1995 BMW M3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1995 BMW M3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1995 BMW M3. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. a malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. if the indications of a critical overheating condition IS not noticed by the driver, it IS possible that damage to, or failure of, a…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. it IS possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. if the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. in this case, during application…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could cause the throttle valve to remain partially open. it his were to occur, the car might not decelerate as expected increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. the clip IS designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from the bushing.
The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this happens, the brake lights either will not operate or will be continuously on, regardless of brake pedal position. Following drivers would not be able to determine whether the vehicle IS stopping, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the existing brake light switch with a newly designed switch.
In a fmvss no. 208 30 miles-per-hour compliance test, an unbelted test driver dummy's chest maximum resultant acceleration was 70.8 G'S, which exceeds the maximum allowable value of 60 G'S. Also, the unbelted passenger dummy's left femur maximum load was 2361 lbs, which exceeds maximum allowable value of 2250 lbs. The vehicles do not comply with fmvss no.…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: in the event of an accident, the occupant will be subjected to an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
On automatic transmission models only, the dealer will replace the transmission support crossmember with a crossmember used on the manual transmission model. Also, the transmission rear bushing supports will be replaced with bushing having different performance characteristics. The steering column front support bearing at the firewall will be replaced with a modified part using a teflon inner surface and teflon spray will be applied to the column housing in the area of the bearing. A brace will be added between the knee bolster support and the steering column.
Owner complaints
12 complaints3 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires · Wheels
Tires are manufactured by federal (taiwan import). Tread IS delaminating over the entire cross-section of tread, tire under 3 years old with less than 5K miles. Wide-spread issue per google. Tires have been used for regular road-driving in nj. No accident has taken place (yet).
- Air bags
Airbag warning light stays on for 2 minutes; common problem for 1995 3 series according to internet forum (http://www.fixya.com/cars/t595499-airbag_light). *Tr
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
I owed this 1995 BMW M3 since new and ABS and airbag light comes on very frequently. ABS: need to replace ABS pump and ABS module. airbag: need to replace safety seat belt buckle. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Safety recall 98v-178; regarding the 1995 BMW M3. the vehicle has been service eleven times for repairs and maintenance for the cooling system.***no answer required***. *Mr when the failure occurred, hot coolant was expelled onto the windshield and into the passenger cabin through the open…
Safety recall 98v-178; regarding the 1995 BMW M3. the vehicle has been service eleven times for repairs and maintenance for the cooling system.***no answer required***. *Mr when the failure occurred, hot coolant was expelled onto the windshield and into the passenger cabin through the open window and sunroof. the consumer received minor burns and irritation to his skin. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the radiator, water pump, thermostat, housing, related gaskets and connectors were replaced. the consumer stated he never received a recall notice even though the problem he experienced was stated in the recall. *Jb
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
While applied the brakes the brake light failed to come on. the driver has placed refuses on more than one occasion the problem still remained. the driver was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver brake light which needed replacement but the campaign bullentin was not for this vehicle. please fill in additional information.
- Suspension › Rear
Passenger side rear shock torn out from the shock tower. stress cracks in the driver side rear shock tower with failure imminent. I can provide pictures of the shock towers before and after they were taken out of the car as well as the shock towers themselves. I have found many examples of the same problem on BMW M3'S reported on national e-mail lists. I can provide copies of the e-mails.*jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The vehicle experienced extended stopping, and there was a noise coming from the brakes when they were applied.*dt *jb
- Suspension › Rear › Springs
Bottom of drivers side coil spring failed - broke completely and rattling around in lower support. could not identify rattle for a long time until recently. most probable cause of failure this early in the service life of the part was the manufacturing process or materials used. if the spring…
Bottom of drivers side coil spring failed - broke completely and rattling around in lower support. could not identify rattle for a long time until recently. most probable cause of failure this early in the service life of the part was the manufacturing process or materials used. if the spring had failed in the middle, the consequences could have been more severe. since the part broke at such low mileage, I think the manufacturer should replace the unit at their expense.*ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
While driving at 55mph and with no warning vehicle was sideswiped, resulting in a rollover. Dealer will be notified.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Vehicle IS leaking fuel and there are smells of gas vapors when parked in the garage. Dealer has fixed vehicle for same problem before. Dealer replaced fittings in the sending unitbut, problem still exists. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS system fails, locking up the back up system with uneven braking, resulting in both right front and right rear tires locking up, causing vehicle to pull almost into a circle. dealership aware of problem from previous owner. diagnostic computer at dealership unable to detect cause. please describe details. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
When a slower vehicle cut in front of car, driver hit brakes, but vehicle spinned, lost control and smashe dinto concrete carrier. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10244237Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-
- 10040853BMW: a grinding noise IS coming from the differential during slow cornering. When turning a slip/stick effect IS created on the lining and steel discs incorporated in the differential clutch causes a grinding noise.
- 10030850BMW: thermostat housing inspection. The retaining springs of the thermostat housing quick release couplings for the coolant hoses may not be locked correctly. This situation may result in a coolant leak. Models affected are M3 sedan (E90), coupe (92), and convertible (393). No model years listed.
- 600876Subject pertaining to michelin pilot sx MXX3 tires in 235/40 ZR 17 and 225/45 ZR 17 sizes.
Every BMW M3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.