Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
14 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
54,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2001 model year. Data updated: . 9 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 14 complaints (14.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 14.3% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 7.1% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 7.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 2 |
| Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft | 2 |
| Suspension | 2 |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 1 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 1 |
| Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical:Linkage And Cable | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 2; Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft: 2; Suspension: 2; Air Bags:Side/Window: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 1; Latches/Locks/Linkages: 1; Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical:Linkage And Cable: 1; Power Train: 1
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 2 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 2
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 5 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 4 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2018 | 1 |
2001: 2; 2002: 4; 2004: 2; 2009: 1; 2010: 1; 2011: 1; 2014: 1; 2016: 1; 2018: 1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
THE ENGINE OF THE BMW 2001 M3 HAD SERIOUS ENGINE FAILURES. THE REQUEST FROM THE BMW DEALERSHIP ON EXPLAINATION WAS REJECTED, NOR WAS THERE ANY EXPLAINATION FROM THE CONSUMER RELATIONS OF BMW NA. THE FAILURE WAS CONVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS THE ONLY ABNORMAL CAR IN THOUSANDS THAT WERE SOLD. FROM MY RESEARCH THERE WERE MORE THAN 100 DOCUMENTED CASES OF THE NEW E46 M3 ENGINE HAVING PROBLEMS RANGING FROM CRANKSHAFT FAILURE TO FULL ENGINE DETONATION AND OIL SPILLAGE. BMW SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO COMPENSATE OWNERS OF A $60K …
Owner-reported narrative. 21,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000101 at NHTSA ↗
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE GRAZED THE CURB AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, DRIVER'S VISIBILITY WAS IMPAIRED, AND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CEMENT WALL. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10099589 at NHTSA ↗
MY M3 CIC MAKES A LOUD GRINDING/CLATTER TYPE NOISE WHEN DISENGAGING THE 6-SPEED MANUAL CLUTCH IN BOTH 1ST AND REVERSE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING AT ABOUT 1-2 MPH. BMW TECH'S SAY THIS IS NORMAL OPERATION, HOWEVER, I CAN'T DUPLICATE THE SAME PROBLEM ON A NEW M3 W/6 SPEED TRANSMISSION. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 46,710 miles reported. Look up ODI 10102760 at NHTSA ↗
AUTOMATIC DIMMING REAR VIEW MIRROR DEVELOPED A "BUBBLE," WHICH ITSELF IMPEDED REAR VIEW VISION, AND STOPPED DIMMING EFFECTIVELY, MAKING NIGHT TIME DRIVING DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10274159 at NHTSA ↗
LEFT REAR SUSPENSION SPRING BROKE WITH ONLY ABOUT 50K MILES. RESULTED IN NOISE, POOR SUSPENSION CONTROL OVER BUMPS. REPAIR SHOP IS REPLACING WITH A NEW ONE. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 54,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10354726 at NHTSA ↗
NORMAL DRIVING HAS WEAKENED THE SUB-FRAME TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS CRACKED AND SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 78,311 miles reported. Look up ODI 10422443 at NHTSA ↗
PASSENGER DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED EITHER FROM INSIDER OR OUTSIDE. APPEARS LIKE THE DOOR IS DOUBLE LOCKED. LUCKILY BOTH DOORS ARE NOT DOUBLE LOCKED WITH PASSENGER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. POSSIBLE FAILURE OF LOCK ACTUATOR WITHOUT WARNING OR FAILURE OF GM5 MODULE *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 155,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10619015 at NHTSA ↗
INSPECTION BY TWO MECHANICS SHOWS CRACKS IN THE SUBFRAME HOLDING THE BACK WHEELS. THERE WAS A LEGAL CASE INVOLVING THIS DEFECT THAT WAS SETTLED BY BMW WHICH WAS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND NOTIFY ALL OWNERS OF 3 SERIES BMW'S ABOUT THE DEFECT SO IT COULD BE FIXED. THEY NEVER INFORMED ME OF DEFECT AND HAVE STALED ON THE REPAIR.
Owner-reported narrative. 129,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10860335 at NHTSA ↗
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
Reported: 2001-07-31 (July 31, 2001)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TWO SCREWS THAT SECURE THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE MOUNTING BRACKET TO THE BACKING PLATE WERE NOT TIGHTENED PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, THE SCREWS COULD LOOSEN AND EVENTUALLY FALL INTO THE PARKING BRAKE DRUM.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, THE CABLE MOUNTING BRACKET WOULD NO LONGER BE FIXED TO THE BACKING PLATE AND THE PARKING BRAKE COULD NO LONGER BE APPLIED ON THAT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT A SCREW COULD LODGE WITHIN THE PARKING BRAKE DRUM, IMPAIRING THE FREE MOVEMENT OF THE DRUM. THIS WOULD PRODUCE NOISE, AND COULD CAUSE THE PARKING BRAKE ON THAT SIDE TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE ATTACHING SCREWS AND SECURE THEM WITH THE PROPER TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 4, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Reported: 2018-06-11 (June 11, 2018)
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; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
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 became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
NHTSA campaign record ↗Reported: 2017-01-20 (January 20, 2017)
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 have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
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 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)
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 PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
14 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 619.4%ODI 10654689TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT FLICKERED WHILE THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED OR UNOCCUPIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. … | 466.7%ODI 10934302 · 63,000 miTAKATA RECALL IS TAKING TOO LONG TO REPLACE MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG IN MY 2012 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE. I CALLED RUSNAK BMW IN WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA IN NOVEMBER 2016 FOR A STATUS UPDATE AS TO WHY THEY STILL HAVE NOT CONTACTED ME TO REPLACE MY DRIVER'S SIDE TAKATA AIRBAG DESPITE A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH OF 2016. THEY INDICATED THEY HAVE NOT GOTTEN TO MY MODEL YEAR AND THAT REPLACEMENT TAKATA AIRBAGS ARE NOT COMING AS QUICKLY AS THEY SHOULD. | 753.8%ODI 10873743 · 9,000 miTAKATA RECALL AIRBAG BMW TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE CAR TO PARK IT AND THEY WANT TO GIVE ME RENTAL. UNKNOW HOW LONG FOR REPAIR I LEASE CAR AT $1245 PER MONTH WAY SHOULD I GET A LESSER CAR AND CONTINUE MY PAYMENTS .I HAVE 2 YEARS LEFT I WANT TO TRADE IT IN FOR THE SAME VALUE ON A M4 SHOULDNT THEY GIVE ME THE SAME DEAL TO GET ME OUT OF MY LEASE.. FLORIDA HAS A HIGHER RISK BECAUSEOF THE HEAT FOR THE AIR BAG TO EXPLODE. IM 5FT 1 AND IM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR... I HAVENT DRIVEN IT SINCE THEY TOLD ME ABOUT RECALL ..I HAPPEN TO BRING CAR FOR SERVICE OR I WO… | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11611304Unknown. I was driving home when I get a message stating “passenger restraint system malfunction” | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine | 1651.6%ODI 10626663 · 35,150 miTICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE GRADUALLY GOT LOUDER. OIL WARNING THAT IT WAS LOW ON OIL. ADDED OIL, STILL SAID IT WAS LOW, THEN SAID IT WAS TOO MUCH. THEN SAID IT WAS LOW (PARTICLES FROM BEARINGS WERE CLOGGED IN OIL SENSOR GIVING FALSE READING). FINALLY PARKED CAR WHEN NOISE WAS SO GREAT THAT I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP. ROD BEARS DISINTEGRATED ON CYLINDERS 2 AND 5. HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. *TR | 233.3%ODI 10779100 · 24,600 miDRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, SHIFTED FROM 1ST GEAR TO SECOND GEAR AND AT 4000 RPMS, THE CAR STOPPED. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. TOWED CARD TO DEALER AND IT NEEDED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. | 430.8%ODI 10821362 · 3,100 miVEHICLE HAS 3,100 MILES ON IT. I STOPPED TO GET FUEL AND ON THE WAY BACK HOME THE ENGINE STARTED TO MISFIRE HEAVILY, THEN STALL OUT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET REAR ENDED. LUCKILY THE CAR STARTED BUT FELT LIKE IT HAD ONLY 10% OF THE POWER, BMW TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT TO THE NEAREST SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THEY CALLED ME THE NEXT DAY TO TELL MY MY ENGINE HAS FAILED. IM NOT SURE HOW IN 3,100 WELL CARED FOR MILES THE ENGINE WOULD FAIL, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET REAR-ENDED IN TRAFFIC. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT BMW COULD RELEASE … | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 11289890 · 95,000 miCRANK 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. | 360.0%ODI 11289880 · 28,000 miTHE 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 222.2%ODI 11289976 · 8,000 miCRANK HUB WILL BE PRONE TO SPIN AND THEREFORE WILL DESTROY ENGINE WHICH WILL REQUIRE A FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train | 412.9%ODI 10438472 · 10,000 miCLUNKING NOISE AND VIBRATION WHEN TURNING RIGHT FROM A STOP IN COOLER TEMPERATURES. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 323.1%ODI 11000438 · 7 miTAKATA RECALL. REASONABLE TIME HAS PASSED SINCE THE AIRBAG RECALL. BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD AS TO WHEN THIS SAFETY ISSUE WILL BE RESOLVED.EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR I FEEL I AM RISKING MY LIFE OR CHANCE FOR SERIOUS INJURY. BMW HAS BEEN COMPLETELY NEGLIGENT WITH REGARDS TO RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. BMW SHOULD TEMPORARILY REMEDY THE SITUATION BY REPLACING THE CAR WITH A SIMILAR VEHICLE. I NEED THIS TO BE RESOLVED NOW!!!. ALSO THE DRIVE TRAIN HAS A CLUNKING NOISE OF WHICH I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING SINCE NEW. THEY HAVE MADE TEMPORARY ADJUSTMENT BUT THE PROB… | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 120.0%ODI 11232137 · 48,234 miKEEP 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 111.1%ODI 11289976 · 8,000 miCRANK HUB WILL BE PRONE TO SPIN AND THEREFORE WILL DESTROY ENGINE WHICH WILL REQUIRE A FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11714063I am reporting a safety-related failure involving the clutch system on my 2022 BMW M3. At approximately 26,000 miles when I purchased, I began experiencing clutch-related issues, including slipping and abnormal engagement. I brought the vehicle to the BMW dealership on two separate occasions to report these concerns, but the dealership dismissed the issue and did not document or inspect the clutch. At approximately 33,000 miles, while driving on the freeway, the clutch failed to properly engage and would not catch gears, creating an unsafe dr… | 1100.0%ODI 11669571Car was parked and turned off in our driveway and it rolled backwards down the driveway and into the street | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 722.6%ODI 10661151 · 44,000 mi2011 BMW DCT M3 ENGINE TURNS OFF BY IT SELF WHILE DRIVING THROUGH INTERSECTION. TRANSMISSION GOES INTO NEUTRAL. "N" POPS UP ON THE CENTER COCKPIT. STEERING WHEEL LOCK. BRAKES WORK. HAD TO MAINTAIN FOOT ON BRAKES. HAVE TO PUSH "ENGINE START" BUTTON. CAR STARTS UP AGAIN. ENGINE STALLING AND SHUTTING OFF IS A SAFETY HAZARD, ESPECIALLY IF THE CAR IS IN MOTION. COULD CAUSE DEATH TO END USERS OR OTHER PEOPLE. CAN CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGES AS WELL. THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE WITHIN A 8 WEEK PERIOD. MOST RECENTLY ON NOV 26,2014 APPROXIMATELY 430… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 215.4%ODI 10910460 · 20,000 miWHEN I ACCELERATE QUICKLY AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN I GET A GREEN LIGHT, THE ENGINE LOOSES ALL POWER BUT KEEPS RUNNING. BMW HAS NO IDEA AS NO CODES ARE BEING SAVED WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE GENERAL MANAGER SAID IT PROBABLY COMPUTER PART BUT WE MAY NEVER KNOW. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11301469 · 6,352 miVEHICLE IS A 2017 BMW M3 WITH 6352 MILES. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE THE VEHICLE HAD STARTED AND HAD BEEN OPERATING NORMALLY THE DAY PRIOR. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND WOULD NOT START.IT WAS CLEAR THERE WAS NO POWER GETTING TO THE ELECTRONICS EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY WAS FULLY CHARGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TRANSPORTED BY FLATBED TRUCK TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP INVESTIGATED THE ROOT CAUSE AND FOUND THE PRIMARY BATTERY CABLE CONNECTOR TO THE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION BOX HAD FAILED WHERE THERE WAS NO LONG… | 111.1%ODI 11759039While driving, suddenly, with no warning smoke came from under the hood. I got off the road and turned off car immediately. Luckily, since I did turn off the car so quickly, it did not burst into flames but did create a fire within the engine. I have video of fire damage and BMW quote on repair stating fire damage. As in the past with BMW, there is a documented history of PCV-heater fires. NHTSA Recall 22V-119 states the BMW PCV valve heaters can short circuit, overheat and cause a fire. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train:Manual Transmission | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Unknown Or Other | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 11341883REAR VIEW CAMERA STOPPED WORKING, SCREEN DISPLAYS "NO SIGNAL". FUSE DID NOT BLOW. | 120.0%ODI 11099977 · 3,000 miI'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 AT… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 222.2%ODI 11193822 · 13,500 miHELLO, I HAVE A 2018 BMW M3 THAT IS ABOUT 12 MONTHS OLD. THERE WAS A SIRIUS XM (SATELLITE RADIO) TRIAL PERIOD OF 1 YEAR, AND NOW THAT IT IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE, THERE IS AN ADVERTISEMENT IN MY NAVIGATION WINDOW THAT COMES UP EVERY TIME I TURN ON THE CAR, THAT HAS TO BE CLEARED VIA PRESSING "OK" OR ELSE IT DOESN'T GO AWAY. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT IF I TURN ON THE CAR AND GO INTO REVERSE, THE REVERSE CAMERA WILL SHOW BUT GETS INTERRUPTED BY THE SIRIUS XM ADVERTISEMENT, AND DOESN'T COME BACK UNTIL THE ADVERTISEMENT TO RENEW IS MANUALLY CLEARED O… | 133.3% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11733289I just did a software update for my 2025 M3 and all settings were lost. Most of this is a customer inconvenience, but brake auto hold was turned off so imagine my surprise when I took my foot off the brake and my car rolled forward. Thankfully I was paying attention or there could have been an accident. I rely on auto hold to keep my car stopped even when my foot is off the brake. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | Too few reports for a range | 142,000 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 10860335 · 129,000 miINSPECTION BY TWO MECHANICS SHOWS CRACKS IN THE SUBFRAME HOLDING THE BACK WHEELS. THERE WAS A LEGAL CASE INVOLVING THIS DEFECT THAT WAS SETTLED BY BMW WHICH WAS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND NOTIFY ALL OWNERS OF 3 SERIES BMW'S ABOUT THE DEFECT SO IT COULD BE FIXED. THEY NEVER INFORMED ME OF DEFECT AND HAVE STALED ON THE REPAIR. ODI 11111835 · 155,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW M3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A SEVERE CRACK IN THE SUBFRAME THAT SUPPORTED THE REAR WHEELS AND SUSPENSION. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | Too few reports for a range | 15,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10099589 · 15,000 miWHILE DRIVING VEHICLE GRAZED THE CURB AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, DRIVER'S VISIBILITY WAS IMPAIRED, AND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CEMENT WALL. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | Too few reports for a range | 21,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10000101 · 21,000 miTHE ENGINE OF THE BMW 2001 M3 HAD SERIOUS ENGINE FAILURES. THE REQUEST FROM THE BMW DEALERSHIP ON EXPLAINATION WAS REJECTED, NOR WAS THERE ANY EXPLAINATION FROM THE CONSUMER RELATIONS OF BMW NA. THE FAILURE WAS CONVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS THE ONLY ABNORMAL CAR IN THOUSANDS THAT WERE SOLD. FROM MY RESEARCH THERE WERE MORE THAN 100 DOCUMENTED CASES OF THE NEW E46 M3 ENGINE HAVING PROBLEMS RANGING FROM CRANKSHAFT FAILURE TO FULL ENGINE DETONATION AND OIL SPILLAGE. BMW SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO COMPENSATE OWNERS OF A $60K … |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | Too few reports for a range | 155,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10619015 · 155,000 miPASSENGER DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED EITHER FROM INSIDER OR OUTSIDE. APPEARS LIKE THE DOOR IS DOUBLE LOCKED. LUCKILY BOTH DOORS ARE NOT DOUBLE LOCKED WITH PASSENGER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. POSSIBLE FAILURE OF LOCK ACTUATOR WITHOUT WARNING OR FAILURE OF GM5 MODULE *TR |
| Power Train | Too few reports for a range | 129,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10860335 · 129,000 miINSPECTION BY TWO MECHANICS SHOWS CRACKS IN THE SUBFRAME HOLDING THE BACK WHEELS. THERE WAS A LEGAL CASE INVOLVING THIS DEFECT THAT WAS SETTLED BY BMW WHICH WAS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND NOTIFY ALL OWNERS OF 3 SERIES BMW'S ABOUT THE DEFECT SO IT COULD BE FIXED. THEY NEVER INFORMED ME OF DEFECT AND HAVE STALED ON THE REPAIR. |
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2022: 0 complaints · 2023: 1 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft | Suspension | Air Bags:Side/Window | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | Latches/Locks/Linkages | Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical:Linkage And Cable | Power Train |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 10860335 · 129,000 miINSPECTION BY TWO MECHANICS SHOWS CRACKS IN THE SUBFRAME HOLDING THE BACK WHEELS. THERE WAS A LEGAL CASE INVOLVING THIS DEFECT THAT WAS SETTLED BY BMW WHICH WAS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND NOTIFY ALL OWNERS OF 3 SERIES BMW'S ABOUT THE DEFECT SO IT COULD BE FIXED. THEY NEVER INFORMED ME OF DEFECT AND HAVE STALED ON THE REPAIR. |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical:Linkage And Cable | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Power Train | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 10860335 · 129,000 miINSPECTION BY TWO MECHANICS SHOWS CRACKS IN THE SUBFRAME HOLDING THE BACK WHEELS. THERE WAS A LEGAL CASE INVOLVING THIS DEFECT THAT WAS SETTLED BY BMW WHICH WAS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND NOTIFY ALL OWNERS OF 3 SERIES BMW'S ABOUT THE DEFECT SO IT COULD BE FIXED. THEY NEVER INFORMED ME OF DEFECT AND HAVE STALED ON THE REPAIR. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
1 patterns with matching reports.
1 mentions · 7.1% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE . DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. MR. ATHARY PLEASE PROVIDE THE POTENTIAL FAILURE OF THE ENGINE ON THIS VEHICLE. TS
\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b