Recall 15V782 affects 42 2015-2016 BMW M3 and M4 vehicles for an ungreased driveshaft slip-joint. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 42 2015-2016 M3 and M4 vehicles because the driveshaft slip-joint was not filled with grease. If the joint fails, power to the rear axle is lost and the vehicle stops moving, increasing crash risk; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2015-2016 BMW M3 and M4 vehicles use a driveshaft to carry engine power from the transmission toward the drive wheels. A slip joint is part of that shaft. It lets the shaft change length slightly as the suspension and driveline move, while still transferring power smoothly.
On these BMW vehicles, the driveshaft slip joint was not filled with grease during production. Grease is what keeps the moving metal surfaces inside the joint from rubbing dry. Without it, friction and wear build inside the joint, and the slip joint can fail over time.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner notice is the clearest way to know the vehicle needs dealer attention, but the VIN decides whether a specific M3 or M4 is included.
Who's affected?
Covers the M3 and M4 across the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to the driveline.
| 2015 BMW M3 | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2016 BMW M3 | driveline |
| 2016 BMW M4 | driveline |
| 2015 BMW M4 | driveline |
| Units affected | 42 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed driveshaft slip-joint cuts power to the rear axle. The vehicle can stop moving in traffic, which increases the risk of a crash. If this happens, move out of traffic when safe and arrange dealer service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 BMW M3 or M4 is included in this recall.
- Look for the BMW owner notice mailed starting January 14, 2016, if you bought the vehicle used or never received it.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask about the free driveshaft inspection that checks the ungreased slip-joint.
- Reference recall number 15V782 when you call, and bring the owner notice if you have it.
- Avoid driving if the vehicle loses power to the rear axle or stops moving. Have it towed to the dealer instead.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the driveshaft and replaces it if the inspection shows the recalled slip-joint lacks the grease needed for normal operation or has damage from that condition. BMW's remedy says the inspection and any needed driveshaft replacement are free of charge. The final dealer repair will be free once available. Ask the BMW service desk how they are handling scheduling for your VIN.
Timeline
| November 23, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 14, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V782?
Recall 15V782 covers 42 2015-2016 BMW M3 and M4 vehicles with a driveshaft slip-joint lubrication defect. If the slip-joint fails, power to the rear axle is lost and the vehicle stops moving, increasing crash risk. BMW dealers inspect the driveshaft and replace it for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 BMW M3 or M4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 15V782. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask for the driveshaft inspection. The dealer replaces the driveshaft for free if the inspection shows the recall repair is needed.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost to the owner. BMW dealers inspect the driveshaft and replace it for free when the affected slip-joint condition is found.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of power to the rear axle while driving. If the driveshaft slip-joint fails, the vehicle stops moving, which increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free BMW dealer inspection and repair.
What if I bought my BMW M3 or M4 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific 2015-2016 BMW M3 or M4 is included, then reference recall 15V782 when you call a BMW dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V782000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V782 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V782000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →