2012 BMW M3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 33%of 6 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,720miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 2012 BMW M3, 33% of the 6 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,720 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Approximately 5 miles after receiving the vehicle the rod bearings and crank suffered complete failure. I was in motion around 60mph on a rural highway when the engine suddenly lost power. After avoiding an accident I safely pulled over and shut the car off. The engine would not start. The seized engine was diagnosed based on an immobile crank and oil contamination by the manufacturer's dealership. I then had the oil pan completely removed at an independent shop to confirm the manufacturer's diagnosis, it was confirmed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11242444, filed 2019-08, 22,839 miles“Driving in a parking lot, shifted from 1st gear to second gear and at 4000 rpms, the car stopped. It would not restart. Towed card to dealer and it needed an engine replacement which was covered under my warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10779100, filed 2015-10, 24,600 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10170574Dec 1, 2019SERVICE ACTION: N54T ENGINE - INSPECT AND REPLACE INJECTOR(S). The piezo-type fuel injectors may cause a rough running at start-up or rough running while at idle.
- 10151170Mar 1, 2016N51 Engine: Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated - Loss of Power and Various Faults Stored in the DME. The customer complains that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated…
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
- 10147595Jan 1, 2015SUBJECT DME Internal and Valvetronic Faults Set at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) can be illuminated with the erroneous internal and Valvetronic…
- 10150161Nov 1, 2013N55: Engine Difficult to Start at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The complaint may include any of the following symptoms: * The engine stalls immediately after a cold start before…
- 10150065Jun 1, 2013"BMW NA has agreed to extend the emissions warranties of the turbocharger's wastegate to: ??8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever occurs first, as determined from the vehicle's…
- 10149589May 1, 2013"N54 Engine: Diagnosis of Cold Start Rough Running with Misfire Faults. The customer may complain that during the cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the…
- 10150096Mar 1, 2013N55 Engine Failsafe - FC 120308 Boost Pressure Control, Plausibility: Pressure Too Low Stored in DME Fault Memory. INFORMATION The customer complains the SES is illuminated and…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 22% |
| 2016 | 3 | 60% |
| 2013 | 4 | 31% |
| 2012 | 2 | 33% |
| 2011 | 16 | 52% |
| 2010 | 4 | 27% |
| 2009 | 4 | 9% |
| 2008 | 20 | 24% |
| 2004 | 2 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 6% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 BMW M3
← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW M3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology