Specifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km | Fuel-economy range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 16 | 23 | 18 | 14.7 | 10.23 | 13.07 | — |
| 2025 | 16 | 23 | 18 | 14.7 | 10.23 | 13.07 | — |
| 2024 | 15 | 22 | 18 | 15.68 | 10.69 | 13.07 | — |
| 2023 | 16 | 22 | 18 | 14.7 | 10.69 | 13.07 | — |
| 2022 | 16 | 22 | 18 | 14.7 | 10.69 | 13.07 | — |
| 2021 | 16 | 23 | 19 | 14.7 | 10.23 | 12.38 | — |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2018 | 17 | 24 | 20 | 13.84 | 9.8 | 11.76 | — |
| 2017 | 17 | 24 | 19 | 13.84 | 9.8 | 12.38 | — |
| 2016 | 17 | 24 | 19 | 13.84 | 9.8 | 12.38 | — |
| 2015 | 17 | 24 | 19 | 13.84 | 9.8 | 12.38 | — |
| 2013 | 14 | 21 | 16 | 16.8 | 11.2 | 14.7 | — |
| 2012 | 14 | 21 | 16 | 16.8 | 11.2 | 14.7 | 16 mpg combined |
| 2011 | 14 | 20 | 16 | 16.8 | 11.76 | 14.7 | — |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Engine code | Transmission | Drivetrain | engine | Horsepower | Torque | Engine configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | sedan | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | — | — |
| 2025 | sedan | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | — | — |
| 2024 | sedan | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | — | — |
| 2023 | sedan | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | — | — |
| 2022 | coupe | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic | RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | — | — |
| 2021 | coupe | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic | RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | — | — |
| 2019 | coupe | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | coupe | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | — | — |
| 2017 | coupe | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | — | — |
| 2016 | coupe | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | — | — |
| 2015 | coupe | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | — | — |
| 2013 | coupe | 8 | 4.0 | Premium | — | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 4.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | — | — |
| 2012 | coupe | 8 | 4.0 | Premium | S65 | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 4.0, Fuel type: Premium, Horsepower: 414 hp, Torque: 300 lb-ft, Engine configuration: V8 | 414 hp | 300 lb-ft | V8 |
| 2011 | coupe | 8 | 4.0 | Premium | — | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 4.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | — | — |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | msrp | pricing | Trim | Note | Base price | currency | MSRP range | Confidence | notes | Source | estimatedAt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | Trim: M3 Competition | M3 Competition | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | — | Note: HD Radio, Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, Auxiliary Audio Input, MP3 Player | — | HD Radio, Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, Auxiliary Audio Input, MP3 Player | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | — | Base price: $58,900 | — | — | $58,900 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | currency: USD, MSRP range: $55,200-67,200, Confidence: 0.8, notes: The 2012 BMW M3 was available as a coupe and convertible. The range reflects the base MSRP for these different body styles., Source: AI-generated estimate; not a verified quote, estimatedAt: 3/28/2026 | — | — | — | — | USD | $55,200-67,200 | 0.8 | The 2012 BMW M3 was available as a coupe and convertible. The range reflects the base MSRP for these different body styles. | AI-generated estimate; not a verified quote | 3/28/2026 |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | mechanical | Keyless ignition | GVWR | Seat rows | Steering location | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | GVWR: Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Standard | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | GVWR: Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Standard | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | 4 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4 | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | — | — | — |
| 2019 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 480 | 17 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 110.7, Front wheel: 19, Rear wheel: 20 | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 110.7 | 19 | 20 |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 110.6, Front wheel: 19, Rear wheel: 19 | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 110.6 | 19 | 19 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | 4 | 2 | 430 | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | 5 | 2 | 340 | 12 | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | nhtsaSafetyRatings | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotMonitoring | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | rearAeb | parkAssist | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | rearCrossTrafficAlert | Rated vehicle | adas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | abs: standard |
| 2025 | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, adaptiveCruiseControl: optional, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, pedestrianAeb: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: standard, laneDepartureWarning: standard, rearCamera: standard, rearAeb: standard, parkAssist: standard, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard |
| 2024 | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, adaptiveCruiseControl: optional, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, pedestrianAeb: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: standard, laneDepartureWarning: standard, rearCamera: standard, rearAeb: standard, parkAssist: standard, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard |
| 2023 | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | — | optional | standard | standard | optional | — | abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, pedestrianAeb: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: optional, laneDepartureWarning: optional, rearCamera: standard, rearCrossTrafficAlert: optional, parkAssist: optional, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard |
| 2022 | Rated vehicle: 2022 BMW M3 4 DR AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | — | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | optional | 2022 BMW M3 4 DR AWD | abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, adaptiveCruiseControl: optional, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: standard, laneDepartureWarning: standard, rearCamera: standard, rearCrossTrafficAlert: optional, parkAssist: standard, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard |
| 2021 | Rated vehicle: 2021 BMW M3 4 DR AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | optional | standard | standard | — | 2021 BMW M3 4 DR AWD | abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: standard, laneDepartureWarning: standard, rearCamera: standard, parkAssist: optional, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard |
| 2019 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | Rated vehicle: 2018 BMW M3 4 DR RWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | optional | optional | — | optional | optional | standard | — | optional | optional | standard | — | 2018 BMW M3 4 DR RWD | abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, autoBrake: optional, forwardCollisionWarning: optional, blindSpotMonitoring: optional, laneDepartureWarning: optional, rearCamera: standard, parkAssist: optional, adaptiveDrivingBeam: optional, autoReverseSystem: standard |
| 2017 | Rated vehicle: 2017 BMW M3 4 DR RWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | optional | optional | optional | optional | optional | standard | — | optional | optional | standard | — | 2017 BMW M3 4 DR RWD | abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, autoBrake: optional, forwardCollisionWarning: optional, pedestrianAeb: optional, blindSpotMonitoring: optional, laneDepartureWarning: optional, rearCamera: standard, parkAssist: optional, adaptiveDrivingBeam: optional, autoReverseSystem: standard |
| 2016 | Rated vehicle: 2016 BMW M3 4 DR RWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2016 BMW M3 4 DR RWD | tpms: standard |
| 2015 | Rated vehicle: 2015 BMW M3 4 DR RWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2015 BMW M3 4 DR RWD | tpms: standard |
| 2013 | Rated vehicle: 2013 BMW M3 2 DR RWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2013 BMW M3 2 DR RWD | tpms: standard |
| 2012 | Rated vehicle: 2012 BMW M3 C RWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2012 BMW M3 C RWD | tpms: standard |
| 2011 | Rated vehicle: 2011 BMW M3 4 DR RWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2011 BMW M3 4 DR RWD | tpms: standard |
Model year reports
2026
NewestThe 2026 BMW M3 presents an excellent reliability profile on paper, boasting zero recalls and complaints.
2025
The 2025 BMW M3 presents an excellent reliability profile with zero recalls or complaints, though six TSBs suggest minor technical points to monitor.
2024
The 2024 BMW M3 presents as an excellent reliability prospect, boasting zero recalls and complaints.
2023
The 2023 BMW M3 offers strong performance but requires careful inspection, particularly for its automatic door locking system.
2022
The 2022 BMW M3 presents a compelling performance package with an 'Excellent' public reliability verdict.
2021
The 2021 BMW M3 offers performance thrills but warrants careful inspection due to a critical brake system recall.
2019
The 2019 BMW M3 presents a compelling, albeit data-limited, picture of reliability.
2018
The 2018 BMW M3 offers a compelling blend of performance and practicality, earning a 'Good' reliability verdict.
2017
The 2017 BMW M3 offers potent performance but demands careful consideration due to its 'Average' reliability rating.
2016
The 2016 BMW M3 presents a complex ownership proposition.
2015
The 2015 BMW M3 offers exhilarating performance but carries significant ownership risks, primarily due to the vulnerable **crank hub** and potential **fuel system** issues.
2013
The 2013 BMW M3 presents a compelling performance package, but its reliability verdict is 'Average' due to critical safety recalls concerning the driver's frontal air bag inflators.
2012
The 2012 BMW M3 offers thrilling performance but demands careful scrutiny due to significant safety recalls, particularly concerning the driver's frontal air bag inflator.
2011
The 2011 BMW M3 presents a compelling performance package, but its below-average reliability verdict warrants careful consideration.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the BMW M3?
Carfocal currently has 14 published M3 reports, covering 2011 through 2026. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2026 BMW M3 presents an excellent reliability profile on paper, boasting zero recalls and complaints.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
Is the BMW M3 reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every BMW M3. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2026 bmw m3 presents an excellent reliability profile on paper, boasting zero recalls and complaints. and the 2026 bmw m3's value hinges on its performance credentials and bmw's reputation, tempered by the lack of long-term data. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
14 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the BMW M3?
Across Carfocal's published M3 guides, recurring problem areas include Brake Pads and Rotors, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Fluid, and Engine Air Filter. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Brake Pads and Rotors, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Fluid, and Engine Air Filter.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 14
- Years tracked
- 14
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints