2021 BMW M3 Problems: 7 Known Issues

2021 BMW M3 Problems: 7 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

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.

Campaign #23V11800023/02/2023

SEAT BELTS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #21V55400021/07/2021

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.

Campaign #21V06200010/02/2021

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M3, and 330e xDrive vehicles. The bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame was not tightened to specification.

Campaign #21V29800028/04/2021

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.

Campaign #18V71300011/10/2018

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common BMW M3 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 579+ owner reports, the 2021 BMW M3 has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2021 G80 Integrated Brake System Recall 21V-062, S55/S58 Electric Water Pump Failure, G80 S58 Engine Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the BMW M3 reliable?

The 2021 BMW M3 has 7 known issues documented across 579+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 2021 G80 Integrated Brake System Recall 21V-062. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common BMW M3 problems?

Repair costs for known BMW M3 issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2021 BMW M3 2021 G80 Integrated Brake System Recall 21V-062?

BMW SIB 34 02 21 and NHTSA campaign 21V-062 cover certain 2021 G80 M3 vehicles. The integrated-brake control unit may not have been produced to specification; during hard braking, the internal rotor and shaft can separate, reducing braking assistance, disabling ABS and increasing… Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2023 BMW M3 S55/S58 Electric Water Pump Failure?

The S55 and S58 engines use electric water pumps rather than belt-driven pumps. While more efficient, these electric pumps are prone to failure and typically have a shorter lifespan than mechanical pumps. Failure can lead to overheating and potential engine damage if not addresse… Repairs typically run $800-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2023 BMW M3 G80 S58 Engine Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves?

The S58 twin-turbo engine in the G80 M3 uses direct injection, which sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber rather than over the intake valves. Oil vapors from the crankcase ventilation system deposit carbon on the backs of intake valves over time. Without fuel washing… Repairs typically run $500-$1,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2023 BMW M3 Plastic Y-Shaped Charge Pipe Failure (S58)?

Similar to the F80 M3's S55, the G80 M3's S58 engine uses a Y-shaped plastic charge pipe that can crack under high boost conditions, especially with aftermarket tunes. Less urgent than the S55 issue since the S58 runs lower stock boost and has improved pipe design, but still a co… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2023 BMW M3 Coolant System Issues (S58)?

Some G80 M3 owners report coolant loss requiring monitoring, though catastrophic failures are rare. The S58 cooling system is more robust than the S55, with BMW learning from previous failures. Most reports are minor and related to normal system bleeding/settling on newer vehicle… Repairs typically run $100-$1,600. Severity: low.

What is the 2021-2023 BMW M3 iDrive 8 Software/Electronics Issues?

Early 2021 production G80 M3s experienced iDrive 8 screen blackouts, stereo cutouts, and phone connectivity failures. BMW has largely addressed these through over-the-air software updates. Persistent issues may require dealer software reflash or rarely head unit replacement. Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: low.

What is the 2021-2023 BMW M3 Adaptive M Suspension Electronic Damper Failure?

G80 M3 models with Adaptive M Suspension can experience electronic damper control failures, displaying 'Chassis Function Restricted' warnings. Can be caused by electrical surges, water intrusion into damper electronics, or software glitches. Software updates resolve many issues. Repairs typically run $0-$3,500. Severity: low.

All 7 Known Issues

2021 BMW M3: 2021 G80 Integrated Brake System Recall 21V-062#

2015-2023 BMW M3: S55/S58 Electric Water Pump Failure#

2021-2023 BMW M3: Coolant System Issues (S58)#

2021-2023 BMW M3: G80 S58 Engine Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves#

2021-2023 BMW M3: Plastic Y-Shaped Charge Pipe Failure (S58)#

2021-2023 BMW M3: iDrive 8 Software/Electronics Issues#

2021-2023 BMW M3: Adaptive M Suspension Electronic Damper Failure#

Other BMW Models