2022 BMW M3

I am reporting a safety-related failure involving the clutch system on my 2022 BMW M3. At approximately 26,000 miles when I purchased, I began experiencing clutch-related issues, including slipping and abnormal engagement. I brought the vehicle to the BMW dealership on two separate occasions to report these concerns, but the dealership dismissed the issue and did not document or inspect the clutch. At approximately 33,000 miles, while driving on the freeway, the clutch failed to properly engage and would not catch gears, creating an unsafe driving condition and placing myself and other motorists at risk. This loss of engagement occurred during normal driving and was not related to abuse, racing, or track use. After this incident, the dealership inspected the vehicle and discovered excessive clutch debris through the bellhousing inspection port, indicating accelerated and premature wear. The clutch and flywheel now require replacement. This issue was reported earlier but not documented, delaying diagnosis and allowing the clutch to degrade to a point where it created a safety hazard. I am concerned this represents a premature failure of a critical drivetrain component under normal driving conditions. I am submitting this complaint so the issue is formally documented as a potential safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11714063

Incident

Jan 17, 2026

While driving on a smooth and/or unevenroad, a “cracking” sound is heard from therear wheel arch area (highlighted in orange) on either the right or left side.

While driving on a smooth and/or uneven road, a “cracking” sound is heard from the rear wheel arch area (highlighted in orange) on either the right or left side.

EMISSIONS RECALL 25E-A03: PROGRAM CONTOL UNITS (DME)

An interference noise (groaning noise) can be heard from within the heating and air-conditioning unit in thecenter of the instrument panel. The groaning noise always occurs when either a ventilation flap, air stratification flap or the recirculated airflap moves to a different position. Due to the complex design of the heating and air-conditioning unit, the kinematics causing it (top or bottom,left or right) may not be able to be precisely located. Depending on the vehicle model, the number of servomotors (and the associated kinematics unit) varies.Various models use either 2 or 3 servomotors.

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there may be a cracking and orclicking type noise when turning the steering wheel left/right. See attached video V31 01 24. The sound can reoccur when the vehicle is lowered, and the wheels are once again under load. The noise might also be heard for a short time while driving.