Generation-specific owner insights from 102+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2014–2020 M3?74
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2014–2020
18
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the F80 M3 generally describe it as a reliable, special, and highly capable performance sedan that works well as a daily driver.
12 problems reported (4 recurrent, 8 isolated) · high confidence
Owners describe it as mostly affecting tuned cars at stage 2 and beyond, though some report cases on stock drivetrains; aftermarket fixes exist and are costly.
Reported to fail even on lower-mileage cars, depleting the coolant reservoir and triggering a driveline error; owners recommend aftermarket replacements.
Diagnosed by a squeal at idle that goes away when the oil filler cap is opened; the valve is integrated into the valve cover so the whole cover is replaced.
Listed among the main things to look for.
Owners note plenty of solid aftermarket options.
One owner had it replaced under CPO warranty, which took about two weeks for the part to arrive from Germany.
One owner had a wastegate adjustment performed.
One owner had door seals replaced with updated parts and felt tape applied to the center console.
One owner had the steering wheel and seat cover replaced.
One owner had the left thrust arm and tension strut replaced.
Attributed to a front-to-rear tire circumference mismatch of about 2.4 percent, which owners say may require recalibration or coding.
One owner asked whether the car burns more than a quart every 3,000 miles; another reported the oil level stayed pegged at full over 15k miles.
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: owners say the F80 with the 6MT carries a premium over the F82 with DCT, and that manuals are hard to come by. One owner notes 2017 M3s are LCI and that buyers miss little by skipping the ZCP/Competition package, since the extra power is easily gained with a tune and the stiffer ride is a downside. Another owner says the adaptive suspension is a must.
Owners compare it most often with the Audi S4 / RS4, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche 911.
Is a 2014–2020 M3 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Owners of the F80 M3 generally describe it as a reliable, special, and highly capable performance sedan that works well as a daily driver. Praise centers on the S55 engine, the driving experience, the looks, and the fact that it feels more special than the non-M 3/4 Series cars it is often compared against. Criticism is mostly about running costs, stiff ride quality in daily traffic, and a handful of known maintenance items rather than outright failures. Several owners note the car has not been on the road long enough to fully judge long-term reliability, and some caution that a used example may have been driven hard. Later model years are noted as LCI, with owners saying buyers miss little by choosing a non-Competition car and that the Competition package mainly adds minor power and a stiffer ride.
Owners position the F80 M3 as more engaging and more fun to drive than the Audi S4, Audi RS4, and Alfa Romeo Giulia, saying those cars drive completely differently and that the M3 will hold its value better. Against the BMW 340i and M340i, owners acknowledge the B58 is the more reliable engine and the cheaper car to run, but argue the M3 is far more special and the better choice for a second car or track use, while the 340i is the more sensible daily. Against the Porsche 911, one owner argues a 911 is a better value proposition with more guaranteed appraisal and better parts supply. Against Mercedes-AMG, one owner says BMW is more reliable and holds value better.
Owners recommend the 6MT as the more desirable and value-holding configuration, and note the DCT is an absolute blast and well suited to the car. For daily driving, owners suggest the adaptive suspension is a must and that the Competition package's stiffer ride may not be worth it. One owner advises that if you are not going to tune the car, you can leave the crank hub alone. Owners also advise confirming the 1,200-mile break-in service was performed and that spark plugs have already been changed on higher-mileage cars.
Owners say this generation suits buyers who want a comfortable daily with serious performance and who can comfortably afford M-car maintenance; several warn that if you cannot comfortably afford the maintenance, you cannot comfortably afford the car. Buyers are repeatedly told to get a pre-purchase inspection, check service history, and be wary of high-mileage examples since the car may have been driven hard. Owners suggest haggling, as asking prices are often inflated, and note that a 6MT F80 commands a premium. For those who only drive on the street, owners say the M40i cars may be all you need, but those who want something special should get the M3. Owners also caution that tracking an M car out of warranty carries risk.
Owners frequently note that the F80 M3 is a sedan while the coupe version is the M4, and that the M3 has grown considerably in size since the E46, with the M2 described as the spiritual successor to the E46. Several owners say the F80 is a great daily driver and has handled 700-plus mile road trips without issue. One owner reports 200,000 miles on a 2016 F80 DCT running a tune and downpipe with no issues. Owners note that the F80 and 6MT carry a decent premium over the F82 and DCT. Analysis based on approximately 102 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 53 | 10 | engine |
| 2018 | 9 | 0 | fuel/propulsion system |
| 2017 | 3 | 2 | fuel system |
| 2016 | 5 | 3 | engine |
| 2015 | 4 | 3 | fuel/propulsion system |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2020 · seatscampaign 19V600000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2020 M340i and one M340i xDrive vehicle. Due to improper welding, the rear center headrest may fold in the event of a rear impact crash.
2020 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 21V096000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2020 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V684000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
2020 · structure:body:trunk lidcampaign 19V755000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 330i, 330i xDrive and M340i vehicles. The interior trunk release cable may have been improperly installed, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
2020 · seat belts:front:buckle assemblycampaign 20V164000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
2020 · steering:linkages:tie rod assemblycampaign 20V355000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.
2020 · enginecampaign 21V598000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
2020 · seatscampaign 23V211000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
2020 · seat beltscampaign 23V584000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2020 · electrical system:starter assemblycampaign 24V576000
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
2017 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 18V713000
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.
2017 · structure:frame and memberscampaign 16V653000
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts may cause the bolts to loosen.
2 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.