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ProblemsByVin Index / 2012-BMW-M3 / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2012 BMW M3 owner complaints

6 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle . Listed by category, newest first within each section.

airbags 4 complaints shown

4 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags cluster analysis →
12/09/2016 63,000 mi ODI #10934302.0

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 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.

10/02/2017 ODI #11031418.0

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.

07/26/2017 ODI #11010715.0

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 BMW m3. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 16v071000 ( air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact received the recall notification in march of 2016. The dealer ( braman motorcars 2901 okeechobee blvd, west palm beach, fl, 33409) stated that the parts were unavailable for the repair, and recommended the contact to speak to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable for the recall repair, and informed the contact that he would be notified when the parts were available and no further assistance was offered. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect...updated 08/22/17 *bf **updated 08/31/17*lj updated 12/5/2017*js *tr

02/03/2017 ODI #10949283.0

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 BMW m3. The contact stated that the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) was received in february. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.

engine 2 complaints shown

10/01/2015 24,600 mi ODI #10779100.0

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.

08/08/2019 22,839 mi ODI #11242444.0

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 not start. The seized engine was diagnosed based on an immobile crank and oil contamination by the manufacturer's dealership. I then had the oil pan completely removed at an independent shop to confirm the manufacturer's diagnosis, it was confirmed. All previous oil changes were done at the manufacturer's dealership by their technicians more often than the manufacturer recommends. The most alarming part is the vehicle has less than 23000 miles. I've reached out to the manufacturer, mentioning this very well-kno

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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