fixed in Mid 2003. As long as the car had the recall done, you should be ok.

 

+1.............

 

It's a good choice, so long as it's had the rod bearing recall done. I just sold my '02 M3 coupe, it was a very good car (Beware: you may OD on the endless tuning possibilities). BMW switched to a composite front bumper reinforcement bar for the '02.5 models, which was a negative if wanted to add a CSL bumper cover. Changes for '03.5 included: LED taillights, a wider trunk trim piece (the lip above the license plate), front strut tower brace, and the connecting rod bearing issue was resolved.
Good luck!

 

Dealer confirmed the rod bearing recall was done - so getting the car checked out now by indy shop. Thanks for the feedback!

 

Mine has been bulletproof not a problem since I bought it, I absolutely love the car

 

just make sure you have an aftermarket warranty...my o1 had no problems except the clutch going out at 50K and bad o2 sensor (but that is part of maintence). Oil is expensive too (castrol 10w60 aka liquid GOLD). Do a compression/leakdown test and check for previous flooding.

 

I would make sure you have or get an aftermarket extended warranty. BMW extended the engine warranty to 6yrs/100k mi. If that car's an '01 then the BMW warranty is gone.

 

i had an 03 was such a great car - i still have a soft spot for it and just a couple days ago was about to pull the trigger on an 06 but decided to go with an SL55 instead

since M3 prices have fallen i see A LOT of teenagers driver them now and that was my main reason to stay away from it, im only 25 now and i ordered my 03 M3... still seems like such a teenager car now - still have a soft sot for it though

the M3 does EVERYTHING perfectly... you will not be disappointed, although SMG was my favorite thing about my M3, imo best trans ever...

 

I have a 2001 M3. They are not prone to any more issues than a newer year.

Some other possible potential differences:

1. Front bumper mounting bracket slightly heavier than 02
2. Non-led tail lights vs that of 2003.5
3. No bi-xenons.
4. No daytime running lights
5. CD player only plays CD-R not CD-RW
6. If it has a Nav system...screen is more square than wide screen
7. 01 Didn't come with strut brace
8. Usually came with oval mirror vs square one.
9. Some came without the red clown nose on the oval mirror