1995 BMW M3
4 recalls, 16 complaints - 5 TSBs
98V178000 Aug 4, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Defect Description
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 INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY T... Read more
Consequence
IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
97V131000 Aug 19, 1997
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Defect Description
THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEP... Read more
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
96V111000 Jul 1, 1996
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Defect Description
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.
Consequence
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ON, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. FOLLOWING DRIVERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STOPPING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
94V151000 Aug 10, 1994
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Defect Description
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 OF 60 G'S. ALSO, THE UNBELTED PASSENGER DUMMY'S LEFT FEMUR MAXIMUM LOAD WAS 2361 LBS, WHICH EXCEEDS MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE VAL... Read more
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE OCCUPANT WILL BE SUBJECTED TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy
ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MODELS ONLY, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SUPPORT CROSSMEMBER WITH A CROSSMEMBER USED ON THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODEL. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION REAR BUSHING SUPPORTS WILL BE REPLACED WITH BUSHING HAVING DIFFERENT PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS. THE STEERING COLUMN F... Read more
Complaint Statistics
16 total complaints
4 crashes 2 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 1 |
TIRES
Aug 24, 2019
Incident date: Aug 1, 2019
TIRES ARE MANUFACTURED BY FEDERAL (TAIWAN IMPORT). TREAD IS DELAMINATING OVER THE ENTIRE CROSS-SECTION OF TREAD, TIRE UNDER 3 YEARS OLD WITH LESS THAN 5K MILES. WIDE-SPREAD ISSUE PER GOOGLE. TIRES HAVE BEEN USED FOR REGULAR ROAD-DRIVING IN NJ. NO ACCIDENT HAS TAKEN PLACE (YET).
WHEELS
Aug 24, 2019
Incident date: Aug 1, 2019
TIRES ARE MANUFACTURED BY FEDERAL (TAIWAN IMPORT). TREAD IS DELAMINATING OVER THE ENTIRE CROSS-SECTION OF TREAD, TIRE UNDER 3 YEARS OLD WITH LESS THAN 5K MILES. WIDE-SPREAD ISSUE PER GOOGLE. TIRES HAVE BEEN USED FOR REGULAR ROAD-DRIVING IN NJ. NO ACCIDENT HAS TAKEN PLACE (YET).
AIR BAGS
Apr 6, 2009
Incident date: Apr 2, 2009
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON FOR 2 MINUTES; COMMON PROBLEM FOR 1995 3 SERIES ACCORDING TO INTERNET FORUM (HTTP://WWW.FIXYA.COM/CARS/T595499-AIRBAG_LIGHT). *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
May 1, 2006
Incident date: Nov 10, 2005
I OWED THIS 1995 BMW M3 SINCE NEW AND ABS AND AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON VERY FREQUENTLY. ABS: NEED TO REPLACE ABS PUMP AND ABS MODULE. AIRBAG: NEED TO REPLACE SAFETY SEAT BELT BUCKLE. *NM
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
May 1, 2006
Incident date: Nov 10, 2005
I OWED THIS 1995 BMW M3 SINCE NEW AND ABS AND AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON VERY FREQUENTLY. ABS: NEED TO REPLACE ABS PUMP AND ABS MODULE. AIRBAG: NEED TO REPLACE SAFETY SEAT BELT BUCKLE. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Sep 29, 2005
Incident date: Mar 2, 1995
SAFETY RECALL 98V-178; REGARDING THE 1995 BMW M3. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICE ELEVEN TIMES FOR REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE FOR THE COOLING SYSTEM.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, HOT COOLANT WAS EXPELLED ONTO THE WINDSHIELD AND INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN THROUGH THE OPEN WINDOW... Read more
1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Sep 14, 2004
Incident date: Sep 14, 2004
WHILE APPLIED THE BRAKES THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO COME ON. THE DRIVER HAS PLACED REFUSES ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER BRAKE LIGHT WHICH NEEDED REPLACEMENT BUT THE CAMPAIGN BULL... Read more
SUSPENSION:REAR
Sep 21, 2003
Incident date: Jun 19, 2003
PASSENGER SIDE REAR SHOCK TORN OUT FROM THE SHOCK TOWER. STRESS CRACKS IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SHOCK TOWER WITH FAILURE IMMINENT. I CAN PROVIDE PICTURES OF THE SHOCK TOWERS BEFORE AND AFTER THEY WERE TAKEN OUT OF THE CAR AS WELL AS THE SHOCK TOWERS THEMSELVES. I HAVE FOUND MANY EXAMPLES OF THE S... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Feb 11, 2003
Incident date: Aug 12, 2002
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING, AND THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED.*DT *JB
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS
Aug 30, 2002
Incident date: Aug 1, 2001
BOTTOM OF DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED - BROKE COMPLETELY AND RATTLING AROUND IN LOWER SUPPORT. COULD NOT IDENTIFY RATTLE FOR A LONG TIME UNTIL RECENTLY. MOST PROBABLE CAUSE OF FAILURE THIS EARLY IN THE SERVICE LIFE OF THE PART WAS THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR MATERIALS USED. IF THE SPRING HAD... Read more
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Aug 28, 2002
Incident date: Aug 18, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WAS SIDESWIPED, RESULTING IN A ROLLOVER. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED.*AK
Crash
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Aug 26, 1999
VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL AND THERE ARE SMELLS OF GAS VAPORS WHEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE. DEALER HAS FIXED VEHICLE FOR SAME PROBLEM BEFORE. DEALER REPLACED FITTINGS IN THE SENDING UNITBUT, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Dec 8, 1997
ABS SYSTEM FAILS, LOCKING UP THE BACK UP SYSTEM WITH UNEVEN BRAKING, RESULTING IN BOTH RIGHT FRONT AND RIGHT REAR TIRES LOCKING UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL ALMOST INTO A CIRCLE. DEALERSHIP AWARE OF PROBLEM FROM PREVIOUS OWNER. DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER AT DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO DETECT CAUSE. PLEASE DESCR... Read more
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
May 14, 1996
Incident date: May 14, 1996
WHEN A SLOWER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF CAR, DRIVER HIT BRAKES, BUT VEHICLE SPINNED, LOST CONTROL AND SMASHE DINTO CONCRETE CARRIER. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
May 14, 1996
Incident date: May 14, 1996
NO DEPLOYMENT OF PASSENGER'S AIT BAG IN REAR-END COLLISION. *AK
Crash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
May 14, 1996
Incident date: May 14, 1996
NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S AIR BAG IN REAR-END ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURIES. *AK
Crash
1 injured
EPA Fuel Economy, 1995 BMW M3
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 17.0 | 26.0 | 20.0 | Premium | $3,850 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 17.0 | 25.0 | 20.0 | Premium | $3,850 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1995 BMW M3
5 manufacturer communications from 4 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 190000 TIRES | 1 |
| 060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 |
| 062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS | 1 |
| 022520 SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| 030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
B340714
Oct 13, 2023
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-
SIB-33-01-02
Jul 1, 2011
022520 SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
BMW: A GRINDING NOISE IS COMING FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL DURING SLOW CORNERING. WHEN TURNING A SLIP/STICK EFFECT IS CREATED ON THE LINING AND STEEL DISCS INCORPORATED IN THE DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH CAUSES A GRINDING NOISE. *RM
SI-B11-07-09
Aug 1, 2009
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
BMW: THERMOSTAT HOUSING INSPECTION. THE RETAINING SPRINGS OF THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING QUICK RELEASE COUPLINGS FOR THE COOLANT HOSES MAY NOT BE LOCKED CORRECTLY. THIS SITUATION MAY RESULT IN A COOLANT LEAK. MODELS AFFECTED ARE M3 SEDAN (E
SI-B11-07-09
Aug 1, 2009
062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
BMW: THERMOSTAT HOUSING INSPECTION. THE RETAINING SPRINGS OF THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING QUICK RELEASE COUPLINGS FOR THE COOLANT HOSES MAY NOT BE LOCKED CORRECTLY. THIS SITUATION MAY RESULT IN A COOLANT LEAK. MODELS AFFECTED ARE M3 SEDAN (E
36 01 98
Mar 1, 1998
190000 TIRES
SUBJECT PERTAINING TO MICHELIN PILOT SX MXX3 TIRES IN 235/40 ZR 17 AND 225/45 ZR 17 SIZES. *YC
NHTSA Safety Investigations, BMW M3
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
RQ99018
Opened: Sep 3, 1999
INADVERTANT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
ON MARCH 26, 1999, BMW OF NORTH AMERICAN, INC. RECALLED 32,500 1999 323I AND 328I MANUFACTURED UP TO APRIL 1999, FOR INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIRBAG SYSTEM IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS SUCH AS CONTACTING LARGE POT HOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEED.AS A REMEDY, BMW WILL RECODE THE AIR BAG... Read more
BMW M3 - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BMW M3 across all model years (1988, 2023).
82
Total Recalls
554
Total Complaints
1
Investigations
31
Reported Crashes
6
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
BMW M3 - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 2 | View |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 2022 | 0 | 1 | View |
| 2021 | 3 | 5 | View |
| 2018 | 0 | 10 | View |
| 2017 | 2 | 3 | View |
| 2016 | 3 | 7 | View |
| 2015 | 3 | 4 | View |
| 2014 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2013 | 2 | 17 | View |
| 2012 | 3 | 6 | View |
| 2011 | 4 | 41 | View |
| 2010 | 4 | 20 | View |
| 2009 | 5 | 54 | View |
| 2008 | 5 | 102 | View |
| 2007 | 3 | 0 | View |
| 2006 | 5 | 14 | View |
| 2005 | 3 | 12 | View |
| 2004 | 3 | 38 | View |
| 2003 | 5 | 69 | View |
| 2002 | 5 | 48 | View |
| 2001 | 4 | 20 | View |
| 2000 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1999 | 1 | 13 | View |
| 1998 | 1 | 18 | View |
| 1997 | 2 | 28 | View |
| 1996 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 1995 (current) | 4 | 16 | |
| 1994 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1993 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1992 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1991 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1990 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1989 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1988 | 1 | 2 | View |