2001 BMW 3-Series BMW 3-Series 2001

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2001 BMW 3-Series repairs by problem area

Engine (47%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (1%)

Suspension and Steering (17%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (19%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 532 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2001 BMW 3-Series.

2001 BMW 3-Series repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (15%)

$500 - $999 (18%)

$100 - $499 (36%)

< $100 (30%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 416 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2001 BMW 3-Series

Engine not specified

BMW 3-Series in Connecticut, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

149000 mi

US $500
Alternator went at 148,000 miles. 
BMW in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Dec 2008

90000 mi

US $3000
This car is a piece of junk !! A complete money hog and BMW deserves to be sued. 
BMW 3-Series in Wisconsin, United States
May 2010 - Oct 2010
Jun 2010

181000 mi
WATER IN FRONT PASSENGER FOOT WELL, VAPOR BARRIER BLAMMED AND REPAIRED LAST 3 TIMES WITH SAME PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS BUT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE. 
Oct 2010

187000 mi

US $5000
Transfer Case has too much "play" as do the 2 axles on the front of the car, (all-wheel 330xi) told that it will be a catastrophic failure, will get exponentially worse, and then fail, soon. This problem rarely happens per the dealer. 
BMW 3-Series in Colorado, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

123000 mi

US $2000
Bought car from dealership in March, discovered problems. Legal settlement reached and dealer agreed to pay for the replacement of all parts needing repair. Include oil leaks. 
BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States
Jul 2008 - Mar 2010
Aug 2008

62000 mi

US $600
Alternator failure. 
BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States
Jun 2011 - Aug 2011
Jul 2011

74000 mi

US $185
Grill part missing 
BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2011 - Jan 2012
Jan 2012 worn clutch. 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Jan 2011 - Jul 2012
Jul 2011

150000 mi

US $160
Headlight stopped working, bulb replaced and wiring fixed 
Aug 2011

151000 mi

US $450
Engine mounts replaced 
Dec 2011

155000 mi

US $30
Drivers front grill fell off Passenger front signal light started working intermittently, then stopped all together due to lose wiring 
Jun 2012

166000 mi

US $700
Drive belt broke and was replaced. Radiator replaced 
Jul 2012

166000 mi

US $650
Noise in front right wheel, replaced ball joint & noise is gone 
BMW in Connecticut, United States
Jan 2007 - Mar 2010
Feb 2007

108000 mi

US $250
Broken right rear shock mount. 
BMW 3-Series in Alabama, United States
Aug 2013 - Aug 2013
Aug 2013

135000 mi

US $630
Replace alternator 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4dr Wagon

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Ohio, United States
Oct 2012 - Dec 2012
Nov 2012

162000 mi

US $520
Replaced belt tensioner, DISA valve 
BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States
Nov 2010 - Feb 2011
Dec 2010

79000 mi

US $1200
Fuel filter, crankcase breather valve assembly, fuel tank purge valve. Installed customer supplied headlight lenses. Front crank seal. 
Jan 2011

79000 mi

US $1020
Mass Airflow Sensor and fuel filter replaced. Motor mounts and transmission mounts replaced. 
BMW 3-Series in Minnesota, United States
Nov 2008 - Nov 2014
Apr 2009

38000 mi

US $1600
Glass hatch on wagon shorted and would not open at the hatch. Would trigger by itself though (shorted). Rear coil spring broke. Rear pair replaced.  
Jun 2009

39000 mi

US $60
Low refrigerant in AC. Added refridgerant and hissing noise during operation stopped. 
Aug 2009

40000 mi

US $100
Auto transmission shifted abruptly downshifting from 2-1. Updated transmission and engine software from original versions to current (software was 4 revs old). 
Jun 2011

56000 mi

US $900
A/C compressor and dryer were leaking R134A. Replaced both units with OEM grade (not factory) parts and recharged system. 
Jul 2011

56000 mi

US $150
Replaced window regulator 
May 2012

63300 mi

US $370
Cam position sensor failed. Engine hesitated near idle and had reduced power. Check engine light was illuminated. 
Sep 2012

64000 mi

US $450
Replaced front control arm bushing Sticking front caliper 
Jun 2014

82000 mi

US $700
Thermostat and lower coolant hose were leaking. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4dr Wagon

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Mar 2013 - Apr 2014
Sep 2013

141000 mi

US $50
Brake Fluid Flush 
Apr 2014

148000 mi

US $120
Fuel Pump replaced 
BMW 3-Series in Missouri, United States
Sep 2012 - Jun 2022
May 2022

101000 mi

US $675
Replace radiator, water pump, expansion tank & hoses 
BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States
Feb 2014 - Oct 2014
Oct 2014

247000 mi

US $125
Exhaust camshaft sensor 
BMW 3-Series in Indiana, United States
Jun 2008 - Dec 2012
Sep 2009

77000 mi
Left front control arm. Two window regulators. 
Jan 2011

88000 mi

US $1000
broken rear springs (2) replaced 
Sep 2012

100000 mi

US $100
Idle problem 
BMW 3-Series in Wisconsin, United States
Apr 2011 - Nov 2013
Oct 2013

100000 mi

US $240
Dead alternator 
BMW 3-Series in New Jersey, United States
Jul 2011 - Dec 2016
Sep 2012

170000 mi

US $100
Rear wiper repeatedly opened on its own while driving. The exterior switch was bad due to water leakage. 
Mar 2013

180000 mi

US $425
Replaced rear shocks, rear springs, and upper shock mounts. 
Mar 2015

214000 mi

US $25
Rusty exhaust let go between the cat and rear exhaust. Drilled out rusty fasteners and temporarily fixed with random hardware. 
Dec 2016

249700 mi
Engine would not start. A compression check revealed multiple bad cylinders. Something failed inside that scattered debris which destroyed multiple cylinders. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4dr Wagon

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual AWD

BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States
Oct 2009 - Jun 2011
Dec 2009

63000 mi

US $420
Ignition coils failed/failing. Bought new coils and spark plugs and installed them. Rough idle/igniton missfire symptoms cured. 
Dec 2010

75000 mi

US $250
Problem - Worn control arm bushings. Ordered new bushings myself. These were then installed by my indy mechanic. 
Apr 2011

79000 mi

US $600
Serpentine belt broke. Towed car to shop. Shop replaced 2 idler pulleys, s. belt,  water pump, coolant, rad. bleed screw. Had shop replace rear rotors and pads (wear item) while the car was there. 
BMW 3-Series in Ohio, United States
Dec 2009 - Nov 2010
Aug 2010

147000 mi

US $200
Worn rear shocks blown after carrying a large load in the back. Replaced with Bilsteins- done myself 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Nebraska, United States
Apr 2009 - Jun 2011
Jun 2009

95000 mi

US $500
Oil leak at valve cover gasket bolt seals. 
Jan 2010

US $500
Front sway bar end links have rubber bushings that wear out and produce noises when going over bumps valve cover gaskets leaks near front (no. 1) - replaced gasket and rubber bolt grommets Window washer fluid leaks at motor. Motor still worked but fluid drips out of valve assembly. Replaced motor and strainer/grommet. 
BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2011
Oct 2010

66000 mi

US $750
Belt tensioner bearings failed. Valve cover gasket leaked. 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Jun 2017 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018

138000 mi

US $580
Head gasket blown between cylinders 5 and 6, no compression. Replaced head gasket as well as other gaskets and hoses during the repair. 
BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States
Jul 2013 - Jan 2015
May 2014

112900 mi

US $5
Bleed screw for cooling system cracked in half and caused the car to overheat. 
Jan 2015

111000 mi

US $35
Vapor barriers on all 4 doors were lifting at bottom of doors 
BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States
Mar 2010 - Jul 2014
Apr 2010

184000 mi

US $1500
Power steering hose leaking. Reservoir and hose replaced. axle boot. Fan clutch, belts, tension pulleys 
Feb 2011

196000 mi

US $719
The wheel bearings were replaced on the rear wheels.  He also re-attached the washer fluid hose,  banged some trim back into place,  replaced the oil cap, wiper blades, and changed the oil. 
Aug 2011

200000 mi

US $590
Motor mount replacement. Evaporator core leak. Too expensive to fix, so just charged the AC. 
Apr 2012

209000 mi

US $1450
Alternator light on. Could not hold a charge with new battery. Replaced alternator. Rear shocks replaced. Pulleys and belts replaced. 
Feb 2013

219300 mi

US $1300
Oil pan gasket leaking. Replaced. Headlamp replaced. Oil changed. 
Jun 2013

225000 mi

US $1500
Oil filter housing leaking.Vacuum leak. Power steering hoses leaking. 
Jul 2014

247000 mi
Oil leak. Temperature sensor. Vacuum leak. Coolant leak. Headlight electrical issue. 
BMW 3-Series in British Columbia, Canada
Nov 2014 - Jun 2022
Sep 2018

78120 mi

C $235
windshield washer fluid pump replacement 
May 2022

83080 mi

C $250
Oil level sensor 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Aug 2009 - Jul 2011
Oct 2009

66000 mi

US $240
VANOS oil supply line leaking - replaced 
BMW 3-Series in Nevada, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2011
Oct 2010

76000 mi

US $5
Loose steering, traced system, tighten steering link to rack, adjust rack tension for slack, checked alingement no toe, adjusted toe to 1/8"-3/16" toe in, steering corrected, steering smooth stright, corrected air pressure for climate. Loose steering, traced system, tighten steering link to rack, adjust rack tension for slack, checked alingement no toe, adjusted toe to 1/8"-3/16" toe in, steering corrected, steering smooth stright, corrected air pressure for climate.  
BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States
Jan 2007 - Aug 2011
Dec 2007

64000 mi
I brought it in for increasingly loose steering. They determined it was due to the front control arms which need to be replaced. I had neither the time nor the money. They said it wasn't urgent since the wheels don't 'shimmy' on braking yet. 
Mar 2008

65000 mi

US $1200
Replaced both front control arms, tightened steering, re-alignment. (Also transmission fluid change. Lubricated sticking sunroof. 
Jul 2008

67000 mi

US $1200
New blower motor and oil change. 
Nov 2009

74000 mi

US $200
Loose steering. Tightened control arms and steering linkages. Flushed power steering fluid. Marginal improvement, but not fully repaired. Keeping wheel in full up position also helps. 
Dec 2009

74000 mi

US $600
Coolant tank rupture. Engine overheated. Coolant tank, pump, hoses, replaced. Oil leak detected in oil pan. Gasket replacement postponed. 
Jan 2010

76100 mi

US $90
Oil indicator yellow warning. Believed faulty sensor or bad oil pump causing low oil pressure. Oil level not a factor, even with known slow oil leak. Waiting for next oil change to replace sensor, pump, and pan gasket. Engine misfired. But no problem after restart, and could not replicate. 
Apr 2010

75000 mi

US $1400
Coolant leak again, hose ruptured after system was replaced previously. Took to dealer instead of local guy this time. They found errors in his installation. Found slow leak in power steering system, replaced tube/hose. 
Aug 2010

77000 mi

US $310
Driver's side window regulator. Second time replaced. First replaced around 2005. 
Apr 2011

79200 mi

US $3995
Vacuum hose leaky causing improper fuel mixture. Steering column re-built with new bushings to take 'play' out of the steering. Defective oil pressure sensor had to be replaced. Oil light was continuously lit. All four interior pillar covers replaced (fabric falling off), roof alarm sensor bracket replaced (broken for a couple of years now). Driver side external mirror replaced after becoming discolored/oxidized, hard to see through. Front kidney grilles broke and fell out. Had to be replaced. 
Jun 2011

80000 mi

US $437
Replaced the oil filter housing gasket after 'heavy leak' was found by mechanic when car was in shop for brake service. 
Aug 2011

80000 mi
Wanted new control arms...again! Terrible rattle. Finally done with the damn car. 80k miles and I've spent so much its cheaper to have a car payment. I will never own another bimmer out of warranty. I won't own another BMW for a while. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States
Mar 2013 - Oct 2013
Apr 2013

144500 mi

US $250
Oil Separator Valve 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States
Aug 2008 - Jan 2010
Jul 2008

US $1100
In July, 2008: coolant leak: required radiator replacement. 
Dec 2008

142000 mi

US $925
Car would not start: towed to shop; fuel pump and filter were replaced, also oil service while there.  
Dec 2009

152000 mi

US $1100
HVAC fan  oil leak 
BMW 3-Series in Missouri, United States
Jul 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

83000 mi
window regulator, used zip ties to hold metal piece in place due to plastic clips breaking. 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Nov 2007 - Mar 2016
Sep 2008

77000 mi

US $235
Coolant expansion tank cracked. Replaced tank and upper radiator hose. 
Feb 2009

79000 mi
Passenger window regulator failed. Repaired window slider with cable ties. 
Mar 2009

81000 mi

US $20
Hood Roundel lost paint. Replaced with new one. 
Jan 2010

89000 mi

US $25
Check Engine Light came on. Bought code reader and read codes. Replaced Gas Cap. 
Nov 2011

99000 mi

US $800
Worn control arm bushings replaced 
Feb 2012

101400 mi

US $65
Code thrown for Camshaft Position Sensor, Replaced Sensor. 
Feb 2013

105600 mi

US $140
Worn Belt tensioner replaced 
Sep 2014

111000 mi

US $25
Replaced Windshield Washer Motor 
Mar 2015

119000 mi

US $350
Broken rear window regulator 
Mar 2016

128000 mi
Oil Filter Housing Gasket leaking. Gasket replaced. 
BMW 3-Series in Missouri, United States
Aug 2007 - May 2010
Dec 2009

114000 mi

US $480
Hose to power steering reservoir ruptured and caused damage to reservoir. Both were replaced. 
Jan 2010

116000 mi

US $47
Upper radiator hose began to leak from bleed screw. Found a crack, so replaced. 
Feb 2010

118000 mi

US $315
Cooling system overhaul. All hoses, expansion tank and water pump replaced. Expansion tank was found to be cracked and leaking at base. 
BMW 3-Series in Kentucky, United States
Jun 2015 - Jul 2015
Jul 2015

166000 mi

US $2500
Repair excedes worthe daily 
BMW 3-Series in Utah, United States
Mar 2012 - Jul 2012
Jun 2012

119000 mi

US $95
Accessory belt bearings where worn and cause a low rattle noise in the engine bay. Parts were replaced and haven't had a problem since. I just got in the car to drive it home from my mechanic's shop after they concluded the previous repair. After the engine ran for about 1 minute, the Service Engine Soon light came on. My mechanic said my idle control valve needed cleaning 
BMW 3-Series in Bulgaria
Dec 2015 - Jun 2016
Jan 2016

$50
Plastic intake boot and adjoining vacuum hose were old (original 2001 parts) and had cracked causing unmetered air intake which caused a minor rich condition. 
BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States
Dec 2014 - Mar 2016
Jan 2015

104200 mi

US $1300
Replaced worn: Front control arm bushing Rear trailing arm bushing Front sway bar bushing Replaced power steering supply/return hoses. 
Sep 2015

103000 mi

US $680
Left front and left rear window regulators. 
BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2009 - Mar 2010
Aug 2009

60760 mi

C $2434
Crankcase vent stuck but seems very expensive to repair. 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Feb 2007 - Jun 2018
Aug 2007

104000 mi

US $15
Cracked rubber intake boot letting unmetered air into engine causing check engine light. Replaced lower intake boot, cleared code. 
Dec 2008

128000 mi

US $60
Thermostat failed open. Replaced thermostat and flushed/filled coolant. 
May 2009

135000 mi

US $80
Ignition switch failure prevented engine from starting. 
Jul 2009

138000 mi

US $80
Replaced failed coolant expansion tank. 
Aug 2010

155300 mi

US $600
Electric cooling fan failure. Fan replaced. Crack in radiator tank. Radiator replaced. 
Sep 2011

173000 mi

US $1500
Suspension components worn out after 172,000 miles and causing noisy and sloppy ride. 
Feb 2012

180000 mi

US $375
Failed joint in driveshaft. Replaced driveshaft. 
Jun 2012

186000 mi

US $50
Water pipe to expansion tank hose leaking. Replaced hose, refilled and bled cooling system. 
Oct 2012

194000 mi

US $80
Crank position sensor failed. Replaced sensor and cleared adaptations. 
Mar 2013

200000 mi

US $60
Windshield washer pump failed - leaking. Replaced pump. 
Jul 2013

205800 mi

US $60
Oil level sensor malfunction. Replaced sensor. 
Sep 2013

210000 mi
Factory installed clutch starting to show signs of being worn out at 210,000 miles. Replaced clutch. 
Apr 2014

220800 mi

US $500
Power steering pump failure. Replaced power steering pump, all hoses, and reservoir. 
Feb 2015

238000 mi

US $60
Thermostat failed open. Replaced thermostat and topped off/bled cooling system. Ignition coil for cylinder 3 failed. Replaced coil. 
Mar 2015

239000 mi

US $350
Steering getting loose due to worn tie rods and steering guibo. Replaced tie rods, steering guibo, and also replaced steering rack to improve feel. Had alignment performed. 
BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States
Apr 2010 - Jan 2018
Feb 2011

77000 mi

US $60
Replaced a leaking valve cover gasket. 
Sep 2011

85000 mi

US $30
Crack in air intake boot causing a check engine/service engine soon light. Replaced cracked intake boot and reset SES light.  
Jan 2012

113000 mi
Mass air flow sensor. 
Feb 2012

92000 mi
Mass air flow sensor and lower intake boot replaced. Problem was left over from prior month due to lag in placing parts order. 
Aug 2012

100000 mi

US $5
Oil filter housing gasket failed and the car developed a slow oil leak. Replaced failed gasket, resolving issue. Power steering fluid reservoir hoses were leaking. Replaced both hoses and clamps, resolving problem. 
Nov 2012

103700 mi

US $180
Driver side seatbelt pretensioner and wiring harness failed. Both were replaced. Second trip five days later. 
Dec 2012

105000 mi
Two more trips for SRS light, pretensioner and wiring harness. Update: came back on two weeks later. 
Dec 2013

117000 mi
Replaced worn bulb housings for running lights and turn signals. 
Sep 2014

124000 mi

US $3000
Clutch, shift bushing, guibo, shift selector spring replacement. Transmission fluid service. Radiator, hoses, water pump, idler pulley, and belt tensioner replacement. Radiator had a stress crack in plastic edge, water pump bearings were bad and causing noise. 
Dec 2015

139000 mi

US $1200
Replaced failed ignitor unit and xenon bulb. Yaw sensor failed. 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Mar 2009 - Jun 2014
Jun 2009

110000 mi

US $100
Window regulator 
Nov 2009

115000 mi

US $100
Oil level sensor replacement 
Jan 2010

116000 mi

US $1000
gasket replacement 
Jul 2010

118300 mi

US $800
2 window regulators 
Mar 2011

126000 mi

US $700
Replaced fuel pump.  
Apr 2014

144000 mi

US $60
Fan resistor replaced 
Jun 2014

144000 mi

US $1100
Cooling fan AND radiator 
BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States
Dec 2009 - May 2010
Mar 2010

82000 mi
Valve cover gasket. Motor mounts. Turn signal short. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed manual AWD

BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States
Dec 2012 - May 2014
Nov 2013

192300 mi

US $300
Severe oil leakage, burning oil 
BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2007 - Mar 2019
Mar 2008

112220 mi

C $420
Exhaust cam position sensor. 
Oct 2014

223500 mi

C $1000
Shocks, broken rear springs, RTAB, FCAB, steering universal, power steering lines. All fuel injectors (leaking fuel in cold weather). Replace front drive axle. U joint broken. (4 wheel drive) 
Oct 2015

231440 mi

C $500
Brakes failed. Rear line rusted through. Both rear lines replaced. 
Feb 2016

236500 mi

C $500
Rad leaking at passenger side corner. 
Mar 2018

266314 mi

C $2000
Replace both front wheel bearings 
Mar 2019

285200 mi

C $600
Had to replace FR half shaft. Outer boot damaged by mechanic replacing wheel bearing a year ago. I had tried to pack boot with Aquaseal but didn't work. Tore itself apart over the winter. 
BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2012 - Aug 2013
May 2013

83000 mi

US $650
replace rear springs (that had been replaced 4 years ago) driver's window won't go up and down - replace regulator 
BMW 3-Series in New Hampshire, United States
Jun 2012 - Jul 2015
Oct 2012

153000 mi

US $185
Right front axle seal had a leak and needed to be repaired. Exhaust leak where the cat meets the front muffler. 
Mar 2013

157000 mi

US $130
ABS speed sensor failed -> no speedo, DSC, ABS. OEM replacement cost $130, took 5 minutes. 
Jun 2013

158000 mi

US $600
Stuck rear caliper; replaced both rears with rmfd and flushed/bled brakes. Two noisy wheel bearings (driver rear, passenger front) replaced. 
Aug 2014

165000 mi

US $15
Turn signal socket burned out. Replaced with new. 
BMW 3-Series in Ohio, United States
Sep 2010 - Feb 2011
Nov 2010

129000 mi

US $1000
Low oil (failed filter gasket). Pulleys and serpentine belt changed. Belt cracked, but functioning. Pulleys working but rattly. I also replaced battery, spark plugs at 108k, need new xenon lamps now (still on OEM lamps). 
BMW 3-Series in Michigan, United States
Nov 2013 - Apr 2018
Mar 2014

213000 mi

US $100
Expansion tank developed a crack and was leaking. Replaced the tank. 
Jul 2014

215700 mi
Oil leak developed at higher RPM - valve cover gasket was replaced 
Jan 2015

210800 mi

US $58
The DISA valve had broken and was clicking loudly. I purchased a DISA valve repair kit on Amazon. 
Jun 2016

236000 mi

US $28
Exhaust Cam Sensor needed to be replaced as it was throwing a trouble code P0369 (i think) 
Oct 2016

230000 mi

US $50
Replaced lock relays in GM5 module. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States
Jul 2011 - May 2014
Aug 2011

59000 mi

US $480
Front passenger control arm worn out. Replaced. 
Jun 2012

66000 mi

US $1027
Valve cover leaking - replaced Power Steering pump leaking Windshield washer motor non-operational 
Feb 2013

68200 mi

US $1230
Leaking hoses, replaced coolant overflow, replaced coolant cap. 
BMW 3-Series in Tennessee, United States
Jul 2010 - Dec 2010
Oct 2010

95000 mi

US $59
Control arm bushing replacement. 
BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2011 - Sep 2013
Oct 2011

131000 mi

US $175
low oil sensor burned out 
BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2012 - Apr 2015
Jun 2012

41540 mi
Gas tank valve was stuck, it was impossible to fill up the tank. The pump trigger kept kicking back, as the gas was draining very slowly in the neck. 
Jul 2012

42340 mi
The rubber neck was plugged with debris. They ordered a new rubber neck from Germany. They had replaced the gas tank during the previous visit, but it hadn't fixed the problem. 
Mar 2013

53320 mi
Runs out of gas while the gauge shows 1/4 tank gas. Gauges tested working fine, guessing one of the two sending units or jet pump failure. Dealer suggested to replace all three items to be safe. Estimate $1450 including labour. 
Jun 2013

57660 mi
Forums suggested that replacing the fuel filter or using fuel cleaner might fix the inaccurate fuel gauge. I did both, and the gauge then operated correctly. I'm not sure which one remedy fixed the issue. 
Dec 2014

66340 mi

C $100
Oil level sensor defective, replaced defective sensor. Parts $49, labour $45. 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

103000 mi

US $1100
Smog test turned into a nightmare. Vacuum leak led to inability to quickly get codes to reset in order to redo test. 
Oct 2010

104000 mi

US $50
Replaced window wiper wash pump 
BMW 3-Series in Nebraska, United States
Aug 2007 - Aug 2013
Oct 2007

102000 mi

US $756
Cyclone filter replaced (oil separator) 
Jan 2008

102000 mi

US $800
Replace front lower control arms and bushings 
Mar 2008

105000 mi

US $250
Thermostat replaced. Valve cover replaced. 
Apr 2008

107000 mi

US $80
Replaced idler pulley. Replaced broken cooling fan. 
Sep 2008

116000 mi

US $400
Replaced power steering pump. 
Dec 2008

120000 mi

US $11
Tail light ground wire corroded. 
Jun 2009

125000 mi
water pump towing company damaged the tie rod during tow 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Jan 2008 - Mar 2013
Feb 2008

63000 mi

US $250
Keyfob will not remember program to unlock doors. Keyfob needs to be replaced. 
Sep 2008

65000 mi

US $500
Sunroof's interior shade rolled back into the interior portion of the headliner when the sunroof's exterior portion was retracted. 
Jan 2010

76700 mi

US $290
Oil sender was replaced 
Oct 2012

79000 mi

US $2000
steering felt wobbly and clunk sound when stopped. 
BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States
Mar 2015 - Mar 2018
Sep 2015

128000 mi

US $110
Camshaft Sensor. Spark Plugs 
BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States
Aug 2007 - Feb 2014
Jan 2009

77000 mi

US $230
Replaced alternator bearing. 
Feb 2011

118300 mi
airbag light on CRANK SENSOR 
Jan 2012

119300 mi

US $60
REPLACED THERMOSTAT 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 3-Series in Rhode Island, United States
Dec 2006 - Sep 2014
Nov 2007

68000 mi

US $560
The right outer CV joint boot ripped. 
Nov 2008

78000 mi

US $236
Tail light carriers and connections needed to be replaced. Blinkers blinked too fast most of the time.  
Mar 2010

89000 mi

US $200
Idle control/regulator valve. Erratic idle. 
Jul 2010

93000 mi

US $180
The replacement water pump I installed about 2 years ago seized. Bearing frozen solid. 
Nov 2011

107000 mi

US $70
Valve cover gasket replaced. Oil line for vanos replaced. Replaced the spark plugs for the first time in cars life. 
Jan 2012

108300 mi

US $188
Valve cover gasket replaced. 
Aug 2012

113400 mi

US $250
Replaced intake and exhaust cam sensors. 
Dec 2012

117000 mi

US $1000
Driver's side outer CV joint boot replaced for the second time. 
Jan 2013

110200 mi
Replaced fuel pump. 
May 2013

121700 mi

US $459
Passenger side outer CV joint boot replaced for the second time. 
Oct 2013

125300 mi

US $300
Replaced adjuster unit (DISA) valve. 
Aug 2014

131200 mi
Replaced upper and lower radiator hoses, expansion tank, and radiator. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Nov 2007 - Oct 2011
May 2009

118000 mi

US $800
Replaced window regulator, brake fluid flush, oil service, wiper inserts, fan belts replaced.  
Sep 2009

121000 mi

US $325
there was a leak in the power steering hose. had to clean it up and i guess replace the hose 
BMW 3-Series in Maryland, United States
Apr 2015 - Jul 2017
Jul 2015

178700 mi

US $150
replace A-arm bushing Radiator and expansion tank replaced 
Oct 2015

177000 mi

US $200
Replace water pump and belts. 
Feb 2016

177000 mi

US $25
Left, rear shock mount 
Nov 2016

179600 mi

US $21
Replaced gauge cluster with used item from eBay. Replace window regulator slides. 
May 2017

178000 mi

US $600
Water in oil, removed, resurfaced and replaced head. Inspected head and block for cracks with no indication. Head gasket showed no indication of failure either. 
BMW 3-Series in Colorado, United States
Oct 2007 - Oct 2010
Dec 2007

68000 mi

US $175
Crankshaft Position Sensor failure 
Aug 2008

72000 mi

US $1100
Power steering pump failing. Windshield washer pump failure. 
Oct 2009

76000 mi

US $760
Multiple issues - cooling system sensor indicated low coolant (coolant was normal). HVAC exterior sensor and wiring damaged. AC hoses worn - near failure. Resistor failure in HVAC control module. (brake system flush, Oil change service) 
Nov 2009

76200 mi
noise associated with cold starting. only occurred for 2-3 minutes after cold start. Advised it was associated with cold engine start in cold conditions (valve diverted exterior air flow until engine warmed?) Car is going to Arizona so not a prob. 
May 2010

79000 mi

US $300
Passenger side window would not operate properly. window regulator motor replaced. 
Sep 2010

86000 mi

US $1500
Significant oil leaks from unknown points in the engine. Numerous seals and gackets were replaced. While the oil leaks have generally been fixed, there are still some minor drips. 
BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2013 - Feb 2015
Apr 2014

141340 mi

C $1200
Replaced bushings, etc. 
Jul 2014

145160 mi

C $800
Alternator replaced. 
Dec 2014

151900 mi

C $200
Coolant expansion tank cracked, spilling all coolant in middle of traffic jam.... No fun. 
Feb 2015

151900 mi
The BMW's door locks were a bit finicky and inconsistent (though officially undiagnosed). Beyond that it was ready for a new owner and was still pretty solid. 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
May 2011 - May 2013
Jul 2011

120300 mi

US $400
the aircon/heater fan turned on and wouldn't shut off unless I disconnected the battery. $400 later, the "final stage resistor" had to be replaced to fix the problem.  
Dec 2011

132000 mi

US $411
Front sway bar bushings 
Feb 2013

154700 mi

US $607
Replacement of oil filter stand gasket Replacement of valve cover - cracked. Driver's window regulator replacement, $450 Driver's side drip molding (exterior). $256 
BMW 3-Series in South Africa
Apr 2012 - Jul 2018
May 2012

163740 mi

R 200
Car would not start and had to be towed to the repair shop. Fuel pump was replaced. 
Jul 2012

166860 mi

R 100
Car was briefly started on Saturday, would not start on Monday. Was towed in, problem diagnosed as flooding due to some sort of injection system glitch - apparently it commonly happens with BMWs. Spark plugs replaced during diagnosis. 
Dec 2012

173600 mi

R 100
Window regulator was replaced. Door handle cable turned out to be faulty as well. 
Feb 2013

175700 mi

R 1200
Evaporator was replaced. It is a huge job that requires removal of the entire dashboard. 
Apr 2013

177400 mi

R 25
Door handle cable was replaced with part sourced from breakers yard 
Sep 2013

186000 mi
car will not start, feeds too much fuel, floods and fouls spark plugs Plugs were replaced and car started after a lot of cranking Driver's seat not moving anymore. It happened after repeatedly attempting (and finally succeeding) to start car after replacing plugs. 
Feb 2014

189100 mi
Clutch replaced, it burnt and the car smelled very bad 
Nov 2014

195300 mi

R 40
Battery was not charging and alternator warning light was on. Replace assembly with voltage regulator and bushes. Problem fixed. 
Feb 2015

197780 mi
Battery was replaced 
Jul 2015

201500 mi

R 150
Oil leak - tappet cover gasket was replaced. 
May 2018

213900 mi

R 100
Both front window regulators failed and were replaced, not for the first time. The one on the drivers side has since failed again and is awaiting replacement. Again. 
BMW 3-Series in Oklahoma, United States
Feb 2015 - Jun 2016
Feb 2015

146000 mi
Thermostat housing leaked coolant from weep hole. Replaced housing under warranty 
May 2015

146000 mi

US $1600
Leaking shifter rod seal Rear differential leaking, pinion seal and both side deals replaced Front main seal leaking oil 
Jun 2015

147000 mi

US $650
Leaking oil pan gasket 
Mar 2016

156000 mi

US $583
Worn lower control arm bushings 
Apr 2016

156300 mi

US $935
Alternator failed. Alternator replaced. 
BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States
Nov 2008 - Aug 2012
Apr 2009

143000 mi

US $500
Coolant system leak. Replaced radiator, cap and expansion tank hose. 
Aug 2009

147000 mi

US $300
Power steering hoses were cracked, power steering fluid leaking. Replaced two hoses and topped off fluid. 
Nov 2010

162000 mi

US $1212
Replaced failed LF window regulator. Replaced failing crank vent valve and associated hoses. Oil filter housing leaking at gasket. 
Feb 2011

165100 mi

US $450
Engine thermostat replaced 
Jan 2012

175000 mi
LF wheel bearing was noisy; replaced. Serpentine belt was cracking; replaced. Oil pan gasket leaking; topped off oil. 
Aug 2012

180000 mi

US $600
control arm bushings, and one other thing I can't remember 
BMW 3-Series in South Carolina, United States
Jul 2012 - Jun 2018
Nov 2012

148400 mi

US $65
Fuel pump replaced because of symptoms, but problem turned out to be cam sensor. Cam sensor 
Mar 2013

152000 mi

US $287
oil leak from ofhg, main front seal, oil pan gasket 
Jul 2013

154500 mi

US $150
Worn out guibo, CSB 
Aug 2013

155400 mi

US $500
Struts, shocks 
Feb 2014

159000 mi

US $150
Clunking noise, so replaced tie rod ends and brakes at the same time 
Mar 2014

160000 mi

US $110
leak in lower hose. replaced expansion tank by mistake too 
May 2014

161400 mi

US $270
Control arms 
Jul 2016

175000 mi

US $65
Ignition coil cylinder 1 failed 
BMW 3-Series in Nebraska, United States
May 2007 - Jun 2011
Jul 2009

104000 mi
Replaced secondary air pump. 
Jan 2010

114000 mi
seized left front brake caliper. replaced both front calipers, pads, surfaced rotors. 
Aug 2010

125000 mi

US $850
replaced power steering pump and reservoir  had intermittent fast blinking of right rear blinker, coupled with occasional bulb-out warning lights. this was traced to a ground issue, which was repaired. 
Jan 2011

130272 mi

US $210
replaced lower control arm bushings replaced failed expansion tank. replaced failed cooling expansion tank. 
Mar 2011

130970 mi

US $485
Replaced alternator Replaced alternator 
BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States
Dec 2010 - Dec 2012
Jul 2011

87000 mi

US $2000
Replaced electric window operators for drivers and rear passenger windows, sunroof sliders, AC drain,  general maintenence, oil leak. Oil lite comes on when oil is at level. 
Aug 2011

87000 mi

US $3000
repaired oil leaks, valve cover gaskets, front seal gasket, oil service, oil sensor,  thermostat,  stablilizer bushings,  sunroof shield repair. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual AWD

BMW 3-Series in Connecticut, United States
May 2010 - Nov 2014
Jul 2010

115000 mi

US $950
Alternator went 
Oct 2011

128000 mi

US $60
Replaced leaking valve cover gasket 
Apr 2013

150800 mi

US $600
Outer CV joing ripped, need new axle. Only lasted approximately 60,000 mi. Got a Thermostat stuck open code. Replacing thermostat Lasted aprox. 60,000 miles 
Jun 2013

152000 mi

US $450
Driveshaft U joint was loose. Required driveshaft to be replaced 
Aug 2013

155000 mi

US $99
Expansion tank cracked and developed a leak. Expansion tank and cap replaced. Coolant refilled and blead 
Jan 2014

150300 mi

US $25
CV boot clamp was loose. Added grease to CV boot and applied new clamp 
Jul 2014

164200 mi

US $65
Sway bar end links were worn causing clunking sound. Replaced end links and problem was fixed 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Dec 2006 - Sep 2019
May 2007

84000 mi

US $2300
Turn indicator flashes faster than usual at first. Power steering plumbing (fluid lines). U-joint boots on on driving axles (AWD) replaced. 
Aug 2007

89000 mi

US $1700
Opted to fix power steering problem reported in May. Differential seal leaks 
Sep 2007

89000 mi

US $1500
Fuel pump not reliable on steep uphill slope. Pump and Filter replaced. 
Mar 2008

91000 mi

US $2000
Alternator failed. Power surge from failing alternator blew out all 4 headlight bulbs. 
Jan 2009

93000 mi

US $850
Failure of regulators for electric windows. 
Mar 2009

93000 mi

US $450
Thermostat sticking caused check-engine light. Valve cover gasket issue. 
Apr 2011

100000 mi

US $2000
Speakers in each door either detached or attachment ring deteriorated. Window regulators broke again. 
Dec 2014

107000 mi

US $2000
Rear shock fluid depletd Battery died 
Jul 2015

107200 mi
Stick wiggly and loose. 
Jan 2016

107200 mi

US $2241
Bad Seals around doors. Had to go back to fix. 
Feb 2016

108000 mi
More leaks found and incomplete work from first trip. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

168-horsepower 2.2L I6 5-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in Netherlands
Jun 2016 - Apr 2020
Jun 2016

117800 mi

€250
I changed the valve cover gasket, (that thing was zo dried out, brittle. it broke into a lot of pieces when i removed it.) also replaced the head-ventilation-hoses 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel manual 2WD

BMW 3-Series in Macedonia, F.Y.R.O.
Aug 2011 - Sep 2011
Sep 2011

115940 mi

$1300
The car could barely move on 1st gear, and during stopping something was knocking hard. Flywheel broken, as well as the complete clutch set. Replaced both. Problem mostly gone but there is is still minor knocking when stopping the car. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4-door

6-cylinder manual AWD

BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2006 - Mar 2010
Jan 2007

65000 mi

US $1500
DMTL Pump was faulty (fixed connection). They replaced the Thermostat. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4-door

6-cylinder manual 2WD

BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2012 - Sep 2014
Oct 2012

136080 mi

C $200
Replaced control arm bushings 
Oct 2013

147540 mi

C $150
Replaced hood locks and cables 
Sep 2014

161200 mi
Front shock blown. Stabilizer link broken. 
BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Jul 2007 - Mar 2010
Sep 2007

27000 mi

US $140
Cam position sensor, exhaust side failed and was replaced. 
Nov 2007

28000 mi

US $50
Cam position sensor, intake replaced. 
Jan 2009

36000 mi
Replacement of hose as preventative maintenance. 
BMW 3-Series in Minnesota, United States
Aug 2007 - Sep 2009
Sep 2007

85000 mi

US $500
Lower control arms replaced with ball joints and bushings 
Apr 2008

94000 mi

US $262
Heard whistling noise then vibration noise. Looked under hood and could see the waterpump turning out of round. 
Feb 2009

105000 mi

US $50
Valve cover gasket was leaking. Two hour "Do It Yourself" job. 
Mar 2009

106000 mi

US $1100
Clutch started slipping. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 2WD

BMW 3-Series in Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Aug 2007 - Feb 2010
Oct 2007

52080 mi

$1172
Told the dealer, car was losing power. Dealer said both overhead cam sensors were damaged. Had to pay for both sensors. Rear electric sunshade broke. The part that attach the sunshade to the post broke, so the sunshade was loose and could not be used. Electric motor was ok, but the attaching part could not be glued or fixed. Had to install new sunshade. Driver front window regulator broke. Window did not move at all. Had to pay for the new regulator. 
Feb 2008

54560 mi

$200
Passenger side front window regulator. 
Jul 2009

69440 mi

$1100
Rear passenger window regulator broke. Window cannot be moved. Dealer replaced regulator. Water pump broke, causing a Windshield fluid leak. Dealer replaced pump. Oil leak in oil filter area. Pulley noise when car is cold. Dealer replaced pulley. Car vibrate at 40 mph. Dealer replaced front control arm bushings. 
Dec 2009

71300 mi

$850
Motor oil leak. Tranny fluid leak. Faulty instrument cluster. 
BMW 3-Series in New Jersey, United States
Oct 2008 - Jul 2009
Mar 2009

61000 mi

US $50
Hood emblem was peeling off. 
BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States
Dec 2006 - Jan 2010
Oct 2008

56000 mi

US $650
Belt driving alternator was slipping due to faulty tensioner. Replaced. 
Dec 2009

63000 mi
Power steering pump. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

333-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in Nebraska, United States
Aug 2014 - Mar 2016
Apr 2015

84200 mi

US $200
Replaced oil level and temperature sensor in oil pan. Also replace oil pressure sensor in oil filter housing. Finally, throttle position sensor at the front of the engine was replaced. 
BMW 3-Series in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2013 - Feb 2018
Sep 2014

34000 mi

US $1800
Car shook hard and ran badly, then CEL came. Complete VANOS failure (at a very low mileage). Both exhaust hub tabs broken. s54 specialist indie replaced with Dr.Vanos rebuilt and preventative Beisan solenoid. Labor was 600, parts were 1200. 
May 2015

35000 mi

US $150
One of two horns quit, sounded wheezy/weak. Replaced both. 
Oct 2015

37200 mi

US $550
I limped car home when it started badly (even worse than previous VANOS issue) and CEL. Turns out on 3 cyls coils were gone. Past recall, but previous owners did not put enough miles to get to the issue in time. Saved 200$ by ordering parts. 
BMW 3-Series in Ohio, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2022
Jun 2011

53000 mi

US $120
Bad final stage resistor for control of HVAC blower. 
Aug 2011

55000 mi

US $1300
mass air flow meter went out of tolerance differential pinion shaft seal replaced due to small lubricant leak 
Nov 2014

67000 mi

US $800
A differential seal developed a minor leak and all seals were replaced preventively. The car could probably have been driven for many months before a real problem developed 
BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States
Feb 2014 - Aug 2022
Jun 2014

87000 mi

US $40
Slow differential seal leak. 
May 2016

97300 mi

US $200
Coil pack was cracked and needed to be replaced. 
Sep 2021

112000 mi

US $10000
subframe repair cracks and reinforcement replaced all suspension bushings replaced rod bearings 
May 2022

113000 mi

US $1000
AC recharge 
Aug 2022

113000 mi

US $400
accessory belt replacement 
BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States
Jun 2015 - Jul 2016
May 2016

85300 mi

US $210
Engine and AC belts, tensioners, and pulleys replaced due to squeaking/chirping pulley. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Nov 2011 - Mar 2018
Jun 2012

101000 mi

US $570
Vanos valve leaking oil; no associated idle problems 
Mar 2013

110000 mi

US $1400
Valve cover leaking oil. Gasket replaced. Oil filter housing gasket leak. Gasket replaced, along with lower vanos hose (damaged due to leaking oil). Also replaced lower radiator hose, crank valve hose 
Nov 2013

118000 mi

US $406
Front control arm bushings worn; last replaced 8/11 @90k mi 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Aug 2011 - Jun 2018
Oct 2011

48200 mi

US $885
Cam sensors had to be replaced 
Dec 2013

70000 mi

US $760
Radiator Overflow assembly,float, and window washer bottle and sensor 
Nov 2014

82000 mi

US $256
BMW Battery went dead after exactly 3 years almost to the day. 
Mar 2015

89000 mi

US $5
Clip that holds up the brake light cables broke 
Aug 2015

91000 mi

US $600
Radiator cracked Oil Filter Housing Leaking two weeks after radiator 
Sep 2015

92000 mi

US $358
Power steering hoses leaking 
Apr 2016

99397 mi

US $368
Replace front control arm bushings 
Aug 2016

102222 mi

US $422
Replace drivers side window regulator without motor 
Feb 2017

107710 mi

US $337
Valve Cover Gasket Replaced 
Jul 2017

112000 mi

US $65
Battery went bad less than 3 years. Battery replaced under warranty. 
Sep 2017

113605 mi

US $925
Replace a, b, c pillars on both sides of interior 
Feb 2018

118122 mi

US $123
Replace passenger side rear bulb carrier 
May 2018

119964 mi

US $579
Passenger side seat belt broken and replaced, roundel on front had to be replaced 
Jun 2018

125000 mi

US $1070
Motor and Transmission Mounts Replaced Window Regulator without Motor and Door Lock Actuator Replaced 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States
May 2014 - Jun 2015
Dec 2014

172000 mi

US $120
thermostat failed soft (too cold malice also replaced water pump due to age (no issues) 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States
Sep 2010 - Jan 2011
Sep 2010

128964 mi

US $32
Oil Filter Housing Gasket R&R FCAB's R&R with PowerFlex Bushings R&R Tensioner Pulley 4 Wheel Alignment. *It was severely out of spec and showed excessive inside front tire wear due to excessive toe in. R&R passenger side upper strut mount Repaired mushroomed strut tower. 
Oct 2010

128700 mi

US $6
Fixed Vacuum leak on the DISA seal sealing surfaces by using RTV Silicone. R&R Fuel Filter *tested the fuel filter and pitch black gas came out of it. Fixed Vacuum leak on the DISA seal sealing surfaces by using RTV Silicone. 
BMW 3-Series in Missouri, United States
Jul 2014 - Mar 2015
Jul 2014

129000 mi

US $40
Upper intake boot was ripped. 
Feb 2015

133000 mi

US $1018
Replaced clutch. I think the self-adjusting springs went. 
Mar 2015

133000 mi
Drivers side door must be unlocked with a key - the actuator failed around 105k and I never could stomach the $500 to fix it. Starting around 90k the heated seat elements had shorts in them that would overheat (burn you) even on the lowest setting. New seat covers about $2k and I could never stomach it. I'd randomly get a engine light - after reading codes the suspect was the thermostat even though it held temp fine. Reset the code and it would go away for months, weeks or days. Popped up around 110k. 
BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States
Feb 2009 - Jun 2014
May 2009

39000 mi

US $105
Exhaust camshaft sensor quit. Replaced camshaft sensor and the check engine light went off. 
BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2008 - Jul 2015
Apr 2009

96100 mi

C $220
Camshaft Position Sensor. DIY replacement; about 1 hour including cleanup (15 mins of actual "work"). 
Jun 2009

96100 mi

C $400
Replaced FCABa (Front control arm bushings) and the control arms themselves. Used new control arms and pre-pressed bushings for ease of owner install. Steering tightened up nicely after install, and slight vibration during heavy braking disappeared. 
Jun 2012

120900 mi

C $250
Replaced power steering pump & serpentine belts (since I had to take it off anyway). Power steering was starting to "groan". 
Sep 2012

122760 mi
Replaced both rear wheel bearings. 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Aug 2008 - Apr 2016
Apr 2009

76000 mi

US $12
Front turn signal bulb socket had corroded terminals, replaced 
Sep 2009

82000 mi

US $900
Alternator failure 
Jan 2010

138200 mi
Interior headliner trim around the window sagged again, very common for earlier e46 coupes. Fixed myself using epoxy. Will probably have to fix it again in four years. 
Feb 2012

114000 mi

US $1300
Coolant expansion tank crack. Also replaced water pump, thermostat, hoses, belts. RattlIng through steering wheel. Front Bushings replace on both sides. 
Aug 2012

120500 mi

US $200
Trunk lid handle broken off. Replaced and reprinted. This is the 2nd time in 10 years. 
Jul 2013

128500 mi

US $200
A pillar trim pealing, replaced. Floor mats falling apart, replaced. Cover for wiper motors 
Nov 2014

148000 mi

US $1300
Control arm Mass air sensor 
Jul 2015

150500 mi

US $200
Bracket holding exhaust pipe loose, rusted Windshield washer fluid pump broken 
Apr 2016

158000 mi

US $400
B and c pillar coverings replaced due to sagging cloth covering 
BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States
Dec 2006 - May 2010
Apr 2008

56000 mi

US $450
Shifter detent needed to be resurfaced and polished. Gear shift was sticking in 5th gear in cold weather for several years leading up to repair. 
Jul 2008

58000 mi

US $70
DIY - Replaced leaking thermostat. 
Dec 2009

74000 mi

US $438
Worn differential mount bushings. Replaced by independent mechanic. 
Jan 2010

US $60
Engine developed a minor oil leak; replaced valve cover gasket. Problem has been resolved. 
BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States
Mar 2014 - Mar 2015
Apr 2014

67000 mi

US $1200
alternator 
BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States
Jul 2010 - Aug 2014
Sep 2010

142000 mi

US $200
cam position sensor A/C evap/refill 
Aug 2014

158000 mi

US $300
Maf, ignition coil 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Sep 2011 - Sep 2012
Sep 2012

122000 mi

US $130
Replaced camshaft position sensor 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in New York, United States
Jan 2011 - Jan 2016
Oct 2011

172000 mi

US $40
Blown upper radiator hose, temporary repair then hose replacement. 
Jan 2012

179000 mi

US $60
Detected leak in water pump area, replaced thermostat housing gasket then water pump, even though old water pump was still functioning save for O-ring seal. 
Jul 2012

192200 mi

US $100
Passenger side window regulator. 
Feb 2013

208100 mi

US $3000
Reverse gear failed while rocking the car out of snow. Complete rebuild needed. 
Jun 2013

216000 mi

US $100
PCV hoses cracked leading to fault code. Difficult to diagnose, relatively easy to fix. 
Feb 2014

230700 mi
Torque converter failure, repaired under warranty. 
Oct 2014

247000 mi

US $18
Leaky temperature sensor at lower radiator hose, replaced. 
Jul 2015

264000 mi

US $80
Replaced secondary coolant hose. 
Dec 2015

275000 mi

US $30
Replaced upper radiator hose (bleed valve cracked) 
Jan 2016

252000 mi

US $60
Replaced all 6 ignition coils. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States
Apr 2016 - Jun 2016
Jun 2016

151000 mi

US $100
The xenon bulbs were getting more purple and shutting off intermittently. I replaced both bulbs and now functionality is restored and light color has returned to factory tint (white-light blue) 
BMW 3-Series in District of Columbia, United States
Nov 2011 - Jun 2016
May 2012

67500 mi

US $1700
Replaced shocks and struts all around after noticing deteriorated ride quality 
Oct 2013

72200 mi

US $1182
Rear coil springs - rusted out; one was borken, one nearly broken Front suspension bushings 
Dec 2015

76000 mi

US $100
Check engine light was on; evaporative emissions system valve faulty; ordered part online and replaced; 
BMW 3-Series in Nevada, United States
Sep 2007 - Sep 2010
Oct 2007

78000 mi
Low coolant level due do air bleeder screw broken in half and spewing coolant. Dealer removed broken screw and installed a new one in less than 30 minutes at no charge to me. 
May 2008

83000 mi

US $55
Final stage resistor was failing, causing the a/c blower to be erratic. Replaced it myself and it's working fine now. 
Jul 2009

89000 mi

US $40
Speedometer stopped working after removing needles to change gauge face. Ended up replacing all cluster stepper motors with new motors purchased off eBay. 
Sep 2009

89000 mi

US $30
Front driver side turn signal assembly removed itself from the car while travelling on the highway. Had to replace turn signal assembly. 
Dec 2009

90000 mi

US $50
Replaced windshield cowl due to dryrot on seal against windshield. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible

333-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Feb 2011 - Sep 2013
Aug 2012

78486 mi

US $120
Replaced Rear differential Replaced camshaft position sensor Replaced oil temp sensor 
BMW 3-Series in Alabama, United States
Mar 2014 - Jun 2014
Mar 2014

105000 mi

US $180
Convertible top failed to open. Replaced "flap" motor. Trunk did not register closed with car's electronics causing the convertible top to not operate. Repaired wiring harness at trunk to resolve problem. 
Apr 2014

105700 mi

US $56
Passenger door window regulator failed. Replaced regulator and motor assembly. 
May 2014

106100 mi

US $23
Replaced squealing idler pulley. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States
Oct 2013 - Oct 2017
Nov 2013

158300 mi

US $1035
Bad fuel pump relay required replacement of fuel pump. 
BMW 3-Series in New Hampshire, United States
Jan 2012 - Mar 2015
Nov 2014

92900 mi
Replacement of tie rod bushings 
BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States
Dec 2008 - Aug 2014
Mar 2009

115000 mi

US $200
Grille fell out of hood requiring replacement. 
Sep 2009

121000 mi

US $400
replace leaking valve cover gasket 
Jan 2010

127000 mi

US $200
the coolant expansion tank was leaking. 
Feb 2010

127800 mi

US $560
belts and tensioners 
May 2010

131000 mi

US $650
replaced control arms 
Jun 2011

136000 mi

US $100
a/c was not cold 
BMW 3-Series in Kansas, United States
Mar 2015 - Sep 2018
Apr 2015

81500 mi

US $280
rear window dropped out 
Feb 2018

138000 mi

US $1030
fuel pump and filter 
Jul 2018

145000 mi

US $100
cracked overflow tank 
BMW 3-Series in Rhode Island, United States
Mar 2007 - Jun 2012
Jul 2008

69000 mi
Brief creak in left rear brake or suspension when coming to a stop or at low speed. 
Aug 2008

69000 mi

US $500
Front control arm bushings replaced, rear upper shock mounts replaced. 
Dec 2008

70000 mi

US $35
Replaced valve cover gasket to solve oil leak. 
Jul 2009

72000 mi

US $130
Driver side door-brake spring broke. New part installed. 
Sep 2009

72000 mi

US $65
Left front grille fell out. All the plastic clips had broken. Bought part and owner replaced. 
Apr 2010

75200 mi

US $846
Left rear suspension spring replaced Thermostat housing leaking Electrical harness from trunk lid to car body spliced. 
Jul 2010

76000 mi

US $130
Drivers side door brake replaced. 
Sep 2010

76000 mi

US $240
Exhaust cam position sensor replaced. 
Nov 2011

78000 mi

US $127
Overflow tank ruptured. Loss of coolant. Check engine light. Air leak at the oil filler cap. Resealed cap with no further problem. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States
Mar 2013 - Mar 2016
Dec 2015

90000 mi

US $350
Expansion tank leak, replaced along with radiator and automatic transmission thermostat 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in New York, United States
Feb 2008 - Apr 2009
Jun 2008

48000 mi

US $80
part that controls fan speed. had to remove glove compartment to get to part. 
Mar 2009

51000 mi

US $800
Latch for convertible top. Part in trunk came off and jammed latch. Dealer said it was a design fault, BMW USA said tuff luck. No new BMW for me - TUFF LUCK BMW USA. 
BMW 3-Series in Switzerland
Apr 2015 - Aug 2022
Oct 2021

122140 mi

$600
Clutch 
Aug 2022

130200 mi

$120
Camshafts intake and exhaust position sensors 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed manual AWD

BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2017 - Jul 2022
Jul 2018

89000 mi

US $85
Check engine light on - major EVAP leak according to the code. Mechanic smoked the exhaust system, found no leaks, then reset the light. 
Jun 2021

94000 mi

US $600
Oil pan gasket replaced 
Jul 2022

100400 mi
Water pump seeping 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in California, United States
May 2009 - Mar 2019
Jun 2009

89000 mi

US $90
Heater blower running uncontrolled. Replaced blower resistor. 
Aug 2009

91000 mi

US $20
Windshield washer pump leaking. Replaced washer pump. 
Sep 2010

101000 mi

US $50
Replaced exhaust cam position sensor 
Mar 2012

109000 mi

US $700
Cooling system failure. Radiator tank leaking,and thermostat stuck open. Replaced tank and associated parts,heated thermostat,water pump, all hoses and belts. 
Apr 2013

113200 mi

US $40
replaced interior door lock/emergency flasher switch 
Jul 2015

124200 mi

US $110
Rough running engine. Went into limp mode. Replaced #1 ignition coil. 
Mar 2017

126000 mi

US $300
Replaced rear leaking shocks and related components. Replaced leaking power steering lines and hoses. 
Oct 2017

128000 mi

US $1790
Oil filter housing gasket, Vanos oil line, Replaced front struts 
Aug 2018

129000 mi

US $700
Oil pan gasket replacement 
BMW 3-Series in Oklahoma, United States
Jan 2011 - Jan 2012
May 2011

108100 mi

US $300
Radiator overflow container failed 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in Oregon, United States
Oct 2012 - Apr 2016
May 2014

83300 mi

US $45
Replaced broken window switch for DS front and back windows. 
Jun 2015

92000 mi

US $20
Oil level sensor so bad and it was replaced during the last oil change. 
Feb 2016

95000 mi

US $60
Thermostat was sticking open and not allowing the engine to warm up fully. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series 2-door

6-cylinder automatic 2WD

BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States
Dec 2009 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

82000 mi

US $1700
Reverse gear malfunctioned and stopped working. BMW dealer wanted to replace for $6,500, but extended warranty wouldn't pay. Took to AAMCO which quoted $3,600 to repair. Extended warranty initially refused to pay, but in the end paid $1,900. 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
May 2007 - Jun 2011
Sep 2007

68000 mi

US $178
Defective (leaking) windshield washer fluid pump. Reservoir also found to be cracked. Both were replaced. 
Dec 2007

70000 mi

US $200
Thermostat corroded, stuck in open position. Tech stated that if left unrepaired, corrosion could migrate to the ECM via the sender cable and ruin it. 
Apr 2008

74000 mi

US $297
2 P/S hoses replaced. Cracked coolant expansion tank replaced along with tank cap, level sensor, thermostat, & antifreeze. 
May 2008

75000 mi
Brake and DSC warning laps illuminated simultaneously. This fault disables both the DSC and anti-lock braking systems. Steering angle sensor replaced. 

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2001 BMW 3-Series Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2001 BMW 3-Series problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.