2015 BMW M3Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2015 BMW M3, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-288 the manufacturer reports only 36% of affected cars repaired.

2015 BMW M3

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 24, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: Michael Sheehan, CC BY 2.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2015 BMW M3 has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Fuel/propulsion system20
Engine10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2015 BMW M3 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

36%repaired · 2026 Q3

Air bags: side/window

Recall 24V-288 · Apr 24, 2024 · 5,761 vehicles · 2,059 repaired

Risk. An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

97%repaired · 2018 Q1

Structure: frame and members

Recall 16V-653 · Sep 9, 2016 · 196 vehicles · 190 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

98%repaired · 2017 Q2

Driveline: driveshaft

Recall 15V-782 · Nov 23, 2015 · 42 vehicles · 41 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

2015 vs. every other M3 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the M3 median. How we score

'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'21'22'23'25
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2015 BMW M3 safety ratings

2015 BMW M3 4 DR RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words

What M3 owners report

Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 11464617 · 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
Complaint 11464603 · May 14, 2022

Own a 2015 M3?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.