2015 BMW M3 recalls and problems

The 2015 BMW M3 has 3 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
4
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2015 BMW M3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2015 BMW M3 recalls

Recall 24V-288: Air Bags

Reported Apr 24, 2024 · 5,761 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The 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.

Risk: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 16V-653: Structure

Reported Sep 9, 2016 · 196 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts may cause the bolts to loosen.

Risk: Loose rear sub-frame bolts may adversely affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 15V-782: Power Train

Reported Nov 23, 2015 · 42 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease. As a result, the slip-joint may fail over time.

Risk: If the slip-joint fails, there would be a loss of power to the rear axle and therefore the vehicle would stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driveshaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2015 BMW M3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Engine1
Unknown or Other1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 95,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2015 BMW M3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported May 14, 2022
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
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported May 14, 2022
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.
Engine · at 95,000 miles · reported Dec 18, 2019
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.

Other BMW M3 years

Compare all BMW M3 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2015 BMW M3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 BMW M3: 24V-288 (air bags), 16V-653 (structure), 15V-782 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 BMW M3?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (2 reports), followed by engine (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 95,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.