Vehicle report

2018 BMW M3

Compare every BMW M3 yearNHTSA and EPA records

Service bulletins

42 bulletins

Technical service bulletins are instructions a manufacturer sent its dealers about a known fault. They are not recalls and the work is usually not free, but they are the clearest signal of a problem the manufacturer already knows about.

B064725

Other

Protection Plate Return

B340921

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of operation when braking from low speed.

B611305

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

B310124

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there may be a cracking and orclicking type noise when turning the steering wheel left/right. See attached video V31 01 24. The sound can reoccur when the vehicle is lowered, and the wheels are once again under load. The noise might also be heard for a short time while driving.

B360121

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk) as seen at the 11 second mark of the video. See attached video V36 01 21.

B340714

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-

B514616

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.

B651523

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.

B630917

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Exterior rear lights do not work.

B840822

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration in the mobile communication network. Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration. The Connected Drive voice services (Concierge Call, BMW Assistance, and emergency call voice) can no longer be used regionally in the US in vehicle with telematics control units ATM-1 and TCB-4G. Voice control of the vehicle and all other telephone (paired mobile devices) functions are not affected. Emergency call location data is unaffected.

B662419

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

SIB651312

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 4 (HU-H4, also called MGU21) superseded the MGU starting with certain MY2021 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional. This uses map North America JOY. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.

B661519

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The steering intervention for Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is too strong (severe), which can create an uncomfortable feeling for the driver. Background: Steering intervention helps keep the vehicle in the lane if the system detects that a lane marking has been crossed. The steering intervention can be noticed on the steering wheel and can be manually overridden at any time.

B170121

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine.

B310318

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Cracking noises heard from the area of the front axle when rotating the steering while stationary or at low speed.

B640613

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes.

B341019

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles. As a side effect of the highest possible brake performance, customers are likely to hear noises due to the extremely resilient materials. In the same conversation, inform the customer that his/her braking performance can help ensure that the noises do not occur or disappear quickly.

B511314

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The trunk lid/hatch does not open fully when unlatched with remote or hands-free operation.

B610721

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle,when turning the steering wheel.

B651312

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 3 (HU-H3, also called MGU) superseded the NBT-EVO starting with certain MY2019 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional or 6U2 Live Cockpit Plus. This uses map North America LIVE. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.

B840221

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. The decision to phase out 3G network technology was made at the discretion of the respective cellular carriers and lies beyond the control of BMW. Due to the phase-out, BMW Assist and ConnectedDrive services will no longer be supported after this date.

B840121

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.

B340414

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.

B340515

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

TICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT AXLE WHEN CORNERING: The customer may complain of a metallic ticking noise from the front axle, when cornering, maneuvering, parking or pulling away from a parking space.

B612315

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full: Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch.

B310112

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary.

B650709

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. Your reports help us to detect changes in your area and keep future versions of our maps as accurate as possible. Therefore, a road map error or missing data must be reported directly to the map supplier.

B652214

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle is connected to the diagnostic system ISTA to perform PDI/QC1 the step to activate the navigation system (part of Delete Transport Mode) will automatically request the INITIAL NAV enabling code (VIN-specific) without pre-ordering the enabling code. This enabling code will be automatically delivered through ISTA and it then activates the navigation system.

B840214

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative. This Service Information Bulletin: Is being published because vehicles are down for an extended period of time when researching system failures with ConnectedDrive or BMW Assist. Will assist you both in identifying the issue and providing technical support. CAUSE Not enough information is available for BMW NA engineers to assist the technician in diagnosing the root cause.

B011319

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

SIDE PANEL REAR LIGHT HOUSINGS: LTD WTY EXT TO 10 YEARS WITHOUT MILEAGE LIMIT: The rear light housing(s) can loosen/detach at the mounting tabs this can cause a clacking sound in the rear of the vehicle while driving. The plastic mounting tabs for the rear tail light assembly housing(s) may become too brittle and crack to the point where the hold down nut(s) can no longer keep the housing(s) in place.

B840416

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

SOS MALFUNCTION DISPLAYED This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B84 04 16 dated September 2016. One or all the following may be experienced in the vehicle: An SOS malfunction is seen in the Kombi (aka instrument cluster) When pressing the E-Call/SOS button in the overhead console nothing happens Fault code B7F33C (internal ECU error) is stored in the Telematics control unit (ATM/TCB2) There are 2 known causes for this failure. They are as follows: Software file missing from the ATM/TCB2 control module Water leak at the "shark fin" roof antenna (aka roof aerial) leading to corrosion in the ATM/TCB2 control module.

B122318

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

S55 - CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE: DRIVE FAULTY: Check Control Message (CCM) ÒDrive faultyÓ is display for 5 seconds

B611118

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

AFTER EXCHANGING THE FRONT ELECTRONIC MODULE (FEM), PROGRAMMING / ENCODING IS NOT POSSIBLE: After replacing the Front Electronic Module (FEM) for an applicable repair, programming / encoding is not possible.

B612417

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS DO NOT FUNCTION RELIABLY: Sporadic or continuous malfunction of multifunction steering wheel buttons

B840918

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

PHONE CONTACTS: HEADUNIT BASIC 2 SORTING ORDER: Improper sorting of phone contacts, in the on-board computer or in the Central Information Display (CID), upon connecting to the vehicle:

B520318

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

MEMORY SEAT ADJUSTMENT IS LIMITED: After programming the vehicle with ISTA 4.10.2x, the adjustment range of the memory seat may restricted.

B651117

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

NAVIGATION PRO (NBT EVO) MAP UPDATE NOT POSSIBLE, NAVIGATION DOES NOT START: Navigation system will not start at all or the: ÒNavigation system startsÓ message is permanently displayed; or

B840616

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

BMW ONLINE NON-FUNCTIONAL: CHECK ICC-ID IN ACCOUNT: BMW Online/BMW ConnectedDrive not functional.

B840818

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

HEAD UNIT HIGH 2 RESET WHILE BLUETOOTH IS CONNECTED: The following event may cause an unexpected reset of the Head Unit High 2 (NBT EVO) when:

B513016

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked.

B650318

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

NO AUDIO PLAYBACK AFTER REPLACING THE HEAD UNIT HIGH 2 (HU-H2): After replacing the Head Unit High (HU-H2) and performing ISTA4 programming, there is no audio playback.

B840314

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Bluetooth Connection Failures: There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones: Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge.

Reading this report

Complaint counts are reports filed with NHTSA, not failure rates. A common model collects more of them than a rare one that breaks more often.