Complaints by model year
Distinct federal complaints filed against each model year of the BMW M3, to date. Hover a bar for the count. Older years have had longer to accumulate filings; the rankings below correct for that.
1990
1995
2005
2010
2015
2025
Highest totals within an 8-year windowAll other years
Model years compared
Ranked from the same federal record on an equal exposure window. Click any year for its full file.
Highest complaint totals
- 2008 BMW M3 - 61 complaints in its first 8 years (82 to date)
- 2009 BMW M3 - 42 complaints in its first 8 years (45 to date)
- 2003 BMW M3 - 28 complaints in its first 8 years (54 to date)
Ranked on distinct complaints filed within eight years of the model year, so old and new years get the same exposure window. Not adjusted for sales volume; a best-selling year files more complaints at the same failure rate.
Lowest totals among mature years
- 2011 BMW M3 - 26 complaints in its first 8 years (31 to date)
- 2003 BMW M3 - 28 complaints in its first 8 years (54 to date)
- 2009 BMW M3 - 42 complaints in its first 8 years (45 to date)
Same eight-year window, among model years old enough to have completed it and with at least 25 complaints in it. Model years before 1990 are excluded because the federal file begins in 1995. A low total is not proof of reliability.
What owners report, all years combined
Every model year
| Model year | Complaints to date | Within 8 years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 BMW M3 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 BMW M3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 BMW M3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 BMW M3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 2018 BMW M3 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 2017 BMW M3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 2016 BMW M3 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| 2015 BMW M3 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 2013 BMW M3 | 13 | 12 | 2 |
| 2012 BMW M3 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
| 2011 BMW M3 | 31 | 26 | 4 |
| 2010 BMW M3 | 15 | 14 | 4 |
| 2009 BMW M3 | 45 | 42 | 5 |
| 2008 BMW M3 | 82 | 61 | 5 |
| 2006 BMW M3 | 14 | 2 | 5 |
| 2005 BMW M3 | 12 | 6 | 3 |
| 2004 BMW M3 | 31 | 12 | 3 |
| 2003 BMW M3 | 54 | 28 | 5 |
| 2002 BMW M3 | 40 | 21 | 5 |
| 2001 BMW M3 | 14 | 9 | 4 |
| 1999 BMW M3 | 11 | 8 | 1 |
| 1998 BMW M3 | 14 | 13 | 1 |
| 1997 BMW M3 | 19 | 19 | 2 |
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 1995 BMW M3 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| 1991 BMW M3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 1990 BMW M3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 1989 BMW M3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Recall campaigns, all years
Every campaign filed against this model, with the model years it covers. Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN.
| Campaign | Years | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V288000 | 2014-2015 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive,... |
| 23V118000 | 2023 | Electrical System | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, 330e, 330e xDrive, 430i Convertible, 430i xDrive, M440i, 2022-2023 430i, 430i... |
| 21V554000 | 2021 | Seat Belts | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4... |
| 21V298000 | 2021 | Seat Belts | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M3, and 330e xDrive vehicles. |
| 21V062000 | 2021 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li... |
| 20V018000DO NOT DRIVE | 2000-2006 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3... |
| 20V017000 | 2006-2013 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1... |
| 19V472000 | 2008-2012 | Electrical System | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. |
| 18V713000 | 2016-2017 | Power Train | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. |
| 14V428000DO NOT DRIVE | 2001-2006 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans,... |
| 17V676000 | 2006-2011 | Electrical System | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and... |
| 17V047000DO NOT DRIVE | 2000-2002 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i,... |
| 16V653000 | 2015-2017 | Structure | BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. |
| 16V071000 | 2007-2013 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i... |
| 15V782000 | 2015-2016 | Power Train | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured... |
| 15V318000DO NOT DRIVE | 2002-2006 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3... |
| 13V172000DO NOT DRIVE | 2002-2003 | Air Bags | BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and... |
| 08V595000 | 2008-2009 | Power Train | BMW IS RECALLING 2,500 MY 2008-2009 M3 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH AN OPTIONAL DOUBLE CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. THE PROBLEM INVOLVES THE DOUBLE CLUTCH GEARBOX. |
| 03V160000 | 2003 | Visibility | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE MIGHT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. |
| 01V245000 | 2001 | Parking Brake | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TWO SCREWS THAT SECURE THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE MOUNTING BRACKET TO THE BACKING PLATE WERE NOT TIGHTENED PROPERLY. |
| 99V063001 | 1997-1999 | Air Bags | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH A SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM CONSISTING OF DOOR-MOUNTED THORAX AIR BAGS (REAR DOOR AIR BAGS ARE OPTIONAL), A... |
| 98V178000 | 1992-1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY... |
| 97V131000 | 1995-1997 | Vehicle Speed Control | THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. |
| 96V111000 | 1995 | Exterior Lighting | THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION. |
| 94V151000 | 1995 | Seat Belts | IN A FMVSS NO. 208 30 MILES-PER-HOUR COMPLIANCE TEST, AN UNBELTED TEST DRIVER DUMMY'S CHEST MAXIMUM RESULTANT ACCELERATION WAS 70.8 G'S, WHICH EXCEEDS THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE VALUE... |
| 93V015000 | 1988-1991 | Visibility | THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE. |