2013 BMW M3: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags; the 2012 and 2015 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“There is a burning smell when I run my a/c. I took it to mechanic and they stated it's an issue with the blower motor wiring, which is covered under recall. But I checked the recall notice and it only covers my vehicle up to 2011, but mine is a 2013. However, the blower motor parts in my car are exactly the same as the 2011, so I feel it should be a part of the recall. I am afraid to drive my car with a/c because something is going to catch fire and I have no idea what has already burned so far.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2021
“Tl* the contact owned a 2013 bmw m3. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags). While driving 40 mph, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags deployed. The contact's left arm was struck by the air bags and was injured by metal fragments. Medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The dealer (motorwerks bmw, 1300 american blvd w, bloomington, mn 55420, (952)-888-2700) was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Usaa insurance company towed the vehicle to a salvage yard and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The failure mileage was 18,000. *dt*jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2017
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 bmw m3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags). The contact stated that the parts needed for the recall remedy were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2016
Show 4 more owner reports
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 bmw m3. The contact stated that the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) was received in february of 2016. After contacting the dealer (jacky cooper in edmond, ok) and the manufacturer, 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. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
“When 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.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2016
“Takata recall. I've have been trying to get my airbag replaced for over a year. The last time I called the dealer, they told me my car wasn't part of the recall. My VIN shows on the recall list and I received notice from bmv to contact them. Keeler motor car in latham ny is the dealer.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2015
“Takata 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 problem still surfaces. This happens when I shift gears even at slow speeds (6 spd manual transmission).”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) 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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact M3 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 BMW M3 reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 BMW M3. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2013 BMW M3 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.