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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-BMW-M3
2012 · bmw

bmw M3 problems

1 safety recall. 6 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.8 / 10

Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints

airbags
4 reports · avg $1,100
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 M3 · airbags
TAKATA 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…
12/09/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10934302.0
2012 M3 · airbags
WHEN I CALLED BMW TO HAVE MY DEFECTIVE AIRBAG REPLACED THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE. THE DEFECT CAN APPARENTLY LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH SO I THINK IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THEY DO THIS IMMEDIATELY.
10/02/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11031418.0
2012 M3 · engine
DRIVING 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.
10/01/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10779100.0
2012 M3 · engine
APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE THE ROD BEARINGS AND CRANK SUFFERED COMPLETE FAILURE. I WAS IN MOTION AROUND 60MPH ON A RURAL HIGHWAY WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. AFTER AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT I SAFELY PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. THE ENGINE WOULD…
08/08/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11242444.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 19V472000 19/06/2019

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles

A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.

Common questions

Is the 2012 BMW M3 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 BMW M3 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 BMW M3?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 4 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my BMW M3 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 BMW M3?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 6 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 10 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with bmw. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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