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Used 2002 BMW M Consumer Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
34 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2002 M, so we've included reviews for other years of the M since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
4.75 out of 5 stars

AWESOME M COUPE

DATOGUCH, 06/22/2002
2001 BMW M 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

THE M COUPE FITS THE DRIVER LIKE A GLOVE. THE SPORT SEATS ARE FIRM AND KEEPS THE DRIVER LOCKED IN PLACE. THE EUROPEAN SPEC. ENGINE CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS RACE CAR LIKE WITH ITS SIX INDIVIDUAL THROTTLE BODIES AND INSTANT ACCELERATION. THE STARES I GET WHEN DRIVING THIS LITTLE ROCKET IS AMAZING. YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE ASK ME QUESTIONS ABOUT MY M COUPE SUCH AS " I'VE NEVER SEEN ONE OF THESE BEFORE". I AM COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH MY PURCHASE!!!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Ultimate Muscle Car

Ultimate Muscle Car, 06/26/2010
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The 2001 and 2002 M roadsters are unique in their absolute driving performance. The engine is sublime and the car can out run just about anything on the road. From a roll, from a launch, or on the freeway it just runs away. Most everyone underestimates the car and I have yet to see a car (even new models of corvette, SRT8s, camaros, etc) that can even keep close. The car can break the tires free shifting into any gear but is so balanced that there is no loss of control or fishtailing. If you think your current car is fast and handles well you should drive one of these to compare.

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5 out of 5 stars

Reliable, sleek, pocket rocket

Sean, 09/02/2019
updated 03/10/2021
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have owned three Z3 models. A 1997 Z3, 2000 M Roadster and I currently have a 2001 M Roadster. I am aware of BMW standing for Break My Wallet however I can attest from owning three of these vehicles that I have never personally experienced that. Yes when repairs or maintenance intervals are required it is expensive but thanks to YouTube I am able to work on pre-maintenance things that save me a considerable amount of money. I purchased my 2001 M in 2016 and have averaged around $500 per year in maintenance costs. The cars engines are tried and true. Handling and power are superb. Only issues I ever had was with plastic hardware breaking. Never had any major mechanical issues. These are outstanding well built sports cars. They are timeless and still turn heads. I personally recommend to anyone who is a car enthusiast to invest in the 2001 or 2002 M Roadster as they only made about 1600 of these cars with the engine and suspension upgrade. These are already collectors items and will just go up in value. They can be had for as low as $17000 all the way up to $35000 or more.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

Worlds Fastest Tennis Shoe

MPowr, 03/13/2005
2002 BMW M 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I loved this eccentric vehicle from the moment I first set eyes on it and I have not been disappointed. It steers like a go-kart and has one of the sweetest motors available from any manufacturer - Porsche included. There are a few small details that could be better - like the windows don't wind down all the way and central locking is an aftermarket fitment - not good on a $46k car. All is forgiven once you get this beast out on a mountain road and it comes into it's element. Single minded firecracker with just one purpose - to be driven and hard!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fast and fun

RoadieWNC, 11/03/2008
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Things you don't know...

willconltd, 05/17/2009
2001 BMW M 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Ultimate Traditional Sports Car

M Roadster Driver, 07/15/2003
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

If you like the traditional British style of small roadster sports car, but would like reliability and modern supercar performance, this is your car. This car has been everything the specs promised. The car and straight six 315 hp engine is so smooth, the speed can be deceptive except that other performance vehicles disappear in the review mirror. I like its relatively conservative, traditional appearance and it's limited production numbers vs. ten of thousands of Corvettes. Turn the traction control off and it can switch ends very quickly. Recommendation: leave it on on the street or your favorite curvy road! This one is a keeper!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2001 M-Roadster

caseykev, 02/26/2003
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a very fun car to drive. It can be a handful if you disengage the stability control. Very good acceleration. Only drawback is plastic rear window and minor exhaust rattle until exhaust system is warm.

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5 out of 5 stars

best Roadster made.

steve A, 09/08/2003
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a very fun car. the stability control is Very good, acceleration is outstanding.

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5 out of 5 stars

Ride the rocket

Tom Carroll, 03/03/2003
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I drive this car year round in Western Upstate NY., and back and forth to Maine...obviosly people think I'm nuts, but I love this car. I have the hard top and blizzak snows on all four wheels, and it never let's me down. This car has 315 horses draggin you around and it's like having a 4 wheel motorcycle. On the highway you can drop out of 5 to 4 or 3 depending on how aggressive you feel and dust anything short of an exotic. I would recommend this car to any enthusiast. It might be a little tricky for a newbee, but with the DSC on it's hard to break it loose. Buy one. You won't regret it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

love this car!

Scott, 10/09/2005
2001 BMW M 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Love The "M"

Beemer Dude, 02/12/2004
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had a 2.5 Z3 for a few years and put everything Dinan on it for more power. I asked the dealer what was the best year. they responded with "the 2001 M Roadster". I have been looking for over a year for one ( I see once people get one, they won't let go) I finally picked up one at a Volvo dealer (of all places) I LOVE this car!!!! it has to be the best ride I ever had. I just hit 40 and will never grow up. I wanna be burried in this car (ha-ha).

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Yeah Baby, yeah!

WT, 02/19/2004
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Monster Power

gravis8000, 03/29/2006
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Glad to be rid of it

mitchm, 06/29/2004
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Love & Hate

newyorker, 03/04/2005
2001 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Two word: Oh wow!

Mfatic, 04/18/2002
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car pins the fun meter. I was looking at this and the Boxster S. The M Roadster wins. From the breathtaking acceleration to swoopy body that's reminicent of the old E-typ Jags, to the retro-but-not-really two tone interior, this is all that! One of the undocumented extras this car comes with is a smile that automatically gets bolted to your face every time you fire the engine. Although it may not have the absolute performance of the M coupe or the precise balance of a Porsche, this is the one to have... especially in Imola red!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

A Classic

jlazc, 05/14/2002
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Now that production is ending, this car is on its way to becoming a true classic.... like a 60's vintage Vette, only better. Superb handeling, beautiful lines, and power to spare. If you have one, take care of it....if you don't, get one while you still can!!

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5 out of 5 stars

Best Car I have ever owned!!

Kimi, 08/01/2002
2002 BMW M 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I loved this car the minute I saw it for the first time back in 1998. Through unfortunate luck and 2 waiting lists later, I finally purchased my Steel Gray 2002 315hp M Coupe in Feb 2002. I must say that my baby lives up to and surpasses ever expectation that I held out for this car. From the comfortable ride, the awesome stereo, the absolute performance to the daily thumbs-up received from admirers. If you want unparalled performance with individual style all for a reasonable price..I can't think of any other car that would be more perfect. I love my M Coupe!!!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

A blast!

Creativo69, 08/23/2002
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Wanted one of these when I first drove one for the Susan B. Koman cancer fund. Handles the twisties with the utmost confidence.This car LOOKS incredible.I think I like it better than the new Z4 that is coming out. The Z3 body seems more purposeful, agressive and matched to its hard-driving nature. You DO get looks, however, so it is not a car for the shy. But the top is down most of the time. Sorry to see the model end but good for me.Also, they will not yet produce a Z4 M edition until later so again.good for me. If you can find one buy one, keep it up and you will be rewarded whilst you own it and when you eventually sell it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awsome

anonomus, 03/20/2002
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

its the best car ive ever had

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4.75 out of 5 stars

The best 5 sec. car

Peter T, 10/11/2002
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My dream has come true after i got this car from my pretty mom :> This car provides me an awsome speed whenever i drive along the road and highway. Last time, i easily killed the Porsche Carrera on the highway.. it was amazing! it is hard to get off the driver's seat once you're on it..cuz..it really makes you to believe that driving could be impotant than anyting else~

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Sound of music

Huss, 12/04/2002
2002 BMW M 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car for single guy with 2 dogs! The mesh luggage separator keeps them at bay! Laguna Seca blue paint is head- turning, love the way it is extremely fast and stable, always feels glued to the road. Love the rarity and distinctive looks, great for someone who does not want a copied cookie- cutter design.

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5 out of 5 stars

bmw roadster

ray ray, 12/27/2002
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

great car. nice to drive. great styling.great handling. great sex appeal. great acceleration. great everything.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Daily Driver

gwb9366, 02/13/2003
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I drive this car every day of the week. Fun is on tap constantly. The only drawback is the plastic rear window, which acts as a deterrent to continuous top down driving. The power makes this car a Vette-eater, even the Z06.

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5 out of 5 stars

great car good buy

Joe Blamkenship, 02/20/2003
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car, very fast

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Digitus Impudicus

ducton, 09/08/2003
2002 BMW M 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

If ever there was a car that waved a finger at practicality, the M Coupe is it. The cockpit ain't real well put together and the back end looks like it was borrowed off a frog . So what? Hack this machine through fast mountain roads - exciting and unforgettable. The motor is a real honey and the box is quite slick once you get used to hitting 3rd instead of 5th from 2nd. The brakes are hard to fault under road conditions. DSC turned off, the back end power slides so easily that inexperienced drivers find that it's very easy to get very scared. What do people say when they see it???....Whaaat is that thing??? Ha, I love it!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

M Roadster

Someone has an M, 10/18/2003
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just drive it and you will understand the true nature of 300 hp+ in a 2200lb car. But please, tell BMW how to install a good sound system and leave the Yugo sound out....

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4.88 out of 5 stars

02 Silver ///M

KWG, 11/26/2003
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has outstanding strait-line performance. It is a horsepower-driven engine that loves to Rev. After owning and test driving several BMWs, I can tell you that this is BMW's best manual transmission. The throws are short and precise. Steering feel excellent and the car prefers to oversteer in hard cornering. Stability could be better. A tower brace would greatly improve that. Overall, and excellent car with Outstanding perfomance for the $.

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5 out of 5 stars

The Roadster

02 Emola Red, 03/02/2007
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Everytime I sit behind the wheel I start to smile. What a joy to drive - outstanding acceleration, handling, and fun. The only car I have ever owned that I like to drive, years later, just for the sake of driving! This isn't a commuter car, or even a very practical car considering the small trunk - it was designed for pure driving pleasure. Put the top down, with your loved one at your side, and find a long twisting country road - If you aren't smiling the whole way then you don't have a pulse. No embellishment, just the facts. A true driving classic.

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5 out of 5 stars

shgdyeieoruoioieoee

selahattin, 01/11/2003
2002 BMW M 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

it is really unbelevable to drive this car . It is really enjoyable you can feel the power while you are driving

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5 out of 5 stars

very fun to drive

usgmlp, 02/21/2003
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

limitless power, super handling.

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5 out of 5 stars

2002 M Roadster is awesome!

alexg78015, 03/10/2002
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Absolutely awesome car! It is fast, handles like the "ultimate driving machine", and just a lot of fun...

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5 out of 5 stars

This car leaves you speech less!

Gillam, 07/06/2003
2002 BMW M 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fast and fun! Last week I pulled up next to a ferrari, although the ferrari won the race the driver was amazed at how well the m roadster kept up with his $250,000 car! This car has bang for the buck! If you want a car that turns heads get this car!

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