AI Damage2001 BMW M Roadster: common problems
Owners of the 2001 BMW M Roadster filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and equipment. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
- involving a crash
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 75% of all complaints
- 2 Equipment 25% of all complaints
- 3 Vehicle speed control 25% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 3 complaints (75% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Equipment: 1 complaints (25% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 complaints (25% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.2 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 4 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The bmw that I drive is subject to catastrophic engine failure. There have been over 125 reported and documented cases of the engine failing at an engine rpm that is well within the tolerances of the vehicle specifications. These failures have resulted in engine lock ups, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle.
I would like to file a complaint regarding the bmw s54 engines that are currently used in the bmw m roadsters. I am aware that there have been multiple letters mailed, e-mails sent and even an internet site established all pertaining to the problematic s54 engine.
Gas pedal broke and jammed. Could not stop car, engine began revving at high rpm. Turned the car off and pulled onto shoulder of interstate. Gas pedal broke at the base. Updated 05/12/11
Consumer stated that engine stalls after being warm or hot on initial start up, and engine goes to low rpm (50) or stalls out completely. After restarting engine will run correctly. Took vehicle to the dealer and problem still has not been solved, consumer is concerned that this could lead to accident in traffic.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 15,521 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 42% most complained about).
On average one model year of the M Roadster has 11 complaints (6 years in the data). This year has 4, below average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Vehicle speed control. Accelerator pedal, cruise control, throttle codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW M Roadster?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, equipment, vehicle speed control. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: engine failure or replacement (25%), stalls while driving (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2001 BMW M Roadster?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2001 BMW M Roadster from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2001 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.