2015 BMW M3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2015 BMW M3 has a complaint index of 24, ranking 14th out of 18 model years, with 4 complaints and 3 recalls on file. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths were reported, making it a relatively low-complaint year for this model.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 24/100
- #14 of 18 M3 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 4
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19.5
- 17 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2015 BMW M3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System2 (50%)
- Engine1 (25%)
- Other1 (25%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the crank hub spinning the timing sprocket, letting valves strike the piston and causing catastrophic engine failure, with one case reported at 95,000 miles.
- Owners describe fuel tank leaks from a failed top weld, raising concerns about fire risk and emissions.
- A separate complaint describes a significant gas tank leak that owners say creates an ignition hazard.
2015 BMW M3 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V288000Apr 24, 2024Airbags5,761 vehicles
Air bags:side/window
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
Risk: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 16V653000Sep 9, 2016Structure & Body196 vehicles
Structure:frame and members
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts may cause the bolts to loosen.
Risk: Loose rear sub-frame bolts may adversely affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 15V782000Nov 23, 2015Transmission & Powertrain42 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease. As a result, the slip-joint may fail over time.
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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driveshaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2015 BMW M3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 19.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,100
- 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.
2015 compared with other M3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 BMW M3 reliable based on complaints?
- NHTSA lists 4 complaints for the 2015 BMW M3, giving it a complaint index of 24, which ranks 14th out of 18 model years for this model.
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 BMW M3?
- Fuel system issues make up half of reported complaints, including tank weld leaks, followed by an engine failure tied to the crank hub design at 95,000 miles.
- Does the 2015 BMW M3 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 BMW M3, covering airbags, rear sub-frame bolts, and a driveshaft inspection/replacement for certain production dates.
- How does the 2015 BMW M3 compare to other M3 years?
- With a complaint index of 24, the 2015 M3 ranks better than years like 2008 (complaint index 100) and 2009 (94), but the JSON does not list an official verdict for 2015.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2015 BMW M3?
- The EPA rates the 2015 BMW M3 at 19.5 mpg combined (17 city/25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100.