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BMW M3

2001–2004 only

117 classified complaints 5 recalls

2001–2004 BMW M3 models have 117 classified complaints on record for these years specifically, plus 5 recalls. The most common issue in this range is Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically surfacing around 99,647 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2001–2004 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full BMW M3 report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

2001–2004

2005–2009

2010–2013

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 2001–2004 only

Airbags, seatbelts and restraints · Body and interior 29 complaints

Median onset: 99,647 miles. 3.4% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in older model years.

Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion · Suspension 23 complaints

Median onset: 128,000 miles.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years.

Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting · Transmission 18 complaints

Median onset: 73,773 miles.

More common in older model years.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 10 complaints

Median onset: 88,155 miles.

Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim · Body and interior 9 complaints

Median onset: 50,000 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years.

Transmission control module and sensors · Transmission 5 complaints

Median onset: 65,000 miles.

More common in older model years.

Water leaks and seals · Body and interior 5 complaints

Median onset: 60,000 miles. 20.0% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years.

Wiring harness, grounds and connectors · Electrical 4 complaints

Median onset: 95,824 miles.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2001–2004 model years. See the full BMW M3 report for every year and full specs/safety data.