Research · Two Seaters
2001 BMW M RoadsterRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2001 BMW M Roadster. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (3) and vehicle speed control (1). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
4
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2001 BMW M Roadster as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2002 – May 2011
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Vehicle speed control1
- Equipment adaptive/mobility1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
3 reports2 crashes
“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. *AK THESE FAILURES HAVE RESULTED IN ENGINE LOCK UPS, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. BMW HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE IN THE S54 ENGINE THAT DRIVES THE MAJORITY OF THE VEHICLES IN THE M CLASS, HOWEVER, THEY HAVE IGNORED THOSE OF US DRIVING THE M ROADSTER, STILL DRIVEN BY THE SAME ENGINE. PLEASE ADVISE.”
Vehicle speed control
1 report
“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 *BF”
Equipment adaptive/mobility
1 report1 crash
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Roadster Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,300 | 494 |
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 BMW M Roadster as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2001 M Roadster questions
How many recalls does the 2001 BMW M Roadster have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2001 BMW M Roadster problems?
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (3), vehicle speed control (1), equipment adaptive/mobility (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2001 BMW M Roadster get?
The EPA rates the 2001 BMW M Roadster at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026