BMW M3: best and worst years
Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.
Years to avoid: 2003, 2008
Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.
Held up best: 2007, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2021
The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.
2021solid year3 complaints · 3 recalls2016solid year5 complaints · 3 recalls2015solid year4 complaints · 3 recalls201313 complaints · 2 recalls2012solid year6 complaints · 3 recalls201131 complaints · 4 recalls201015 complaints · 4 recalls200945 complaints · 5 recalls2008worst year82 complaints · 5 recalls2007solid year0 complaints · 3 recalls200614 complaints · 5 recalls200512 complaints · 3 recalls200431 complaints · 3 recalls2003worst year54 complaints · 5 recalls200240 complaints · 5 recalls200114 complaints · 4 recalls199911 complaints · 1 recalls199814 complaints · 1 recalls199719 complaints · 2 recalls199512 complaints · 4 recalls
Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.