2001 BMW M Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The M coupe and convertible are bruiser punks masquerading as stylish debs; they're like Mickey Rourke in Jude Law's body. If raw-edged performance is what you're after, the M provides it in spades.
Pros
World-renowned performance, brute strength, exclusivity.
Cons
Two-seater configuration limits functionality, roadster still sports a plastic rear window, platform is starting to age.
What's New for 2001
Engine displacement in the 2.8 Roadster and Coupe is bumped from 2.8 liters to 3.0 liters. An associated horsepower and torque increase, along with bigger brakes and larger 17-inch wheels and tires, accompanies the new engine. The base 2.5-liter engine also sees a 15 horsepower increase. An optional five-speed Steptronic transmission with manual shifting capability is now available.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Monster Power
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
If you are considering buying this car, good luck finding it for the dealer retail or private party value on Edmunds. If you do find it at that price, it's a lemon. These cars are rare and worth the premium! Mine is a Laguna Seca w/13K miles. Build quality issues not yet encountered but I did previously own an 00 M Roadster and a 2003 M3 Conv and agree the M Roadster did have more quality problems (last one had 70K miles). M3 did not have such problems. It's funny watching Porsche Boxter S's disappear in the review ;-) Gorgeous, rare, stunning appearance, gobs of power at high revs (downshifts needed @ high speeds, could use a 6sp but still a fantastic ride) - grab one if you see one!
Favorite Features
S54 Engine, S54 Engine, 315HP, 251FP/Torque, S54, did I mention the S54? Stunning looks, fast power drop- top, two-tone interior color combo. You will dust almost anything on the road short of a new 06 M5/M6 or a Corvette Z06. Great exhaust (way better than the M3 but not as good as the S52)
Suggested Improvements
Rear suspension will fly out w/out DSP on - unless you're a pro, keep the DSP on. Needs sport mode like the M3 (this can be modified by a BMW shop). Give it a 6sp, maybe 85 more HP, lowered an inch more, still suffers from poor paint. Extreme - but you can tell BMW left some on the table :-)
love this car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 BMW M 2dr Hatchback (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I haven't experienced any of the build quality issues yet. The issues with the S54 engine are always in the back of my mind. Other than that, this car is just so enjoyable to drive. I love it. BMW will never build another car like this. Ever.
Favorite Features
Engine, Performance, styling, rarity, cool/weird-factor
Suggested Improvements
Gearing is terrible. Should have had a 3.64 or 3.37 instead of the 3.23, along with a 6 speed tranny. The Coupe hates to be in 5th unless you're doing 90+.
Love & Hate
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I fell in love with this car the day I saw it, and I am still in love with it. However, I did encounter as well endless quality problems... anything from door locks, seat belt, noises to fuel pump and main computer... Have been in and out of the dealership every month and had to tow 3-4 times. Having this car out of warranty can kill you. On the other hand, the shape of it is unique: I am sure a few years down the road it will become a classic, especially considering the small number of 2001/2002 produced.
Favorite Features
Aisthetics, engine, interior, quality of finishing
Suggested Improvements
Train dealer-network on how to encounter the common issues
Glad to be rid of it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Performance is outstanding but quality issues plague this car (and everyone else I know with the Z3/M has issues too). Don't know why no BMW owners will step up to the workmanship & quality issues. My son's Hyundai was bought at the same time, has twice them miles on it and never sees the dealer. I was a regular. Glad the lease is over and it's gone. Going back to Japanese sports car or Corvette.
Favorite Features
In a word, performance. The engine and drivetrain are quite good. Love the styling.
Suggested Improvements
Fix the locks so they don't break frequently. No plastic rear window. Get themotor to not stall when cold. Put in speakers that don't blow out when you breath on them. Produce car with defect-free paint. Design out ratty, tin can exhaust sound when you step on it -- add deeper throat
Yeah Baby, yeah!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
From a price/fun ratio this is THE perfect car. What can go faster, quicker for $35K? Nothing without nitrous. The car fits like a glove and flies like a fighter jet. First time drivers of the M will drop their jaws at the performance.
Favorite Features
Engine, exhaust, engine, suspension, engine, aesthetics, engine.
Suggested Improvements
Some insulation behind the dash for some creaking, glass rear window, that's it.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2006 BMW M
- 2002 BMW M
- 2001 BMW M
- 2000 BMW M
- 1999 BMW M
- 1998 BMW M
Research the 2001 BMW M
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
