2013 BMW M3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
92/100
#2 most-complained of 13 M3 years
The 2013 BMW M3 has a Complaint Index of 92, ranking as the 2nd-worst year out of 13 model years tracked, with a verdict of Avoid. Airbags account for 54% of complaints (7 of 13), tied to two Takata-related recalls, plus reported engine and clutch failures.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 20 hwy
Top 2013 BMW M3 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Driver airbag deployed improperly during a rear-end crash at 40 mph, injuring the driver's arm with metal fragments.
- Owners were told by BMW not to drive the car due to the Takata airbag recall while waiting for replacement parts.
- Engine misfired heavily and stalled in traffic, with BMW later attributing it to engine damage.
- A clicking noise developed over time and was traced to rod bearing issues.
- Clutch failed abruptly without warning, leaving the transmission stuck in gear.
- Electrical system loses power under quick acceleration with no diagnostic codes stored, and some owners reported a burning smell from the A/C blower motor wiring.
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?
- No. NHTSA data gives it a Complaint Index of 92 and ranks it the 2nd-worst of 13 model years tracked for the M3, with an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW M3?
- Airbags are the top issue, making up 54% of complaints (7 of 13) with a median failure mileage of 13,500 miles. Engine problems follow at 31% and transmission/powertrain issues at 23%.
- Does the 2013 BMW M3 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2013 M3, both involving the airbags (campaigns 20V017000 and 16V071000), neither marked as do-not-drive.
- How does the 2013 M3 compare to other M3 years?
- Its Complaint Index of 92 is higher than 2010 (83), 2012 (50), and 2016 (33), and only below 2011 (100), making 2013 one of the worse M3 years by this measure.
- 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.