2002 BMW M3
5 recalls, 48 complaints - 32 TSBs
20V018000 Jan 15, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Description
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 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PS... Read more
Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
14V428000 Jun 11, 2018
AIR BAGS
Defect Description
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, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-200... Read more
Consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts b... Read more
17V047000 Jan 20, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Description
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, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may hav... Read more
Consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-741... Read more
15V318000 May 28, 2015
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Description
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 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, ... Read more
Consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes... Read more
13V172000 May 2, 2013
AIR BAGS
Defect Description
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 convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causin... Read more
Consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and sc... Read more
Complaint Statistics
48 total complaints
2 crashes 1 fires 1 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 5 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 5 |
| AIR BAGS | 5 |
| POWER TRAIN | 4 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 4 |
| SUSPENSION | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 2 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 2 |
ENGINE
Oct 13, 2023
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that on start-up there was a rattling sound coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain and VCT actua... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 26, 2022
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
BMW M 3 parked in the driveway and had been turned off for several hours I was wax the car when I noticed a puff of smoke coming out of the air condition vent so I sat in the driver seat to investigate out of habit I close the door I planed to open the windows and the convertible top to take a look... Read more
Fire
AIR BAGS
Feb 19, 2021
Incident date: Feb 15, 2021
IN NOVEMBER, 2020, I RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FROM BMW THAT THE PREVIOUS FIX TO MY AIRBAG WAS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX, AND I NEEDED TO BRING MY CAR IN FOR A PERMANENT FIX. IN JANUARY, 2021, THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON. I AM GETTING READY TO START DRIVING MY CARS ON A REGULAR BASIS AGAIN, SO I TOOK THE CA... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 15, 2020
Incident date: Jul 9, 2020
THE DOOR CENTRAL LOCK CONTROL MODULE FAILS ON ALL OF THE E46 BMW MODELS WHERE THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER CAN BECOME TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE DOOR LOCKS CANNOT BE UNLOCKED IN ANY WAY BECAUSE OF THE FAULTY GM5 CENTRAL LOCKING MODULE
SUSPENSION
Aug 23, 2018
Incident date: Aug 1, 2018
UPON INSPECTION, VEHICLE'S REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTING POINTS SHOW CRACKING AND OTHER SIGNS OF STRUCTURAL FATIGUE CONSISTENT WITH OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE UNDERGONE COMPLETE REAR SUBFRAME FAILURE. VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME NEEDS TO BE REINFORCED AND BMW SETTLED IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT REGARDING THE ISSUE... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 23, 2018
Incident date: Aug 1, 2018
UPON INSPECTION, VEHICLE'S REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTING POINTS SHOW CRACKING AND OTHER SIGNS OF STRUCTURAL FATIGUE CONSISTENT WITH OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE UNDERGONE COMPLETE REAR SUBFRAME FAILURE. VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME NEEDS TO BE REINFORCED AND BMW SETTLED IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT REGARDING THE ISSUE... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 19, 2017
Incident date: May 4, 2017
PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE CAR. CAR WAS PARKED, DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK AFTER PUSHING REMOTE OR CONSOLE BUTTON OR WHEN PULLING DOOR HANDLE INSIDE WHICH NORMALLY UNLOCKS IT. THIS COULD BE A DEATH TRAP IN CASE OF FIRE! I HEAR THERE ARE KNOWN ISSUES WITH THE GM5 MODULE.
AIR BAGS
Nov 25, 2016
Incident date: Nov 7, 2016
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON.......
AIR BAGS
Mar 2, 2015
Incident date: Sep 30, 2014
THIS CAR IS SUBJECT TO THE AIRBAG RECALL.I WAS FIRST NOTIFIED OF THIS IN SEPTEMBER 2014. SINCE THEN, BMW HAS REPEATEDLY PUT OFF THE TARGET DATE FOR THIS REPAIR. BACK IN OCTOBER 2014, AN ARTICLE IN THE FINANCIAL TIMES STATED THAT REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THE FIRST 25% OF THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE... Read more
AIR BAGS
Jan 8, 2015
Incident date: Sep 15, 2014
BMW SENT ME A RECALL NOTICE TO REPLACE THE TAKATA PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. I CONTACTED MY DEALER IN LATE OCTOBER. THE DEALER HAS NOT RESPONDED AND BMW USA SAYS IT DOES NOT KNOW WHEN PARTS MAY BE AVAILABLE. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN MIAMI, FL NEW FROM A BMW DEALER AND WAS LOCATED IN THE FLORIDA KEYS... Read more
ENGINE
Jun 17, 2014
Incident date: May 1, 2014
I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND THE COUNTLESS OTHERS EXPERIENCING THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL DEFECT IN BMW'S SMG PUMP UNIT. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHEN I NOTICED MY CAR IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT ME MAKING THAT DECISION. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF C... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 17, 2014
Incident date: May 1, 2014
I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND THE COUNTLESS OTHERS EXPERIENCING THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL DEFECT IN BMW'S SMG PUMP UNIT. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHEN I NOTICED MY CAR IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT ME MAKING THAT DECISION. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF C... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Jun 17, 2014
Incident date: May 1, 2014
I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND THE COUNTLESS OTHERS EXPERIENCING THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL DEFECT IN BMW'S SMG PUMP UNIT. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHEN I NOTICED MY CAR IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT ME MAKING THAT DECISION. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF C... Read more
SUSPENSION
Oct 9, 2012
Incident date: Dec 30, 2011
I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE BMW DEALER FOR A INSPECTION, THEY FOUND THE SUBFRAME/TRUNK FLOOR WAS CRACKING AND WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PUT MY CAR ON A VEHICLE LIFT FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND ADVISED ME IT MAY NOT BE SAFE TO DRIVE. LOOKING INTO THIS ONLINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON SAFTEY PROBLEM WITH THESE C... Read more
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
Oct 9, 2012
Incident date: Dec 30, 2011
I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE BMW DEALER FOR A INSPECTION, THEY FOUND THE SUBFRAME/TRUNK FLOOR WAS CRACKING AND WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PUT MY CAR ON A VEHICLE LIFT FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND ADVISED ME IT MAY NOT BE SAFE TO DRIVE. LOOKING INTO THIS ONLINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON SAFTEY PROBLEM WITH THESE C... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Aug 10, 2012
Incident date: Jun 26, 2012
MULTIPLE INCIDENTS SINCE THE DAY AFTER WE PURCHASED THE CAR: ?DRIVING IN 4TH GEAR (ANYWHERE FROM 10 TO 40 MINS OF DRIVING) WILL SUDDENLY FEEL AS IF CLUTCH IS ENGAGED SO I CANNOT ACCELERATE, YELLOW TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, THEN I HAVE TO COAST TO A COMPLETE STOP AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 21, 2012
Incident date: Oct 3, 2011
THE EXHAUST CAM HUB TABS BREAK OFF ON THE 2000-2008 BMW M3 MODELS. IF CAUGHT WHEN ONLY ONE TAB BREAKS IT CAN BE REPLACED. IF BOTH TABS BREAK COMPLETELY OFF THE ENGINE WILL SEIZE. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. BMW NA WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *JS
POWER TRAIN
Dec 27, 2011
Incident date: Jul 1, 2011
TROUBLE WITH SMG TRANSMISSION. CAR WILL NOT STAY IN GEAR AND BUCKS HARD TRYING TO ENGAGE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 14, 2011
Incident date: Oct 13, 2011
I HAVE A BMW M3 WHICH HAS AN SMG TRANSMISSION. I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR LOSES POWER TO CHANGE THE GEARS AND MY CAR STARTED TO JERK WHILE ON THE ROAD NEARLY CRASHING INTO ANOTHER CAR. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE SMG PUMPS FOR BMW M3 HAVE ALWAYS A HIGH FAILURE DESIGN FLAW. THE COST TO FIX TH... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 16, 2011
Incident date: Jun 1, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL OF THE EXTERIOR LAMPS WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 18, 2011
Incident date: Apr 25, 2009
BMW 2002 M3, REMOTE KEY DOES NOT WORK, BROKEN GENERAL MODULE. *TR
SUSPENSION
May 15, 2011
Incident date: Sep 20, 2010
INSPECTION AT DEALER, BMW OF PEABODY, 221 ANDOVER STREET, PEABODY MA 01960, FOUND BOTH REAR SPRINGS BROKEN. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS QUITE NORMAL FOR BMW 3 SERIES. I BELIEVE THAT BROKEN REAR SPRINGS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLE INJURY TO PERSONS.
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
Mar 1, 2011
Incident date: Feb 24, 2011
THE REAR MIRROR IN MY VEHICLE IS A SELF-DIMMING ONE. WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT, I CAME OUT TO A SIGNIFICANT DISCOLORATION IN THE GLASS, ALMOST LIKE THERE WAS WATER INSIDE OF THE MIRROR. I FIGURED IT WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT, BUT DID NOT THINK IT WOULD DETERIORATE SO FAST. THE NEXT EVENIN... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jul 21, 2010
Incident date: Jun 24, 2010
I OWN A 2002 BMW M3. THERE ARE SIX CAMSHAFT BOLTS BEHIND A PLATE COVER. BMW SPECED BOLTS THAT WERE TOO SOFT UNTIL 2004 WHEN THEY CHANGED BOLT SPEC TO A HARDENED STEEL WITH LOCTITE. PRIOR TO THIS THE BOLTS HAD NO LOCTITE. THE ISSUE IS STARTING TO SURFACE ALL OVER THE WEB. THE FAILURE IS THAT THE BOLT... Read more
VISIBILITY
Jun 14, 2010
Incident date: Feb 1, 2010
AUTO DIMMING MIRROR ON 2002 BMW M3 COUPE LEAKED AND IS NOW PERMANENTLY DIMMED ON 3/4 OF THE MIRROR. IT NOW INHIBITS MY ABILITY TO SEE OUT THE REAR OF MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE LIQUID IS TOXIC AND CORROSIVE, HOWEVER BMW STILL HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. *TR
STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 1, 2008
Incident date: Jun 23, 2008
AFTER 2.5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP OF VEHICLE A SLIGHT "CLUNK" COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS NOTICED WHEN MOVING FORWARD FROM A STOP SOME TIMES. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS THE "CLUNK" BECAME LOUDER AND OCCURRED MORE OFTEN. IN ADDITION THE A LOUD "BANG" ACCOMPANIED BY VIBRATIONS WOULD COME FROM THE REAR... Read more
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Jul 1, 2008
Incident date: Jun 23, 2008
AFTER 2.5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP OF VEHICLE A SLIGHT "CLUNK" COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS NOTICED WHEN MOVING FORWARD FROM A STOP SOME TIMES. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS THE "CLUNK" BECAME LOUDER AND OCCURRED MORE OFTEN. IN ADDITION THE A LOUD "BANG" ACCOMPANIED BY VIBRATIONS WOULD COME FROM THE REAR... Read more
SUSPENSION:REAR
Jul 1, 2008
Incident date: Jun 23, 2008
AFTER 2.5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP OF VEHICLE A SLIGHT "CLUNK" COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS NOTICED WHEN MOVING FORWARD FROM A STOP SOME TIMES. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS THE "CLUNK" BECAME LOUDER AND OCCURRED MORE OFTEN. IN ADDITION THE A LOUD "BANG" ACCOMPANIED BY VIBRATIONS WOULD COME FROM THE REAR... Read more
TIRES
Mar 5, 2006
Incident date: Mar 4, 2006
I WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN I HEARD A NOISE. AS THE NOISE GOT LOUDER, I REALIZED IT MUST BE A FLAT TIRE AS THE VEHICLE BEGIN TO PULL IN ONE DIRECTION. AS THE NOISE GOT LOUDER I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. I PULL OVER TO FIND THAT THE TIR... Read more
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Nov 3, 2005
Incident date: Nov 2, 2005
ON NOVEMBER 2ND, 2005, AT 6:30 P.M., MY FAMILY GOT INTO THE M3. THAT INCLUDED MY WIFE IN FRONT, AND THREE DAUGHTERS IN THE BACK. WE WERE ON THE WAY TO MEET MY FATHER FOR DINNER. WE HAD PLANNED TO TAKE THE 60 FREEWAY WESTBOUND, OF WHICH THE ON RAMP IS OFF A STREET CALLED CHINO HILLS PARKWAY. TO OUR S... Read more
AIR BAGS
Aug 27, 2005
Incident date: Sep 1, 2003
REAR PARK DISTANCE CONTROL SOUNDED AND AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. SOFTWARE REPROGRAMMED 2 TIMES SO FAR WHICH CORRECTED THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. WARNING LIGHT HAS COME BACK ON AFTER EACH REPROGRAMMING AS SOON AS PARK DISTANCE CONTROL SOUNDS. NOTE: CAR HAS SMG TRANSMISSION. *JB
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Jun 1, 2005
Incident date: May 28, 2005
DT: DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON. THERE WAS NO ACCENDENT, NO POT HOLE, AND NO OBJECTS WERE HIT. TOOK TO DEALER ON FRIDAY, AND THEY STILL HAVE THE CAR. THE INJURIES WERE BURNS AND BRUISES TO THE LEFT ARM.*AK
1 injured
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Jan 30, 2004
Incident date: Dec 11, 2003
2002 BMW M3, REPEATED SMG TRANSMISSION FAILURES RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. BMW HAS NO IDEA WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. BMW ALSO DAMAGED THE VEHICLE TRYING TO RETRIVE IT FOR YET ANOTHER REPAIR ATTEMPT. IT MAY HAVE STARTED ITSELF WITHOUT THE KEY IN IT WHILE THE TOW TRUCK WAS PICKING IT UP. ... Read more
Crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Aug 9, 2003
Incident date: Aug 4, 2003
MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICEL. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT 16000, THE TRANSMISSION (SMG) WAS RE[;ACED AT 20000, NOW THE ENGINE REV HIGH AT IDEL AND SEND STRON VIBRATION TO THE CABIN AND STEERING COLUMN. BMW OF HOUSTON NORTH, A LOCAL DEALER IN HOUSTON, TX, WERE LESS THAN HELPFUL IN TRYING TO SOLV... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Aug 9, 2003
Incident date: Aug 4, 2003
MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICEL. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT 16000, THE TRANSMISSION (SMG) WAS RE[;ACED AT 20000, NOW THE ENGINE REV HIGH AT IDEL AND SEND STRON VIBRATION TO THE CABIN AND STEERING COLUMN. BMW OF HOUSTON NORTH, A LOCAL DEALER IN HOUSTON, TX, WERE LESS THAN HELPFUL IN TRYING TO SOLV... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 9, 2003
Incident date: Aug 4, 2003
MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICEL. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT 16000, THE TRANSMISSION (SMG) WAS RE[;ACED AT 20000, NOW THE ENGINE REV HIGH AT IDEL AND SEND STRON VIBRATION TO THE CABIN AND STEERING COLUMN. BMW OF HOUSTON NORTH, A LOCAL DEALER IN HOUSTON, TX, WERE LESS THAN HELPFUL IN TRYING TO SOLV... Read more
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Aug 5, 2003
CONSUMER NOTICED FUMES COMING FROM AIR CONDITIONER A/C VENTS WHILE TRAVELING FROM 65-70 MPH. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED FIVE TIMES FOR PROBLEM.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jun 6, 2003
Incident date: May 27, 2003
WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. ENGINE WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER ON 9/9/2002. ON 5/27/2003 VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
May 2, 2003
Incident date: Jul 17, 2002
BMW HAS HAD A RASH OF ENGINE FAILURES ON THEIR NEW E46 M3'S. THESE FAILURES USUALLY (IM MY CASE AND MANY OTHERS) HAS RESULTED IN THE ENGINE ACTUALLY BLOWING UP. THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS FAILURES THAT COULD HAPPEN. OIL DUMPS ALL OVER THE ROAD, THINGS LOCK UP AND YOU COULD EASILY ... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Apr 29, 2003
Incident date: Mar 15, 2003
THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED 4 TIMES. IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED 4 TIMES WITH NO EFFECT. THE DEALER DROVE IT OVER 300 MILE TO "TEST DRIVE" THE CAR. BMW DOES NOT RESPOND WITH ANYTHING BUT RHETORIC AND POOR SERVICE. OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THEIR ENGINES LITERALLY BLOW UP! BMW IS A TERRIBLEL COMPANY WITH D... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Nov 5, 2002
Incident date: Oct 27, 2002
CRANKSHAFT BEARINGS ARE STARVED OF ENGINE OIL CAUSING A SERIES OF CHAIN REACTIONS THAT ULTIMATELY BLOWS THE ENGINE, CAUSING ENGINE OIL TO SPILL EVERYWHERE AND FORM THICK CLOUDS OF SMOKE FROM EVAPORATED ENGINE OIL TO COME OUT OF THE CAR, HINDERING THE VIEW OF OTHERS BEHIND, AND CREATING A DANGERIOUSL... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Oct 22, 2002
Incident date: Jul 17, 2002
BMW HAS HAD A RASH OF ENGINE FAILURES ON THEIR NEW E46 M3S. THESE FAILURES USUALLY(IN MY CASE AND MANY OTHERS)HAS RESULTED IN THE ENGINE ACTUALLY BLOWING UP. THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS FAILURES THAT COULD HAPPEN. OIL DUMPS ALL OVER THE ROAD, THINGS LOCK UP AND YOU COULD EASILY LOO... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Sep 23, 2002
Incident date: Aug 15, 2002
REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AT NO CHARGE BY DON JACOBS BMW. NO SAFETY DEFEWCT MENTIONED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Sep 23, 2002
Incident date: Jan 31, 2002
ENGINE DESTROYED BY ROD BEARING FAILURE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Sep 17, 2002
AS AN OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE I AM CONCERNED BY THE SAFETY, RELIABILITY AND RESALE VALUE ISSUES RAISED BY OVER 80 ENGINE FAILURES. THESE HAVE BEEN CATALOGUED AT URL HTTP://MEMBERS.ROADFLY.COM/JASON/M3ENGINES.HTM. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. NLM
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
Aug 5, 2002
Incident date: Jul 24, 2002
HOOD SENSOR WILL INDICATE THAT HOOD IS CLOSE, EVEN THOUGH IT IS STILL OPEN. CONSUMER IS ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Apr 9, 2002
Incident date: Mar 28, 2002
ENGINE BLEW UP WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. AFTER PULLING OVER CONSUMER FOUND A LOT OF PIECES TO ENGINE ON FLOOR, AND OIL WAS EVERY WHERE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Jan 16, 2002
Incident date: Nov 1, 2001
WHILE DRIVING AND CHANGING GEARS COULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE. HAD VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP FOR A THIRD TRANSMISSION. PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION HAS HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE, AND REPLACED TWICE.*AK
Crash
EPA Fuel Economy, 2002 BMW M3
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 15.0 | 21.0 | 17.0 | Premium | $4,550 |
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, 2002 BMW M3
32 manufacturer communications from 17 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 140000 AIR BAGS | 7 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| 030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 3 |
| 063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | 2 |
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 2 |
| 063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL | 1 |
| 353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL | 1 |
| 062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS | 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-
B662419
Sep 1, 2022
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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.
B340414
Apr 1, 2021
045000 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC
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 degree
B340414
Apr 1, 2021
011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
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 degree
B651820
Nov 1, 2020
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven roadway.
B651820
Nov 1, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven roadway.
B651820
Nov 1, 2020
141000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven roadway.
B013118
Apr 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
B013118
Apr 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
B011618
Jan 1, 2019
140100 AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
B011618
Jan 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
B011618
Oct 1, 2018
140000 AIR BAGS
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?comp
B011718
Oct 1, 2018
140000 AIR BAGS
For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?co
B011718
Oct 1, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?co
B011618
Oct 1, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?comp
B340414
Jul 1, 2018
030000 BRAKES (PWS)
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles:
B080119
Feb 1, 2018
140000 AIR BAGS
In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for
B340414
Sep 1, 2015
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 04 14 dated December 2014. Designates changes to the bulletin. INFORMATION 1.Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses d
B340414
Sep 1, 2015
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 04 14 dated December 2014. Designates changes to the bulletin. INFORMATION 1.Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses d
340414
Dec 1, 2014
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles. INFORMATION 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 tha
651414
Jun 1, 2014
140000 AIR BAGS
Special Technical Campaign. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has urged vehicle manufacturers to conduct an investigation into air bags which may not deploy correctly. BMW is cooperating with this request. Takata is
120913
Nov 1, 2013
350000 EQUIPMENT
State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due To an Invalid VIN Number. The customer of an affected vehicle may fail to pass an I/M test due to a non-compliant 17digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Moto
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
SIB-63-02-01
Aug 1, 2010
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM
SIB-16-02-09
Dec 1, 2009
072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WEL
SI-B12-22-08
Oct 1, 2009
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
BMW: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL 08E-A03; M3 S54-DME REPROGRAMMING FOR CATALYST CONVERSION DIAGNOSIS. THE DME PROGRAMMING, AS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED, MAY CAUSE THE OBD DIAGNOSTIC TO ERRONEOUSLY EVALUATE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE CATALYTIC CONVER
SI-B12-22-08
Oct 1, 2009
063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
BMW: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL 08E-A03; M3 S54-DME REPROGRAMMING FOR CATALYST CONVERSION DIAGNOSIS. THE DME PROGRAMMING, AS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED, MAY CAUSE THE OBD DIAGNOSTIC TO ERRONEOUSLY EVALUATE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE CATALYTIC CONVER
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
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-B12-22-08
Apr 1, 2009
063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
BMW: AS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED, THE DME PROGRAMMING MAY CAUSE THE OBD DIAGNOSTIC TO ERRONEOUSLY EVALUATE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. MODEL E46 (M3) COUPE AND CONVERTIBLES. *PE
SI-B12-22-08
Apr 1, 2009
063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
BMW: AS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED, THE DME PROGRAMMING MAY CAUSE THE OBD DIAGNOSTIC TO ERRONEOUSLY EVALUATE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. MODEL E46 (M3) COUPE AND CONVERTIBLES. *PE
120204
Feb 1, 2006
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BREMI IGNITION COIL REPLACEMENT ON S54 ENGINE. THIS SERVICE BULLETIN SUPERSEDES SI120803 DATED MAY 2004. *EH *SC
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 (current) | 5 | 48 | |
| 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 | 4 | 16 | View |
| 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 |