MotorDeets

2015 BMW M3: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2015 BMW M3: 3 recalls, 4 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
4owner complaints
0mention a crash
20best combined mpg
2015 BMW M3
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #15V782000 · 2015 · 42 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driveshaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2016.

Body & structure Vehicle recall #16V653000 · 2016 · 196 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Loose rear sub-frame bolts May adversely affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

Airbags Vehicle recall #24V288000 · 2024 · 5,761 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Fuel & propulsion2
Engine1
Other / unknown1

What owners describe

The 2015 BMW M3 has 4 owner complaints, ranking #19 of 33 M3 model years for complaints (well below the 13 average). Neighboring years: 2014 (0 complaints, 1 recalls), 2016 (5 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive172620Premium
3.0 L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Rear-Wheel Drive172419Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2015 BMW M3.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2015 BMW M3 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2015 BMW M3 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2015 BMW M3 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2015 BMW M3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2015 BMW M3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2015 BMW M3 problems?

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel & propulsion (2), engine (1), other / unknown (1).

What gas mileage does the 2015 BMW M3 get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2015 BMW M3 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other M3 years

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