Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2015 BMW M3 peaked in 2022, with 2 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2015 BMW M3
Sedan, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Dec 18, 2019 to May 14, 2022.
Recall campaigns covering this model year35,999 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints4Below the median 2015 sedan
Severity index0.02015 sedans average 7.9
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
50% of complaints about the 2015 BMW M3 name fuel system
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
3 recall campaigns cover the 2015 BMW M3
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24V-288 | Apr 24, 2024 | Head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture | Airbags | 5,761 | Part replacement |
| 16V-653 | Sep 9, 2016 | During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced | Structure | 196 | Part replacement |
| 15V-782 | Nov 23, 2015 | Affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease | Powertrain | 42 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2015 BMW M3
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
4 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed May 14, 2022Failure May 9, 2022Watervliet, NYFuel/propulsion system
Fuel tank top weld has failed, and is actively leaking fuel. This is likely to cause ignition of the vehicle during use and poses a threat to the lives of passengers and other drivers on the road as well as emissions failure. The failed weld was confirmed by independent Bmw technician. This part is a known failure point, and emission extended warrantee has been established for identical cars of the given make/model/year. The car has limited miles, no structural or cosmetic damage causing this failure. The car is not drivable as it poses a threat to safety.
NHTSA complaint 11464617 - Filed May 14, 2022Failure May 9, 2022Watervliet, NYFuel/propulsion system
Gas tank has a significant leak. This allows for the opportunity to ignite the car putting all persons lives in danger, and effects emissions. Problem has been confirmed by independent Indy shop technician
NHTSA complaint 11464603 - Filed Jul 28, 2020Failure Jul 28, 2020Parkland, FLUnknown or other
REAR VIEW CAMERA STOPPED WORKING, SCREEN DISPLAYS "NO SIGNAL". FUSE DID NOT BLOW.
NHTSA complaint 11341883 - Filed Dec 18, 2019Failure Dec 13, 201995,000 milesSAN Antonio, TXEngine
CRANK HUB SPUN TIMING SPROCKET CAUSING VALVES TO IMPACT PISTON AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. QUOTED MORE THAN $10K OUT OF POCKET TO REPAIR. THIS IS CAUSED DUE TO POOR CRANK HUB DESIGN. CAR COMPANIES HAVE BEEN USING KEYED CRANKHUBS FOR GENERATIONS BUT BMW DECIDED TO NOT USED A KEYED HUB.. THIS IS VERY NEGLIGENT CONSIDERING HOW MANY OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO THIS.
NHTSA complaint 11289890
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
205 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âdisc… - B360121 Jan 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk… - B310124 Jan 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there may be a cracking and orclicking type noise when turning the steering wheel left/right. See attached video V31 01 24. The sound can reoccur when the vehicle is lowered, … - B340714 Oct 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material- - B651523 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails. - B514616 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator. - B840822 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration i… - B630917 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Exterior rear lights do not work. - B340921 Feb 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of operation when braking from low speed. - B662419 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. - SIB651312 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, supersede… - B310318 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Cracking noises heard from the area of the front axle when rotating the steering while stationary or at low speed. - B58N20N55S55 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension. This component-specific limited emission warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship. - B661519 Mar 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The steering intervention for Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is too strong (severe), which can create an uncomfortable feeling for the driver. Background: Steering intervention helps keep the vehicle in the lane if the system detects that a lane marking has… - B640613 Nov 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. - B651312 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, supersede… - B610721 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle,when turning the steering wheel. - B511314 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The trunk lid/hatch does not open fully when unlatched with remote or hands-free operation. - B341019 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles. As a side effect of the highest possible brak… - B340921 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of operationwhen braking from low speed. - B840221 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TELEMATICS UNIT RETROFIT TO 4G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. - B840121 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting Februa… - B840221 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. The decision to phase out 3G network technology was made at the dis… - B360121 Apr 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases th… - B340414 Apr 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases th… - B640613 Dec 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up. - B640613 Dec 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up. - B612315 Nov 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full: Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch. - B340515 Nov 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT AXLE WHEN CORNERING: The customer may complain of a metallic ticking noise from the front axle, when cornering, maneuvering, parking or pulling away from a parking space. - B310112 Aug 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary. - B650709 Jul 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. … - B840214 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative. This Service Information Bulletin: Is be… - B652214 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle… - B840416 Jan 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SOS MALFUNCTION DISPLAYED This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B84 04 16 dated September 2016. One or all the following may be experienced in the vehicle: An SOS malfunction is seen in the Kombi (aka instrument cluster) When pressing t… - B011319 Jan 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SIDE PANEL REAR LIGHT HOUSINGS: LTD WTY EXT TO 10 YEARS WITHOUT MILEAGE LIMIT: The rear light housing(s) can loosen/detach at the mounting tabs this can cause a clacking sound in the rear of the vehicle while driving. The plastic mounting tabs for the rear … - B341019 Dec 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES: Note for customer deleted: If the noise does not disappear despite the attempts to regenerate the brake a repair is required. - B652617 Nov 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NBT EVO CHANGES BETWEEN SELECTIONS BY ITSELF WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT- GHOST BEHAVIOR: The Central Information Display (CID) changes between selections ("ghost behavior") and sounds an audio tone without the CID Screen being touched. The audio tone is the same … - B612315 Nov 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full : The low washer fluid warning is illuminated even though the washer fluid reservoir is full. There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch. A non-… - B341019 Nov 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES: INFORMATION Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which … - B310514 Sep 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Front Suspension Ride Height Has Dropped: The front suspension ride height has dropped on one or both sides due to overload. This is caused by driving over obstacles (e.g. potholes) or an impact severe enough for the front spring strut damper to slip throug… - B512519 Aug 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
GROANING NOISE WHEN OPENING/CLOSING FRONT WINDOWS. A groaning noise can be heard from the front door(s) when opening or closing the power windows. - B651519 Aug 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR CONNECTEDDRIVE. Security patches for non-safety critical vulnerabilities in BMW head units Entry Nav Entry Media NBT and NBT EVO. - B640613 Aug 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A/C COOLING: INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 9) supersedes SI B64 06 13 dated June 2017. Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time usually longe… - B122319 Jul 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
DIAGNOSTIC HINT: CATALYTIC CONVERTER INSPECTION AFTER LOSS OF CRANKSHAFT SIGNAL. In certain situations when the crankshaft position signal is lost while driving the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and an engine malfunction check control message (CCM #29) m… - B610819 Jun 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Information June 2019 General Electrical Systems B61 08 19 Technical Service WINDSHIELD WIPERS SWITCH ON BY THEMSELVES. The windshield wipers switch on by themselves and can no longer be switched off despite activation of the switch. An internal sof… - B840719 May 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BLUETOOTH CONNECTION IS LOST DURING A PHONE CALL. During an active call the call audio autonomously switches from the vehicle hands-free system to the phone. - B840311 May 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TELEMATICS CONTROL UNIT ACTIVATION VIA DCSNET FOR BMW ASSIST. - B840214 May 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION New information provided by this revision is preceded by this symbol. This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B84 02 14 dated September 2018. - B630119 May 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The tail light mounting brackets may be cracked or broken. During assembly oil may have contaminated the plastic housing of the rear tail lamps causing damage to the mounting points of the tail light assembly. - B612315 Apr 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 23 15 dated April 2016. - B630119 Apr 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
DELIVERY STOP: REWORK TAIL LIGHTS. The tail light mounting brackets may be cracked or broken. During assembly oil may have contaminated the plastic housing of the rear tail lamps causing damage to the mounting points of the tail light assembly. - B612315 Apr 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 23 15 dated April 2016. - B630119 Apr 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
DELIVERY STOP: REWORK TAIL LIGHTS. The tail light mounting brackets may be cracked or broken. During assembly oil may have contaminated the plastic housing of the rear tail lamps causing damage to the mounting points of the tail light assembly. - B840219 Mar 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PHONE CALL AUDIO AUTONOMOUSLY SWITCH FROM VEHICLE TO PHONE. During an active phone call the call audio autonomously switches from the vehicle hands-free system to the phone. - B652617 Mar 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NBT EVO CHANGES BETWEEN SELECTIONS BY ITSELF WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT- GHOST BEHAVIOR. The Central Information Display (CID) changes between selections (ghost behavior) and sounds an audio tone without the CID Screen being touched. - B630119 Mar 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
DELIVERY STOP: REWORK TAIL LIGHTS. The tail light mounting brackets may be cracked or broken. During assembly oil may have contaminated the plastic housing of the rear tail lamps causing damage to the mounting points of the tail light assembly. - B630119 Feb 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
DELIVERY STOP REWORK TAIL LIGHTS. The tail light mounting brackets may be cracked or broken. During assembly; oil may have contaminated the plastic housing of the rear tail lamps; causing damage to the mounting points of the tail light assembly. - B511016 Feb 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
GROANING NOISE FROM DOORS. Part Number Description Quantity F30; F31; F80 Front 51 33 7 414 531 Window guide; front left As needed 51 33 7 414 532 Window guide; front right As needed F30; F80 Rear A groaning noise is heard from any of the doors when driving… - B330318 Jan 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
KNOCKING NOISE OR VIBRATION/DRONING NOISE FROM THE REAR AXLE. A hard knocking noise is heard from the rear axle area during load reversals. The tuning of the rear suspension mount for the differential. - B330119 Jan 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
DRONING NOISE FROM THE REAR AXLE. A humming/droning noise is heard with vibration during partial to full engine load in higher gears. The tuning of the rear suspension mount for the differential.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.