Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2026 M3.
The 2026 BMW M3 is equipped with an Automatic (S8) transmission and achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of 16/23/18 mpg. Current data for this model year records 14 total owner complaints and one recall, with the top complaint area identified as Visibility/Wiper.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 16 / 23 / 18 mpg |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 95 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 13 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Competition Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.20 sec | 11.40 sec | 503 hp | RWD |
| 2024 | CS Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 2.70 sec | 10.70 sec | 543 hp | AWD |
| 2023 | Competition xDrive Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 2.80 sec | 11.00 sec | 503 hp | AWD |
| 2022 | Competition xDrive Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.00 sec | 11.10 sec | 503 hp | AWD |
| 2022 | Competition xDrive Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.40 sec | 11.60 sec | 503 hp | AWD |
| 2022 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.90 sec | 12.20 sec | 473 hp | RWD |
| 2021 | Competition Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.50 sec | 11.60 sec | 503 hp | RWD |
| 2021 | Competition Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.50 sec | 11.60 sec | 503 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The federal record for the current generation reveals a steep improvement trajectory from 2021—when the model logged 3 recalls and 3 complaints—down to zero recalls and only 1–2 complaints annually in 2022 and 2025. The 2026 model year interrupts this low-incidence pattern, registering 3 complaints each in Visibility/Wiper and Steering systems, plus isolated reports regarding Electrical/Engine and Service Brakes/Forward Collision Avoidance categories. Federal data also documents 2 crash-related complaints for 2026 against zero fire complaints, though it does not specify root causes for these incidents. As the most recent year in the dataset, 2026 marks a reversal from the preceding low-complaint environment (2022 and 2025 each logged only 1–2 total complaints), instead showing concentrated reports in safety-critical steering and visibility systems alongside 2 crash incidents. This makes 2026 a riskier prospect than the quieter 2022 or 2025 model years; prospective buyers should demand thorough pre-purchase inspections focusing on steering and visibility systems.
All 14 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2025-2026 X3 vehicles. While the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel movement (rotation) may occur. Remedy: The steering system software will be updated, free of charge, either over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact…
Showing 5 of 14 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B630925 | 2026-05-04 | Exterior Lighting | After programming the vehicle via ISTA/RSU to 25-07-5xx, some of the interior ambient… |
| B320925 | 2026-04-20 | Steering | Check Control message and a significant change in steering feel. |
| B320226 | 2026-04-20 | Steering | Check Control message and a minimally changed steering feel. |
| b062526 | 2026-04-10 | Electrical System | Receiver Audio Module Return |
| B062426 | 2026-04-01 | Suspension | Control Arm Return |
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.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined mpg.