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BMW E9x M3 M3 common problems
2008–2013 · M3 sedan, coupe and convertible (S65 V8). The known weak spots of the engines used in the E9x M3, with sources, plus the topics that come up most in BMW's service bulletins and NHTSA recalls for this chassis.
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S65 engine
M3 sedan, coupe and convertible (2008–2013) · S65 bulletins →
Rod bearing wear
The S65's tight-tolerance rod bearings are the top owner worry. Failures are rare but give little warning, so many owners do them preventively; oil analysis can help.
Sources: BMW Tuning: S65 engine problems
Throttle actuators
Each bank's throttle actuator has plastic gears that wear, causing limp mode and throttle fault codes.
BMW bulletins on file for the E9x M3:
- SIB 11 09 19 Throttle fault codes Throttle fault codes on N55 engines (2010–2017); BMW released a software update. Service bulletin · Jun 2019
- SIB 12 09 12 Throttle fault codes Throttle fault codes on BMW E70/E71/F07/F25 and other models (2010–2013); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Apr 2014
- SIB 01 12 14 Throttle warranty extension Throttle warranty extension on M57 engines (2006–2011); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Nov 2014
Most frequent bulletin topics 649 bulletins
| Topic | Bulletins | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Check engine light | 21 | SIB 11 07 17, SIB 18 02 17 |
| Transmission | 17 | SIB 12 25 19, SIB 12 04 17 |
| Battery | 14 | SIB 12 27 16, SIB 61 05 20 |
| Power window | 11 | SIB 51 13 18, SIB 51 08 19 |
| Steering | 11 | SIB 66 24 19, SIB 61 03 15 |
| Instrument cluster | 11 | SIB 62 06 13, SIB 62 01 18 |
| Door | 10 | SIB 51 23 15, NHTSA 10059091 |
| Headlight | 9 | SIB 09 05 15, SIB 63 02 15 |
BMW service bulletins and warranty extensions filed with NHTSA that list the E9x M3, grouped by topic. A bulletin tells technicians how to diagnose and fix a known issue; it doesn't mean every car has the problem.
NHTSA recalls by component 4
Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. Recall repairs are free; check a VIN.
BMW warranty extensions that list the E9x M3
- SIB 01 20 16 Electrical system service information Electrical system service information on BMW E46/E70/E71/E72 and other models (2006–2014); BMW extended coverage for eligible cars. Warranty extension · May 2026
- SIB 01 07 22 Fuel tank warranty extension Fuel tank warranty extension on BMW F22/F23/F30/F31 and other models (2012–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Oct 2024
- SIB 01 09 19 Fuel injectors warranty extension Fuel injectors warranty extension on BMW G01/G11/G12/G30 and other models (2009–2019); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Nov 2023
- SIB 01 19 18 Component specific limited warranty extension Component specific limited warranty extension on BMW G20/E60/E90/E92 and other models (2009–2019); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · May 2022
- NHTSA 10212779 Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension on BMW G20/E90/E92/E93 and other models (2012–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Apr 2022
- SIB 64 06 13 Air conditioning warranty extension Air conditioning warranty extension on BMW G20/E90/E92/E93 and other models (2012–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Nov 2021
- SIB 11 03 17 Timing chain warranty extension Timing chain warranty extension on BMW E84/E89/E92/E93 and other models (2011–2018); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Oct 2021
- SIB 11 02 21 Electrical class-action settlement Electrical class-action settlement on BMW E84/E89/E92/E93 and other models (2012–2018); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · Sep 2021
If a car qualifies, the listed repair may be free. Check eligibility for the VIN with a BMW center.
More for the E9x M3
E9x M3 engines, recalls & bulletins E9x M3 maintenance schedule Pre-purchase VIN check
Sources: BMW service bulletins and recalls filed with NHTSA (public data) and the specialist and owner write-ups linked above. Not affiliated with BMW.