2016 BMW M3 recalls and problems

The 2016 BMW M3 has 3 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 BMW M3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 BMW M3 recalls

Recall 18V-713: Power Train

Reported Oct 11, 2018 · 2,661 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.

Risk: A loss of vehicle propulsion can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify vehicle owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. 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.

2016 BMW M3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine3
Unknown or Other1
Structure1
Power Train1
Suspension1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 20,000 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 2016 BMW M3 complaints

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

Engine · at 20,000 miles · reported Dec 19, 2019
There's a known issue with 2015+ bmw f80 m3 s55 engine. The issue is the crank hub spinning out and damaging the car. It leaves the vehicle in a dangerous state when driving on the road and to others near by. This issue happens to stock vehicles and modded ones. If the crank hub spins while the car is moving, it can leave the car in a dangerous state with no power. Links about it: https://www.youtube.com/results... Specific video that explains the crank hub issue with this model of a car: https://youtu.be/sjr3zhegs_u?t=160 this issue has personally happened on my m3. I was coasting down a hill…
Engine · at 28,000 miles · reported Dec 18, 2019
The crankhub on these cars are ticking time bombs and is likely to fail just outside of warranty forcing huge repair bills. In some cases, a "lucky" few just need to be retimed and only require 18 hours of labor. However, others have not been so lucky and have required an all-new engine. This is an issue bmw is fully aware of but has not taken responsbility for their insufficient engineering.
Engine · at 20,000 miles · reported Dec 18, 2019
There's a known issue with 2015+ bmw f80 m3 s55 engine. The issue is the crank hub spinning out and damaging the car. It leaves the vehicle in a dangerous state when driving on the road and to others near by. This issue happens to stock vehicles and modded ones. If the crank hub spins while the car is moving, it can leave the car in a dangerous state with no power. Links about it: https://www.youtube.com/results... Specific video that explains the crank hub issue with this model of a car: https://youtu.be/sjr3zhegs_u?t=160
Structure · at 48,234 miles · reported Jul 15, 2019
Keep hearing a knocking sound on driver side when going over bumps. Feeling vibration under car under accelerating and breaking. Carbon fiber roof laminate peeling off.
Unknown or Other · at 3,000 miles · reported Jun 5, 2018
I've taken my vehicle in to the service dealer multiple times since I've purchased the car back in nov. 2016. I noticed a clunking and jolting sensation from my rear axle which I knew was not normal. The dealer after diagnosing the issue told me it is normal and there isn't an issue at all. Upon further research online and personal frustration knowing I'm paying for a new car which doesn't feel new at all, I found the attached recall notice. My car has a production date of may 20, 2016 which falls in between the timeline mentioned in the attached recall memo which will require a replacement of…

Other BMW M3 years

Compare all BMW M3 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 BMW M3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 BMW M3: 18V-713 (power train), 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 2016 BMW M3?

Owners report engine problems most often (3 reports), followed by unknown or other (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 20,000 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.