NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 2 owner complaints for the 2023 BMW M3. Most complaints involve engine (1) and power train (1). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, 330e, 330e xDrive, 430i Convertible, 430i xDrive, M440i, 2022-2023 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive, i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. During a service visit, a replacement electronic control unit (ECU) may have been installed with incorrect programming, which can cause the automatic door locking (ADL) function to not lock the doors as intended.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each M3 model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 90 |
| 2003 | 141 |
| 2004 | 112 |
| 2005 | 37 |
| 2006 | 216 |
| 2008 | 82 |
| 2009 | 45 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 41 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 |
“While parallel parking in a parking structure; my car accelerated full throttle backing up hitting the back wall ; then I tried going forward to straighten the car up, it accelerated full throttle forward hitting the front wall. I had an doctors appt. there and decided to still straighten car and I said if it goes full throttle again I would immediately put the car in neutral and turn the car off, which I did. Each time the car went full throttle I hit the brake pedal as hard as I can push. Leaving the car I tried locking the car with my key fob, it wouldn't lock or turn off the headlights, it caused the horn to keep beeping for no reason.”
“Car was parked and turned off in our driveway and it rolled backwards down the driveway and into the street”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 Competition Sedan Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,200 | 470 |
| M3 Sedan Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,200 | 472 |
| M3 Competition M xDrive Sedan Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,400 | 477 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (1), power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 BMW M3 at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).