2001 BMW M3 Review
2001 BMW M3 Review
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Used M3 for sale
Appraise This CarBMW M3 model years
BMW M3 types
- Convertible
- Coupe
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Astonishing performance, prodigious thrust, truly a bargain compared to its competition.
Cons
- Difficult ingress/egress, no CD player as standard equipment.
What’s new
A boost in engine displacement and technology keep the 2001 BMW M3 at the top of its game in the competitive entry-level luxury market. Larger wheels and brakes are part of the engine upgrade. Two-stage front airbags, reduced steering effort, a Cold Weather package and Dynamic Brake Control round out the major changes for 2001.
Edmunds says
The U.S. finally gets the M3 we've been hoping for. Its combination of speed, handling and razor-sharp good looks make the 2001 BMW M3 one of the world's most sought-after sports cars, rear seat and all.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 BMW M3 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$306/mo for M3 Base
M3 Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
In typical BMW fashion, the 3 Series lineup is being introduced in stages. The first models to change were the sedans, followed by the coupes, the convertible, and the wagon. This allows BMW to maintain customer interest in their best-selling platform over the course of several years.
Sedan buyers can choose from an upgraded 2.5-liter inline six (models with this powerplant will now use the numerical designation of 325) that now makes 184 horsepower, or a new-for-2001 3.0-liter inline six (330 models). The latter engine, which debuted in the X5 3.0i, replaces the 2.8-liter engine across BMW's entire product line. Bumping horsepower and torque from the former engine's 193 and 206, respectively, to 225 and 214 in the 3.0-liter adds some noticeable punch to the 3 Series and helps keep it ahead of rivals like the Audi A4 and new Lexus IS 300.
Riding on the same platform, the 3 Series sedans, coupes and convertible receive a standard five-speed manual transmission, a sport-tuned suspension, and ventilated front and rear disc brakes. Two versions of the coupe are available: the 325Ci, with the aforementioned 2.5-liter inline six, and the 330Ci with the more powerful 3.0-liter engine, larger brakes and standard 17-inch wheels. The more powerful 330 coupe reaches 60 from zero in just 6.4 seconds and features a broad torque band. Both engines meet low-emission vehicle (LEV) standards. A five-speed Steptronic automanual transmission is available for those who don't want to shift their own gears.
Another new option for 2001 is all-wheel drive. Derived from the all-wheel-drive system found in the X5, "xi" models split 38 percent of the engine's power to the front wheels and 62 percent to the rear. The AWD package also includes a 0.7-inch increase in ride height and is available on both 325 and 330 sedans as well as the 325 wagon.
If you opt for the 325Ci convertible, you'll have to lower the top manually unless you pop the extra cash for the power top, but 330Ci consumers get this perk standard. All convertibles come with a glass rear window and rollover protection. Wagon buyers will appreciate the touring models standard roof rack and rear window wiper, but, as with the sedan, don't expect to carry full-sized adults in the backseat for long periods of time.
Safety equipment on all 3 Series models includes All-Season Traction (AST) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), along with dual front airbags, door-mounted side airbags and BMW's patented Head Protection System (HPS). New for 2001 is Dynamic Brake Control, which reinforces the driver's effort during emergency braking. Rear side airbags and xenon headlights remain optional.
With the arrival of all-wheel drive and more powerful inline six cylinders, only one 3 Series model still offers superior performance; the all-new M3.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 BMW M3.
5 star(100%)
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15 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
My Dream Car-The Ultimate M3 Convertible
dreamtoys, 08/02/2002
2001 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
This is my dream car for many years. I
have heard so much about the M3 in the
past. Then the new 2001 M3 with 333
hp. came to this shore. I went and
order two of them- one couple and one
convertibe. I took the first available
convertible in Imola red. I love the
red, black, black combination. The
other standard colors like silver,
white, blue etc. are too common. … It is
as fast as a Porsche 911. Better than
Boxter S which has less horse power,
speed and handling features. Ferrari
has a reason to paint most of their
cars red!
5 out of 5 stars
Incredible
docherf, 07/12/2004
2001 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
This is all it is said to be by the
car mags and more. It's a blast to
drive - it's fun even on short drives
to work. The space is practicle for
kids in the back - and they love to be
in it with the top down. Quality is
first rate - I'm surprised that even
after three years, there are no
rattles or squeaks - it is as tightly
put together as the first day.
There … are not any drawbacks as far as
I'm concerned - except I wish BMW made
something the size of a Suburban for
the family car.
4.75 out of 5 stars
If it had wings, it would fly
03055gi, 05/18/2006
2001 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
Picked up this car in Fort Lauderdale and drove back to New Hampshire. What a rush. Have had many cars and this is the best by far. Look forward to driving like never before. Had a number of people pull up to me on the highway and want to play and felt no urge to embarrass them, just kept driving with the top down and the tunes playing.
4.88 out of 5 stars
My Faviorite BMW So Far
redhat, 10/27/2002
2001 BMW M3 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
This is my third BMW, I had two BMW
Z3's prior to this car. Those were
fun and sporty, but they did not offer
the thrill of taking corners at speeds
with such ease. This is probably the
best mix of power, performance, and
luxury available in any vehicle.
2001 M3 Highlights
Convertible
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $53,400 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $324/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the M3 include:
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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