AI Damage2017 BMW M3: common problems
Owners of the 2017 BMW M3 filed 3 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and fuel system. The maker issued 37 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 3
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 37
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 33% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel system 33% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 33% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (33% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 10.
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (33% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1.
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (33% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl
- dual-clutch (DCT), 7-speed
- manual, 6-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 3 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Air bags | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Communication | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The slightest spark or someones cigarette could have lit up my entire vehicle in flames. Not only is it a safety concern, it should be an environmental concern as well. Everywhere I parked, fuel would be on the ground. Picture of my fuel tank attached. It is consistent with the issue in the bulletin.
In addition, the vehicle failed to operate as designed, without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.
The following day the car was stationary and would not start.it was clear there was no power getting to the electronics even though the battery was fully charged. The vehicle was transported by flatbed truck to the local dealership to diagnose the issue.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 1,806 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 14% least complained about).
On average one model year of the M3 has 3 complaints (9 years in the data). This year has 3, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of…
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.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few…
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…
- 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…
- With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there may be a cracking…
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…
- Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop
- After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes…
- Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator
- 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…
- Exterior rear lights do not work
- Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may…
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.
- The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain…
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…
- Cracking noises heard from the area of the front axle when rotating the steering while stationary or at…
NHTSA lists 37 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2017 BMW M3?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, fuel system, powertrain. Total complaints: 3. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: won't start (33%), smoke, burning smell, fire (33%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2017 BMW M3?
NHTSA lists 37 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2017 BMW M3 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2017 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.