There are 3 owner-reported powertrain & transmission complaints for the 2001 BMW M3in NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
MY M3 CIC MAKES A LOUD GRINDING/CLATTER TYPE NOISE WHEN DISENGAGING THE 6-SPEED MANUAL CLUTCH IN BOTH 1ST AND REVERSE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING AT ABOUT 1-2 MPH. BMW TECH'S SAY THIS IS NORMAL OPERATION, HOWEVER, I CAN'T DUPLICATE THE SAME PROBLEM ON A NEW M3 W/6 SPEED TRANSMISSION. *JB
LOTS OF COMMON COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET SITE WWW.BIMMER.ORG E46M3 POST BOARD. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
MY CAR EXHIBITS A LOUD CLUNKING IN THE REAR OF THE CAR WHEN SHIFTING, GOING ON/OFF GAS AND FROM RELEASING THE CLUTCH AT SLOW SPEEDS. THE SEVERITY IS INCREASING WITH MILEAGE. THE SERVICE CENTER THAT I AM USING: BURDICK BMW, 3904 BREWERTON RD., N. SYRACUSE NY 13212, 315-458-7590 HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THE CAR. I HAVE BEGUN RECEIVING REPORTS FROM OTHER OWNERS OF THIS PROBLEM ULTIMATELY LEADING TO THE FAILURE OF THE DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT AT THE DIFFERENTIAL ON THEIR CARS. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING TO ME AND I CANNOT HELP BUT WORRY ABOUT THE SERIOUS SAFETY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROBLEM.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026