2013 BMW M3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2013 BMW M3 has a complaint index of 71 and ranks 6th worst out of 18 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 13 complaints, 2 recalls, and airbags as the top problem area (54% of complaints).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 71/100
- #6 of 18 M3 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 13
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2013 BMW M3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags7 (54%)
- Engine4 (31%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (23%)
- Electrical System2 (15%)
- Fuel System1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Driver airbag deployed during a low-speed rear-end collision and struck the driver's arm with metal fragments.
- Owners tied to the Takata recall reported being told to park the car outside and stop driving it until parts were available.
- At low mileage the engine misfired heavily, lost most of its power, and nearly stalled in traffic.
- A clicking noise traced to rod bearings grew more frequent over time.
- Sudden clutch failure left the transmission stuck in gear with no warning.
- Rapid acceleration sometimes caused a total loss of engine power with no diagnostic codes stored.
2013 BMW M3 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
- NHTSA 16V071000Feb 5, 2016Airbags840,000 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
2013 BMW M3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $5,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other M3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 BMW M3 a good year to buy?
- It carries a Caution verdict, ranking 6th worst among 18 M3 model years with a complaint index of 71. Airbags are the top reported problem area, making up 54% of complaints.
- What problems does the 2013 BMW M3 have?
- NHTSA data shows airbag issues (7 complaints, median mileage 13,500), engine problems (4 complaints, median mileage 24,000), and transmission/powertrain issues (3 complaints, median mileage 46,590).
- Does the 2013 BMW M3 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls, both involving the driver airbag inflator or module, including the Takata-related campaign 16V071000.
- How does the 2013 M3 compare to other M3 years?
- Its complaint index of 71 is worse than 2012 (41, Good) and 2016 (29, Good) but better than 2008 (100, Avoid) and 2009 (94, Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 BMW M3?
- EPA rates it at 16 mpg combined (14 city / 20 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,000.