Every road vehicle recall DVSA lists for the BMW M3 since 1992: what the problem is, how it is put right, how many vehicles it covers and when they were built. Newest first.
Not every BMW M3 is affected. Each recall covers cars built on particular dates or with
particular VINs, which DVSA’s file does not list in full. To check a specific car, use
GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check with its registration, or ask
the manufacturer or a dealer, who can check the VIN.
BMW M3 recalls by year
Recalls launched each year, 2008 to 2026
2015 had the most, with 2. A count of recalls is not a measure of safety: one recall can cover a handful of cars or tens of thousands.
Launched 18 December 2025DVSA recall R/2025/349Manufacturer ref. TBC – Multiple Takata Global Recalls
Defect
Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.
Remedy
Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.
A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Launched 24 January 2023DVSA recall R/2023/016Manufacturer ref. 0032390300 0032420300
Defect
A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Remedy
On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.
Launched 10 April 2017DVSA recall R/2017/114Manufacturer ref. 0061390400/0061400400
Defect
It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
On affected vehicles the Driver's seatbelt retractor may be faulty. The seat belt may be hard to pull out or below zero degrees it may not be possible to pull the belt out. In these instances a driver may not be able to use the belt as intended.
Remedy
On affected vehicles Check belt operation and replace belt if necessary
Launched 18 August 2011DVSA recall R/2011/105Manufacturer ref. 0051860200
Defect
The rear side windows and the rear windscreen all made from a synthetic polycarbonate may detach from the vehicle causing a danger to other road users and possibly pedestrians.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the rear side windows and if necessary the rear windscreen with conventional glass windows.
Vehicles affected
17 M3 vehicles
Built
30 Apr 2010 to 15 Jun 2011
2008 1 recall
Engine may cut out
Launched 6 October 2008DVSA recall R/2008/141Manufacturer ref. 0028000100
Defect
The double clutch is not operating at the optimum level. This could lead to the engine cutting out at low speeds.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to programme the necessary control units.
Road vehicle recalls (DVSA numbers starting R/) whose model names match the BMW M3. DVSA records some recalls under a range or chassis name we cannot match, so this list may be incomplete.
Vehicles affected is the number the manufacturer reported to DVSA. When one recall covers several models, DVSA often gives only the total.
Build dates are the periods the manufacturer gave. Some recalls have none. VINs are not shown.
Concerns written in capitals have been put in sentence case, and apostrophes lost in DVSA’s file have been put back. The text is otherwise DVSA’s.
