BMW M3 years to avoid and best years
Newer BMW M3 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2018 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (9 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2022 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2017 at 0 (from 3 complaints), and 2021 at 0 (from 3 complaints). The BMW M3 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2018 BMW M3, 5 of 9 complaints name Fuel and propulsion system.
Data as of .
2022
2017
2021
2025–26
BMW M3 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market BMW M3. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 18.7 |
| 2025 Too early | 1 | 2 | 0 | Lane departure | 18.7 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 18.5 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 18.7 |
| 2022 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 0 | Powertrain | 18.7 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 0 | 3 | 3 | Air bags, Seat belts | 19 |
| 2018 → Most | 1 | 9 | 0 | Fuel and propulsion system | 19.7 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 0 | 3 | 2 | Electrical system | 19.5 |
| 2016 → | 0 | 5 | 3 | Engine | 19.5 |
| 2015 → | 0 | 4 | 3 | Fuel and propulsion system | 19.5 |
| 2013 → | 0 | 13 | 2 | Air bags | 16 |
| 2012 → | 0 | 6 | 3 | Air bags | 16 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Coupe, Convertible
- Oil
- 10W-60 (S65 V8) · 9.3 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/40ZR18 (OE); 245/35ZR19 optional front / 265/40ZR18 (OE); 265/35ZR19 optional rear
Known issues for this generation
Recall 20V017000 covers certain late E90-generation M3 models among a broad list of 2008-2013 BMW cars for a Takata driver frontal air bag inflator that can explode and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin; dealers replace the driver air bag. Campaign unit totals and model lists span many BMW nameplates, not M3 alone.
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- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-30 (S55) · 6.9 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/40ZR18 (OE); 255/35ZR19 optional front / 275/40ZR18 (OE); 275/35ZR19 optional rear
Known issues for this generation
Recall 15V782000 covers certain 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles (with M4 Coupe and Convertible; 42 units total) whose driveshaft slip-joint may lack grease and fail over time, causing loss of power to the rear axle; dealers inspect and replace the driveshaft as needed. Recall 16V653000 covers certain 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles (with M2 Coupe and M4 Coupe/ Convertible; 196 units total) where rear sub-frame bolts reused during a prior differential service action may loosen and affect handling; dealers install new bolts. Both campaigns’ unit counts include the other M models named in NHTSA’s summaries.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-30 (S58) · 7.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 275/40ZR18 (OE); 275/35ZR19 optional front / 285/35ZR19 (OE); 285/30ZR20 optional rear
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW M3 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2022 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2017 at 0 (from 3 complaints), and 2021 at 0 (from 3 complaints).
Which BMW M3 year has the most owner complaints?
2018 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (9 complaints). On the 2018 BMW M3, 5 of 9 complaints name Fuel and propulsion system.
How do BMW M3 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer BMW M3 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which BMW M3 years are too early to compare?
The BMW M3 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a BMW M3 use?
Viscosity depends on generation: late E90 models use 10W-60 (about 9.3 qt on the S65 V8), F80 uses 0W-30 (about 6.9 qt on the S55), and G80 specs cite 0W-30 with generation-specific capacity—confirm in the manual.
What are typical BMW M3 tire sizes?
Staggered fitments are common—for example 245/40ZR18 front and 265/40ZR18 rear on late E90, 255/40ZR18 and 275/40ZR18 on F80, with optional 19-inch sizes; always match the placard for your M3 year.
What NHTSA recalls mention the BMW M3?
Campaigns on file include 20V-017 (Takata driver air bag on many 2008-2013 BMW cars including late E90 M3), 15V-782 and 16V-653 (F80 driveshaft and rear sub-frame bolts with small shared M3/M4 unit counts).