Bmw M3 2012 problems
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. M3 models have been produced for every generation of 3 Series since the E30 M3 was introduced in 1986.
The initial model was available in a coupé body style, with a convertible body style made available soon after. M3 saloons were offered initially during the E36 (1994–1999) and E90 (2008–2012) generations. Since 2014, the coupé and convertible models have been rebranded as the 4 Series range, making the high-performance variant the M4. Variants of the 3 Series since then have seen the M3 produced as a saloon, until 2020, when the M3 was produced as an estate (Touring) for the first time, alongside the saloon variant.
E30 generation (1986–1991)
The first BMW M3 was based on the E30 3 Series and was intended to be a homologation special to satisfy the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft and Group A Touring rules, which required a total of 5,000 cars to be built. It was presented to the public at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, and began production from March 1986 to June 1991. The E30 M3 was mainly produced in the coupé body style, but limited volumes of convertibles were also produced.
The front splitter, the rear apron, sill panels, as well as changes to the body in the area of the rear window (C-pillar) and the bootlid improved the aerodynamics. For aerodynamic reasons, the rear window was flattened and the tailgate was made of light, glass-reinforced plastic raised by approximately 40 mm for better air flow. The changes over the rear of the car resulted in lower lift forces and better straight-line stability. In addition, the windscreen was glued in – not, as with the other E30 models, framed with a window rubber and piping. As a result, the M3 achieved a relatively low drag coefficient of Cd=0.33 instead of Cd=0.38 as in the standard 3 Series. The only exterior body panels the regular 3 Series and the M3 shared were the bonnet, roof panel, and sunroof.
The brake calipers, discs and master cylinder were unique to the M3 model.
The transmission was a Getrag 265 5-speed manual. European models were outfitted with a dogleg version with close ratios and a 1:1 ratio for fifth gear. North American models used a traditional shift pattern and had wider gear spacing with an overdriven fifth gear. A clutch-type limited-slip differential was standard equipment.
In 2004, Sports Car International named the E30 M3 number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s. In 2007, Automobile Magazine included the E30 M3 in their "5 greatest drivers cars of all time" under their 25 Greatest Cars of All Time.
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Common Bmw M3 2012 problems
The BMW M3 2012, powered by the S65 4.0-litre V8, is known for its performance and luxury. However, it is not without its common problems, which can be categorized into mechanical and electrical issues.
Mechanical issues:
- Ignition/Spark: If your M3 has trouble starting in cold weather, has irregular misfires, or is just generally slow to crank over, then you likely have bad plugs and/or coil packs. We suggest a complete replacing all the spark plugs and coil packs when you buy the car anyway, but if you didn’t and you are experiencing these symptoms, you should go ahead and tackle that BMW E92 M3 ignition service.
- Oil Consumption: Along with that relieved pressure comes oil and carbon particles that are introduced with the intake air and burned off in the combustion chamber. That means your M3 isn’t receiving all the air it could, which hurts performance, and creates nasty buildup that coats your intake valves. The only solution is to install a catch can, like the ECS Baffled Oil Catch Can, to intercept that oil from the PCV system and prevent it from ever reaching your intake.
- Oil Leaks: Particularly from the valve covers, as is often the case with the E92 M3’s S65 V8 engine. You can spot this fault by inspecting the valve covers where they meet the heads of the engine. Look for oil buildup, stains on the driveway, and keep an eye on your oil level. If you notice that you tend to top off the oil in your engine more than once a month from only regular driving, you probably have a leak.
- Throttle Body Actuators: The electric motors that open the butterfly valves in the throttle bodies are known to fail in the M3. You will see codes that alert you to the failure along with your car entering limp mode and losing power. There isn’t a real reason why these actuators fail, nor a mileage/age that they commonly do. They tend to just go at one point or another and that’s all there is to it.
Electrical issues:
- ABS Sensors: The front ABS sensors on these e92 M3s are known to fail, which will illuminate your ABS warning light. This is a common issue that can be found on the front of the vehicle .
- Steering Wheel Squib: The ribbon cable behind the steering wheel, known as the steering wheel squib, can wear down over time and cause you to lose your steering functions. This is a common issue that can be found in most BMWs, including the e92 M3 .
- FRM Module (Footwell Module): This module is responsible for controlling the headlights, wipers, and other electrical functions. They are known to fail, especially in the e92 M3, and can cause issues with your vehicle's electrical system .
In conclusion, the BMW M3 2012 is a high-performance vehicle with a few common problems that owners should be aware of. Regular maintenance and addressing these issues as they arise can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
Is a 2012 BMW M3 a good car?
The 2012 BMW M3 is simply one of the best high-performance cars available that doesn't ask you to sacrifice for your daily needs. With seating for four, a comfortable but firm ride and 11 cubic feet of trunk space, the M3 calmly gets you across town, yet breathes fire and moves out quickly when called upon.
Is the BMW M3 a reliable car?
The BMW M3 Reliability Rating is 2.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 29th out of 31 for luxury midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $1,161 which means it has poor ownership costs. Repairs are more frequent and more lkely to be severe than the average car, which means you can expect more major repairs for the M3.
How many miles will a BMW M3 last?
On an average, a BMW 3 can last for 200,000 to 250,000 miles, a well-maintained BMW 3 can last for as long as 300,000 to 350,000 miles without facing any serious mechanical issues.
Which year is the most reliable M3?
BMW E46 M3
The E46 M3 is widely regarded as the most reliable M3. It has a well-built engine and a solid chassis, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts. The BMW E46 M3 is a high-performance sports car that belongs to the BMW M3 series. It was manufactured by the German automaker BMW from 2000 to 2006.
Is BMW M3 good or bad?
Highs Heroic powertrain, available with a six-speed manual transmission, a performance car that's easy to daily-drive. Lows Too many unnecessary drive modes, Competition and CS model are automatic-only. Verdict For as intensely fast as the M3 is on track, it's surprisingly livable for commuting every place else.
How long do M3 engines last?
the m3 should last at least 200k with the proper maintenance. i've heard of many m3 owners well into the 100k mile mark. i'm at 99k and no major probs so far.
Is the E92 M3 engine reliable?
These cars are actually pretty reliable. Where the E46 M3s all had a cooling fault and some rear subframe-to-chassis issues, there's no single thing that plagues the E92. We've seen ones with high mileage, but they don't seem old. The mileage isn't affecting them.
Why did BMW discontinue the M3?
The M3 sedan wasn't stopped because of bad sales numbers, but because the 3 series sedan was due for a new model (F30). Once the E90 sedan stopped production and the F30 3 series sedan started production, there is no way BMW is going to continue producing an M3 sedan based on the old 3 series.
Bmw M3 2012 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw M3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw M3 2012 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Bmw M3 2012 complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw M3 2012.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-15
- VIN: WBSKG9C51CE
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE THE ROD BEARINGS AND CRANK SUFFERED COMPLETE FAILURE. I WAS IN MOTION AROUND 60MPH ON A RURAL HIGHWAY WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. AFTER AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT I SAFELY PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE SEIZED ENGINE WAS DIAGNOSED BASED ON AN IMMOBILE CRANK AND OIL CONTAMINATION BY THE MANUFACTURER'S DEALERSHIP. I THEN HAD THE OIL PAN COMPLETELY REMOVED AT AN INDEPENDENT SHOP TO CONFIRM THE MANUFACTURER'S DIAGNOSIS, IT WAS CONFIRMED. ALL PREVIOUS OIL CHANGES WERE DONE AT THE MANUFACTURER'S DEALERSHIP BY THEIR TECHNICIANS MORE OFTEN THAN THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDS. THE MOST ALARMING PART IS THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 23000 MILES. I'VE REACHED OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER, MENTIONING THIS VERY WELL-KNOWN ISSUE AND THE FACT THAT THERE ARE CLASS- ACTION LAWSUITS PENDING ABOUT THIS VERY ISSUE, ONLY FOR THEM TO TELL ME THEY ARE NOT LIABLE. THEIR PRODUCT FAILED BEFORE 23000 MILES, THEY KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE HOWEVER THEY ARE DOING NOTHING FOR ME. THE PUBLIC SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS FAILURE BECAUSE IT CAN CAUSE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AT ANY MOMENT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-02
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHEN I CALLED BMW TO HAVE MY DEFECTIVE AIRBAG REPLACED THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE. THE DEFECT CAN APPARENTLY LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH SO I THINK IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THEY DO THIS IMMEDIATELY.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-09
- VIN: WBSKG9C53CE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 ( AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN MARCH OF 2016. THE DEALER ( BRAMAN MOTORCARS 2901 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL, 33409) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR, AND RECOMMENDED THE CONTACT TO SPEAK TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR, AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE AND NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT...UPDATED 08/22/17 *BF **UPDATED 08/31/17*LJ UPDATED 12/5/2017*JS *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-03
- VIN: WBSKG9C5XCE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-29
- VIN: WBSDX9C52CE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL IS TAKING TOO LONG TO REPLACE MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG IN MY 2012 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE. I CALLED RUSNAK BMW IN WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA IN NOVEMBER 2016 FOR A STATUS UPDATE AS TO WHY THEY STILL HAVE NOT CONTACTED ME TO REPLACE MY DRIVER'S SIDE TAKATA AIRBAG DESPITE A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH OF 2016. THEY INDICATED THEY HAVE NOT GOTTEN TO MY MODEL YEAR AND THAT REPLACEMENT TAKATA AIRBAGS ARE NOT COMING AS QUICKLY AS THEY SHOULD.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-19
- VIN: WBSKG9C58CE
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, SHIFTED FROM 1ST GEAR TO SECOND GEAR AND AT 4000 RPMS, THE CAR STOPPED. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. TOWED CARD TO DEALER AND IT NEEDED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY.
Bmw M3 2012 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Bmw M3 2012.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
- Consequence: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative Bmw M3 2012 car reviews
Positive Bmw M3 2012 car reviews
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You must be excited to reach 1200 miles so you can have your car serviced and get it back in playing form. I bet you enjoy the split second when you think you may have lost control when you throw your foot down. The M-Mode must be a great feature to enjoy even during your daily commute. It's great to hear that your wife doesn't mind it, even at its softest.
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Still driving it in, but even under 5500 rpm this car cannot be contained. It has the tech, premium, DCT, and premium sound packages, as well as the 19
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The hardtop convertible is truly the best of both worlds. I was also considering the C63 AMG and 911 SCab, but the M3 outperforms the 911 for $30k less and laughably out-handles the AMG. I've previously owned a C55 AMG and a Z06 Vette, but the M3 has the best balance of comfort, power, and handling of any car I've owned. I highly recommend the Tech Package for no other reason than the M-mode. This allows you to change the suspension, throttle response, and steering response with the push of a button, transforming the car instantaneously - almost like a different car. The V8 sounds incredible, and I can't wait until spring so I can hear it with the hardtop down. Must-haves are the Tech Package and upgraded wheels.
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The M3 sedan is an excellent all-around performance car. It's great to hear that you have no regrets trading in your RS4 for this car. The M3 handles so much better than the RS4, delivers power better, sounds better, shifts better, and scrubs off speed better. It corners like a car weighing 600 pounds less. The exhaust note sounds fantastic, like a proper V8. Although the steering can feel a bit numb, once you attack a corner, it comes alive and you know exactly what the front tires are doing (unlike the RS4). The car is a real hooligan and a blast to drive. Poised and well-balanced, it would be hard to find a sedan with the same attributes for the money.
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Living in S.Florida and having driven my interlagos blue e39 m5 for 7 yrs with awe and no complaints, I decided to add a younger sibling - an interlagos blue m3 convertible! Let me say this emphatically, the m3 convertible is an absolutely fantastic piece of automotive creation to drive! For those concerned by the critics' comparisons to the m3 coupe, have no worries, the two are just different animals! Here in the m3 convertible, you have the ultimate everyday chameleon. With the top up, you basically have the coupe's 98% equivalence, and with the top down, it's a head-turning topless supercar! If you are not a race track junkie and live in warm climes, this car cannot be beaten at its price point. Thanks M!!
Additional sources
More sources of information about Bmw M3 2012 problems:
Any known problems with the E92 M3? - BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)
So I am about to close a deal and purchase a 2008 E92 M3, I was wondering if there are any known problems? I've heard from some people that the car is known ...
Common Problems For The BMW E92 M3 – ECS Tuning
Jul 6, 2020 ... Common Problems For The BMW E92 M3 · Idle Control Valve · Ignition/Spark · Oil Consumption · Oil Leaks · Throttle Body Actuators · Rod Bearings · Oil ...
E90 M3: Reliability issues w/ higher miles? Problem areas? - BMW ...
No. The cars are all mechanically identical and there hasn't been any redesign to the well-known problematic parts. So they're all equal in terms of reliability ...
A list of issues within a year of ownership... - BMW M3 and BMW M4 ...
Feb 10, 2017 ... 1. Badly fitted carbon components (MPE exhaust tips and diffuser) on delivery, which then had to be corrected thus delaying pick-up. · 2.
Common Issues with E36 M3
Mar 20, 2012 ... Control Arms and bushings, flex disk, shifter rebuild @ ~100k miles. Valve cover gasket whenever it starts leaking, belts and tensioners @ 60- ...
Other years of Bmw M3
Are you having problems with your Bmw M3 2012?
Junior Mante 2024-04-25
I've only driven 1400 miles so far and haven't pushed the car too hard yet. The engine sounds fantastic, but the car isn't particularly fast. Although it turns a lot of heads, it's not the most comfortable car to drive. I'm looking forward to taking it out on the local track to see how it handles under pressure. Apart from the power mode setting, I can barely feel a difference between any of the other M settings. I'm hoping that with a little more time behind the wheel, I'll get more comfortable with it. We've had a number of other BMWs, but I still feel more at ease driving the X5 or 550i.