Segment:
High-performance, two-seater roadster.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking a powerful, agile, and luxurious open-top sports car.
Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Chevrolet Corvette.
Performance Orientation:
Focus on driving dynamics, responsive handling, and powerful engine.
Convertible Experience:
Emphasis on the open-air driving experience.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (manual focus).
Chassis:
Steering system, suspension (front and rear), brakes (including ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting systems, instrument cluster, power accessories, battery, charging system, basic electrical fault finding.
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, convertible top operation, interior trim, climate control, safety features.
Maintenance:
Recommended service intervals, fluid checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement.
Operation:
Starting and driving procedures, convertible top operation, climate control usage, audio system operation, instrument cluster interpretation.
Safety Features:
Operation and limitations of airbags, seatbelts, and ABS.
Troubleshooting:
Basic troubleshooting for common warning lights and minor issues.
Depth:
Designed for the vehicle owner, providing operational guidance, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth repair or diagnostic procedures.
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Printability:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire document.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical binding)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital PDF format, print quality depends on user's printer)
Engine Type:
S50B32 (US Market) / S50B30 (European Market)
Displacement:
3.2 Liter (US) / 3.0 Liter (Europe)
Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder, Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves.
Horsepower:
321 hp @ 7400 rpm (US Spec S50B32) / 292 hp @ 7000 rpm (Euro Spec S50B30)
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (US Spec S50B32) / 236 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (Euro Spec S50B30)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic 5.2.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended).
Length:
Approx. 160.1 inches (4067 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.6 inches (1311 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 89.7 inches (2278 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3175 lbs (1440 kg)
Crash Test Data:
Specific crash test ratings for the 2001 M Roadster are not as extensively documented as modern vehicles. Refer to BMW's internal safety data or owner's manual for available information.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Available ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction).
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts.
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll-over protection hoops behind the seats.
Audio System:
Standard BMW Business CD player or optional BMW Professional CD with premium sound system options (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Navigation:
Optional BMW navigation system, likely a retro-fitted unit by this era, with CRT screen.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors were an option on some models.
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated BMW mobile phone system (often a cradle and handset).
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Check Condition Based Service (CBS) system if equipped.
Inspection Service:
Major inspections at 15,000, 30,000, and 60,000-mile intervals recommended, including checks of various systems, fluids, belts, and hoses.
Engine Oil:
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (check specific manual for exact viscosity and API rating).
Coolant:
BMW Coolant Antifreeze (G48 or equivalent ethylene glycol based, blue color) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW recommends specific gear oil, consult manual for part number or API GL-4/GL-5 equivalent. Differential Fluid: BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G3.
Common Problems:
Vanos unit issues (rattling, oil leaks), oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket, rear main seal leaks, cooling system component degradation (hoses, expansion tank), convertible top hydraulic leaks, clutch wear, ignition coil failures, subframe mounting points fatigue.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular inspection of Vanos seals and unit, checking for oil leaks, timely replacement of cooling system components, inspecting subframe mounts, and ensuring proper fluid levels are crucial for longevity.
Bmw History:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented vehicles with advanced engineering and driver-focused dynamics.
Roadster Lineage:
The M Roadster is part of BMW's Z series of roadsters, evolving from the Z3 platform with enhanced M performance components.
Production Years:
1996-2002 (based on Z3 platform).
Manufacturing Location:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.
