Model year guide

2012 BMW M3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 BMW M3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 70 on record.

2012 BMW M3 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints6
Typical price$40,630

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 BMW M3 recalls 3

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers NHTSA Campaign #19V472000 · 19/06/2019

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #20V017000 · 15/01/2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi a…

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #16V071000 · 05/02/2016

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDriv…

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 BMW M3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

What's a 2012 BMW M3 worth?

Low
$36,000
Typical price
$40,630
High
$45,000

From 69 comparable 2012 BMW M3 listings.

2012 BMW M3 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
4.0L 8-cyl 414 hp

2012 BMW M3 vehicles on record

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Other BMW M3 model years

2021 2018 2016 2015 2013 2011 2010 2009 2008 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 1999 1998 1997 1991

2012 BMW M3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 BMW M3 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 BMW M3. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW M3?

Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, engine.

How much is a 2012 BMW M3 worth?

Comparable 2012 BMW M3 listings run roughly $36,000–$45,000, typically around $40,630 (from 69 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.