2001 BMW M Review
Fuel Economy
18 mpg
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
Things you don't know...
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 BMW M 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Amazing car. BMW did not include the M differential or the sport mode button for political reasons. You can install the sport mode with just a wire and a button. The diff can be replaced for under $100 from a breaking yard to bring up to the pace of the E46 M3. Try a launch with sport mode on and then you will not believe it. It's a rocket ship. 12.51 quarter, bone stock.
Favorite Features
I like the way it's so well balanced.
Suggested Improvements
Do the diff and the sport mode mod. They are both very simple, and very inexpensive.
Fast and fun
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Built for winding alpine touring the S54-equipped M roadster is the best car I have ever owned in terms of raw thrill, performance and head-turning good looks. The only (minor) design flaw is non- functional shark-gill side air vents (unlike its lesser cousin the Z3). Odd in a car where every aspect of driving is optimized for the purist from analog instruments to race-quality seat bolsters and an unnerving lack of roll in the fastest corners. It will take anything except a Z06, Viper or Turbo Porsche in a straight, and in the mountains it's virtually untouchable - truly a keeper for the enthusiast and if you find one in mint condition it will be close to 2X the "suggested" online prices.
Favorite Features
S54 engine.
Suggested Improvements
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 Coupe (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
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2006 BMW M
- 2002 BMW M
- 2001 BMW M
- 2000 BMW M
- 1999 BMW M
- 1998 BMW M
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