Vehicle report

2021 BMW M3

Compare every BMW M3 yearNHTSA and EPA records

Service bulletins

52 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.

B410725

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

While driving on a smooth and/or unevenroad, a “cracking” sound is heard from therear wheel arch area (highlighted in orange) on either the right or left side.

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.

B160123

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system(NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and scavenging air system, micro-leak: leakage more than 0.5mm For: Model vehicles other that the ones listed above, or for EVAP faults related to a “large leak,” after confirming that the fuel filler cap is fitted properly, then, proceed to follow the corresponding test plan

B340714

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

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

B120323

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop effective June 6, 2023 on certain Model Year 2023 - 2024 BMW vehicles that were produced between October 26, 2022 and May 8, 2023.

B630321

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Condensation is present on the inner surfaces in one or both taillights (circled).

B630821

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permitted short circuit cycles exceeded

B514616

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

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

B320123

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

When turning the steering wheel while stationary or when driving on uneven roads; cracking, creaking, or knocking noises may be heard.

B620223

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

In SPORT mode, a black square appears in the RPM gauge (tachometer) section of the instrument cluster display.

B651623

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Customer states there is no audio playback (telephony, navigation, radio) and system sounds (PDC, turn indicators, acoustic signals) may also have failed.

B841422

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Customer is shown an incorrect GPS location in the vehicle (i.e., Nav Map, coordinates).

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.

B610120

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant downward hand pressure is maintained.

B170322

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The charge air cooler housing may sperate and lose charging pressure.

B512222

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Hood lever is pulled twice but the hood only achieves the pre-latch position on both sides.

B841222

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective November 10, 2022) on a small number of Model Year 2023 BMW vehicles that were produced between August 8, 2022 and October 18, 2022.

B652022

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag, driver: short circuit to negative terminal 93094F - Knee airbag, front passenger: short circuit to negative terminal 93094C - Knee airbag driver's side: Resistance too great 930952 - Knee airbag, front passenger: Resistance too great.

B611222

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

After opening the vehicle with the radio remote control and changing the profile, the exterior mirror settings are lost.

B651922

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The customer complains that the radio stations change by themselves.

B640422

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

An interference noise (groaning noise) can be heard from within the heating and air-conditioning unit in the center of the instrument panel.

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.

SIB511322

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

During strong acceleration, the fuel filler door possibly opens automatically.

SIB650922

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The sound output intermittently drops out entirely. This can be reproduced with all audio sources as well as telephone and voice output.

SIB630222

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Excessive condensation has collected in one or both headlights.

SIB640222

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Mist formation on the windshield inside surface may occur at departure or after MSA (automaticstart/stop). Acoustic abnormality in the area of the recirculated air flap (recirculation flap closing and opening severaltimes). The above may occur individually or in combination.

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.

B090321

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

In some rare cases a customer vehicle might be excluded from one or more Remote Software Upgrade(RSU) campaigns. This SIB gives an overview how to identify these vehicles and how to proceed in case of a customer complaint.

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.

B651221

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective June 9, 2021) on certain Model Year 2021 BMW vehicles that were produced between May 7, 2021 and May 21, 2021. The Receiver Audio Module (RAM) will need to be added to the affected vehicles.

B652121

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list.

B840621

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The SIM card installed in the telematics control unit (ATM2) connects to different mobile providers' networks. However, due to a missing parameter, this does not work and can cause disruption in BMW ConnectedDrive services in areas with insufficient network coverage.

B840917

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

While using the wireless charger, one or both of the following may occur: 1) The BMW display key or mobile phone becomes hot to the touch. 2) The device switches off due to over temperature (built-in device protection).

B611421

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The BMW Gesture Control function may fail permanently as a result of high temperature fluctuations.

B611621

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The "energy management" Check control message (ID code 415) is falsely displayed when entering the vehicle.

B650919

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Customer states the following about their vehicle: active radio or music source is interrupted, the navigation is no longer available, a black screen is shown in the Control Display, the system works again after a short interruption.

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.

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.

B511621

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Noises from the center console shifter cover at low speeds. The noise can be affected by pressing the gearshift lever knob.

B651721

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The BMW key card cannot be activated. The activation menu in the BMW iDrive is missing.

SIB 61 04 21

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The customer may complain of a check control message stating "Safe share detected" (CCM-ID 953). Check control message can be verified by checking key reader information or performing the Check control message history service function.

SIB 61 08 21

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The cigarette lighter is difficult or impossible to pull it out.

SIB 62 03 21

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

When the vehicle is operated in Sport Mode, the engine speed is no longer displayed in the BMW Head-Up Display (HUD).

SIB340721

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

When starting the vehicle vehicle at standstill, various yellow Check Control Messages CCMs appear. ID code 00042: Brake system. Additional notes: Avoid abrupt braking as far as possible. Drive at a moderate speed. Have it checked by your nearest Service Center. ID code 2046: Braking force assistance. Additional notes: Braking force assistance failure. Higher pedal force required for vehicle deceleration. Drive at a moderate speed. Have it checked by your nearest Service Center.

B120321

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

Due to an software error, the adaptation values of the actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation (ARB) may be lost.

B610421

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

The customer may complain of a check control message stating "Safe share detected" (CCM-ID 953). Check control message can be verified by checking key reader information or performing the Check control message history service function.

B651121

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

SiriusXM satellite radio is not working and does not display a channel list.

B650721

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

HU-H3 MGU RESETS DUE TO BLUETOOTH CONNECTION WITH SAMSUNG ANDROID 11 : The head unit resets when using various apps (e.g., YouTube, Spotify, etc) on the connected mobile phone. This affects Samsung mobile phones (e.g., Galaxy S20 / S21) with the Android 11 operating system.

B510721

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

INCREASED EFFORT REQUIRED TO OPEN DOORS: One or more doors may require increased effort to open.

B650421

Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

RETROFIT SATELLITE RADIO (OPTION CODE SA655): The affected vehicles were produced with Preparation BMW Satellite Radio (option code SA 693) instead of with Satellite Radio (option code SA 655).

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.

2021 Bmw M3 Service Bulletins: 52 bulletins | CarFathom