2006 BMW M3
5 recalls, 14 complaints - 15 TSBs
20V017000 Jan 15, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Description
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 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, ... 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 driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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
17V676000 Oct 25, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Defect Description
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 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and ai... Read more
Consequence
Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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
Complaint Statistics
14 total complaints
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 9 |
| TIRES | 2 |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN | 1 |
TIRES
May 5, 2021
Incident date: May 1, 2021
FIRESTONE FIREHAWK INDY 500 TIRE FAILED ON SIDEWALL
POWER TRAIN
Apr 12, 2018
Incident date: Nov 15, 2017
THE SMG TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY COMES OUT OF GEAR IN ANY SITUATION AND IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND/OR ON A HIGHWAY AND LOOSE ALL POWER. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALL ACCIDENTS AT HIGH SPEEDS. I HAVE READ MANY ARTICLES STATING THE SAME ISSUE WITH MANY OWNERS FOR THIS TYPE OF TRAN... Read more
AIR BAGS
Jan 7, 2018
Incident date: Jan 6, 2018
YESTERDAY (01/06/17) - WHILE DRIVING IN MOTION, 2 SIDE AIRBAGS SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED, THROWING LOOSE PLASTIC MATERIAL INTO THE CABIN AND INTO MY FACE. CABIN FILLED WITH SMOKE AND BURNING SMELL. I PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF ENGINE FOR SMOKE TO DISAPPEAR. I AM GOING TO TAKE... Read more
TIRES
Dec 27, 2017
Incident date: Nov 21, 2017
THIS LETTER IS IN REFERENCE TO TWO MICHELIN PILOT SPORT A/S 3+ 255/35ZR19 96Y TIRES WHICH BOTH FAILED WITHIN 1,130 MILES OF EACH OTHER FROM IDENTICAL FAILURES. THESE TWO FAILURES WERE ON THE INTERIOR SIDEWALL OF THE TIRES. THESE TWO TIRES WERE PURCHASED AND INSTALLED ON THE SAME DAY, SEPTEMBER 1... Read more
AIR BAGS
Oct 23, 2017
Incident date: Jul 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED TH... Read more
AIR BAGS
Jun 19, 2017
Incident date: Jun 19, 2017
TAKATA RECALL: YOUR SITE IMPROPERLY SHOWS NO RECALLS WHEN VIN USED, AND CONFUSES 2006 M3 (E46) WITH THE 2006 3 SERIES SUCCESSOR (E90?), EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL NOTICE RCRIT-14V428-8638 SHOWS "MODEL YEAR 2000-2006 BMW 3 SERIES (E46) - INCL-M"
AIR BAGS
Oct 30, 2016
Incident date: Oct 30, 2016
DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-30MPH ON LOCAL STREET IN A STRAIGHT DIRECTION. DRIVER-SIDE, SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. NO PRIOR INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WERE ON. NEVER HAD ANY AIRBAG LIGHTS ON IN THE HISTORY OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. REPLACED PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AS PART OF RECALL IN 2014. AWAITING DEALE... Read more
AIR BAGS
Sep 1, 2016
Incident date: Sep 1, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECA... Read more
AIR BAGS
May 10, 2016
Incident date: Jul 1, 2015
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW OF NORTH AMERICA IN JULY 2015 ABOUT A DRIVE-SIDE AIRBAG RECALL FOR MY 2006 BMW M3. (THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED UNDER RECALL.) WE ARE NOW 9 MONTHS SINCE I RECEIVED THAT NOTICE AND I HAVE HAD NO FURTHER COMMUNICATION FROM BMW. WHE... Read more
AIR BAGS
Nov 18, 2015
Incident date: Jul 15, 2014
TAKATA RECALL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECI... Read more
AIR BAGS
Aug 3, 2015
Incident date: Feb 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAI... Read more
AIR BAGS
Feb 9, 2015
Incident date: Sep 1, 2014
THIS CAR HAS AIRBAG RECALL AND DESPITE 2-3 PHONE CALLS TO BMW DEALERSHIP IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. ALL I AM TOLD IS THAT I AM "ON A LIST". THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY CAN FIX IT. I RECEIVED INITIAL LETTER ABOUT RECALL IN SEPT 2014, TOLD TO CALL IN NOVEMBER. CALLED IN NOV AND DEC WITH SAME RESPONSE. *... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Aug 2, 2011
Incident date: Jul 14, 2011
CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED EVERYTHING RUN SMOOTH EXCEPT ONE DAY IT STARTS SOUNDING LIKE A TRACTOR. VANOS BOLTS COME LOOSE. BMW NEEDS TO RECALL THE VANOS OF THE E46 M3 ASAP HAPPENED TO 50 PERCENT OF PEOPLE I KNOW WHO HAVE THIS CAR AND I KNOW ABOUT 100. *KB
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Jan 22, 2010
Incident date: Nov 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M3 WITH AN SMG TRANSMISSION. HE STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN EITHER FIRST OR SECOND GEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD EXCESSIVELY WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. UPON ACCELERATION, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER AND WOULD MOVE FORWARD AT A VERY SLOW PACE. ... Read more
EPA Fuel Economy, 2006 BMW M3
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 14.0 | 22.0 | 17.0 | Premium | $4,550 |
| 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, 2006 BMW M3
15 manufacturer communications from 11 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 030000 BRAKES (PWS) | 2 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| 063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | 1 |
| 118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE | 1 |
| 072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 1 |
| 120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1 |
| 022520 SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| 063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL | 1 |
B611305
Jan 11, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 ho
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.
B611305
Oct 1, 2020
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: 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 doc
B611305
Oct 1, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: 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 doc
B611305
Oct 1, 2020
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: 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 doc
B340414
Jul 1, 2018
030000 BRAKES (PWS)
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles:
SIB-34-04-14
Dec 1, 2014
030000 BRAKES (PWS)
BMW: RUNNING NOISES HEARD WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, WITH HIGH BRAKE LOADS; THROUGH WHEEL OPENING, VISIBLE CRACKS CAN BE SEEN IN BRAKE DISCS AND STEERING WHEEL TORSIONAL VIBRATES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. *PE
SIB-61-13-05
Mar 1, 2013
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
BMW: BATTERY HAS AN INCREASED DEMAND DUE TO DEVELOPEMENTAL PROCESS OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS IS CAUSING THE BATTER TO NEED TO UNDERGO AN ENERGY DIAGNOSIS. *KB
SIB-13-13-10
Sep 1, 2011
063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
BMW: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS AN INTERNAL COMPONENT THAT MAY FAIL AND CAUSING DRIVABILITY SYMPTOMS SUCH AS ERRATIC ENGINE OPERATION AND LONGER STARTING TIMES. *PE
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
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-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
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 (current) | 5 | 14 | |
| 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 | 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 |