2001 - 2004 M3 Differences

[gpoints]

I've been trying to find some info on the differences between the 2001 - 2004 M3's and so far have struck-out trying.

What (if anything) differs between a 2001 and a 2004?

I've used the search feature but haven't been able to get the info.

Thanks.

 

[Fwu]

I don't know much about this, but I believe the brake lights are LED on the 2004 M3 and have the thing where when you press harder on the brake pedal the lights get brighter, like the thing they have on the 2004 325Ci and 330Ci. I also think there might've been a change with the shape of the rear-view mirror from the oval shape to a regular rectangular shape if you order some sorta package. Sorry couldn't be of any more help, I'm sure the other board members are a lot more knowledgeable on this subject.

 

[gpoints]

Thanks Fwu!

Also, I should've mentioned this in the original post:
I have the option of a 2001 with LOW miles or a 2003 with twice the miles (@24000). If there really are no differences between the 2001 - 2004, I'm really leaning towards the '01 unless someone gives me a reason not to.

 

[Tom]

Well it depends if the car has the nav and homelink too.

In the '01 you get the narrower nav screen and no available Homelink. In the '04 you get wider nav screen and an available homelink option. Plus the rear trunk handle is slightly wider. Overall there were very little changes throughout the years.

 

[MrElussive]

The wider nav screen was available on 2003 M3's and possibly on 2002 M3's as well. LED tail lights came out for the late 2003 model M3's (referred to as 2003.5).

 

[daihard]

The DSC/ABS modules are stored in the passenger-side open space under the hood in the 2001 model. That forced the wires to go right under the engine from the brake master cylinder to the modules, causing some failures. BMW changed the locations of the modules from 2003 to prevent the problem.

The 2002.5 and later cars have a front strut tower brace, rain-sensing wipers and auto-dimming rearview mirror as standard equipment.

Then as others said the 2004 cars have a slightly longer trunk handle (coupe only) and LED brake lights, which come on brighter under hard braking.