Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2015 M3.
The 2015 BMW M3 is classified as a passenger car and pairs its automatic AM-S7 transmission with a 9.3-quart engine oil capacity specified in 0W-30, 0W-40, or 5W-30 viscosities, carrying EPA ratings of 17/24/19 mpg. Within the M3's 1990–2025 complaint history, the 2015 model sits near the low end of the range with just four owner complaints and three recalls, its most reported issue area being the fuel/propulsion system. That complaint count is far below the 2006 peak of 216 complaints and close to the 1996 low of one complaint, making the 2015 M3 one of the quieter years in the model's documented reliability history.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI NS battery, OE oil filter 11428683168. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11428683168 alt 11428637821 |
| Engine air filter | 13727843283 alt 13727843284 |
| Spark plug | 12120039634 |
| Battery | 61218047221 |
| Front wiper blades | 61615A43585 |
| Thermostat | 11538632664 alt 11537586885 |
| Cabin air filter | 64116821995 alt 64119237555 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Overall length | 183.9 in |
| Overall width | 74 in |
| Overall height | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.6 in |
| Curb weight | 3541 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 62.2 / 63 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 52/48 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 17 / 24 / 19 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 96 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 12 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the M3 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.80 sec | 12.00 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.80 sec | 12.20 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.80 sec | 12.10 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.90 sec | 12.20 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.90 sec | 12.30 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 4.00 sec | 12.30 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 4.00 sec | 12.30 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 4.10 sec | 12.40 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 9.3 qt of 0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 engine oil, Castrol SAF-XJ in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Clutch Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil | Castrol SAF-XJ |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 1.3-2.5 |
| Engine Coolant | Ethylene Glycol |
| Engine Oil | 0W-30 · 0W-40 · 5W-30 · 5W-40 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 9.3 qt |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gallons |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 30 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 11 |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 9.5 |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Driveshaft Flange to Transmission | M8 Bolts: 33.0, M10: 58.0 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | Install a new nut and torque to 220.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Spark Plug Type | M14X1.25 |
| Spark Plug Gap | non-adjustable in |
| Spark Plug Torque | 20.0 - 24.3 ft-lbs |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.145; Rear: 0.145 pads |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Stamped on rotor |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after Refinish | Stamped on rotor |
| Vented Rotor Maximum Scoring Depth | Stamped on rotor |
| Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation | Stamped on rotor |
| Maximum Rotor Runout | Stamped on rotor |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 1,200 mi.
| At 1,200 mi | Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The federal record shows that complaints for the BMW M3 were minimal in the early 1990s, rose sharply in the mid‑2000s with a peak of 216 complaints in 2006, then fell to low single‑digit levels by 2014. In 2015 the vehicle recorded 4 complaints and 3 recalls, which is higher than the preceding year’s 0 complaints and 1 recall but far below the 2006 peak and comparable to the 2016 figures of 5 complaints and 3 recalls. Investigations remained at zero for 2015, matching the surrounding years 2014‑2016, while technical service bulletins spiked to 205, notably higher than the zero tsbs in 2014 and the 190 tsbs in 2016. This places 2015 in a relatively quiet period of the generation’s complaint/recall arc, indicating fewer owner‑reported issues than the earlier high‑volume years. Consequently, based solely on the low complaint and recall counts, the 2015 model year appears to be a favorable choice for a used purchase, provided the high TSB count is reviewed in the vehicle’s service history.
All 4 complaints on record, top 3 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer…
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driveshaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer…
Showing 5 of 205 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B611305 | 2024-01-11 | Electrical System | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process… |
| B310124 | 2024-01-09 | Suspension | With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there… |
| B360121 | 2024-01-08 | Steering | At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when… |
| B340714 | 2023-10-13 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a… |
| B514616 | 2023-05-01 | Structure | Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
9.3 qt of Gasoline engines: 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 oil meeting BMW specification LL01.Diesel engines: 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 oil meeting BMW specification LL04, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined mpg.