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2020 BMW M

Gas
Subcompact Cars
37 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls1 critical15
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA57
Crash ratingNHTSA overall—
Fuel economybest combined, EPA25 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2020 BMW M is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact car with 37 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the M240i Convertible, is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 57 complaints, most often about the engine.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
M240i ConvertibleGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo223025$3,100
M240i CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo223025$3,100
M240i Coupe M PerformanceGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo223025$3,100
M240i xDrive ConvertibleGasAWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo223025$3,100
M240i xDrive CoupeGasAWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo223025$3,100
M240i xDrive Coupe M PerformanceGasAWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo223025$3,100
M340iGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo223025$3,100
M340i xDriveGasAWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo223025$3,100
M240i ConvertibleGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192722$3,500
M240i CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192722$3,500
M240i Coupe M PerformanceGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192722$3,500
M2 CS CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo172420$3,900
M2 Competition CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182520$3,900
M4 ConvertibleGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo172520$3,900
M4 Convertible CompetitionGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo172520$3,900
M4 CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182520$3,900
M4 Coupe CompetitionGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182520$3,900
M550i xDriveGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo182520$3,900
M850i xDrive ConvertibleGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo172520$3,900
M850i xDrive CoupeGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo182520$3,900
M850i xDrive Gran CoupeGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo172520$3,900
M2 CS CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo162319$4,100
M2 Competition CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo172319$4,100
M4 CSGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo172319$4,100
M4 ConvertibleGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo162219$4,100
M4 Convertible CompetitionGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo162219$4,100
M4 CoupeGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo172319$4,100
M4 Coupe CompetitionGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo172319$4,100
M5GasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M5 CompetitionGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M8 Competition ConvertibleGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M8 Competition CoupeGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M8 Competition Gran CoupeGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M8 ConvertibleGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M8 CoupeGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M8 Gran CoupeGasAWD4.4L 8-cyl turbo152117$4,550
M760i xDriveGasAWD6.6L 12-cyl turbo132016$4,850

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 41320, 41317, 41314, 41322, 41319, 41316, 41341, 41340, 41321, 41318.

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Recalls (15)

Source: NHTSA recall database
!critical

Electrical System

105,588 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.RiskA starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.FixDealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 24V576000reported Aug 1, 2024BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Seat Belts

144 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."RiskAn audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.FixDealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 23V584000reported Aug 16, 2023BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Seats

51 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.RiskAn improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 23V211000reported Mar 29, 2023BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Engine

50,024 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.RiskLoss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 21V598000reported Aug 2, 2021BMW of North America, LLC
○minor

Back Over Prevention

13,858 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 43RiskIf the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.FixBMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 21V096000reported Feb 19, 2021BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

893 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.RiskA loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.FixBMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 21V062000reported Feb 10, 2021BMW of North America, LLC
○minor

Back Over Prevention

312 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskIf the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.FixBMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 20V598000reported Sep 30, 2020BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Child Seat

16 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 740Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive, M760Li xDrive, and Alpina B7 vehicles. The top child seat tether anchor on the rear middle seat may not be readily accessible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, Section 6.1(b) "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."RiskA child restraint system placed on the vehicle's rear middle seat without utilizing the three-point safety belt, could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixBMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a top tether anchor cover at the rear middle seating position. Until vehicles are remedied, owners will be instructed to utilize the outboard rear seating positions which are equipped with an accessible top tether anchor, or, the middle rear seating position and the vehicle's three-point safety belt. The recall began August 20, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 20V379000reported Jun 30, 2020BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Steering

Toyota: 20TA09
2,779 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.RiskA damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.FixBMW and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
NHTSA campaign 20V355000reported Jun 15, 2020BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Air Bags

3,316 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.RiskIf the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.FixBMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 20V164000reported Mar 19, 2020BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Power Train

3,012 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 M5 and 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles. The transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit.RiskAn electrical short circuit can cause the transmission to shift to neutral resulting in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.FixBMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace any damaged transmission harnesses. All harnesses will be rerouted and secured. These repairs will be performed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 3, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 19V883000reported Dec 11, 2019BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Structure

325 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 330i, 330i xDrive and M340i vehicles. The interior trunk release cable may have been improperly installed, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."RiskIf a person were inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out, increasing their risk of injury.FixBMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the interior trunk release cable and properly install the cable, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 19V755000reported Oct 23, 2019BMW of North America, LLC
○minor

Back Over Prevention

257,473 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjustedRiskThe lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.FixBMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
NHTSA campaign 19V684000reported Sep 27, 2019BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Seats

2 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2020 M340i and one M340i xDrive vehicle. Due to improper welding, the rear center headrest may fold in the event of a rear impact crash.RiskIf the headrest folds down in a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury.FixBMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear center headrest, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 19V600000reported Aug 14, 2019BMW of North America, LLC
▲high

Air Bags

5,079 vehicles
ProblemBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2 Competition Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, and 2019 330i xDrive Sportswagon vehicles. The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and assembled.RiskAn improperly folded and assembled air bag may not deploy as intended, increasing risk of injury.FixBMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the knee air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 19V352000reported May 9, 2019BMW of North America, LLC

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
57complaints filed

0 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 0 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2020: 3 · 2021: 2 · 2023: 9 · 2024: 9 · 2025: 14 · 2026: 20

Most-cited components

Engine39
Unspecified10
Electrical System7
Engine And Engine Cooling4
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Power Train3

What owners describe

“2020 BMW M5 a metal-shavings engine failure at highway speed is a safety event. I had total catastrophic engine failure at less than 50,000 miles. No warning lights, found metal shavings in the engine system and engine needs complete replacement. I discovered that the very first and most important service at 1200 miles…”Aug 29, 2026 · Engine · NHTSA owner report
“Fuel pump failed within a minute of initial warning and performance indicating a problem. While driving ~60 mph on the highway, available power dropped to zero within a couple tenths of a mile, *barely* allowing me to move to the shoulder. Screen error/fault indicated vehicle was ok to keep driving but to schedule serv…”Jul 14, 2025 · Power Train · NHTSA owner report
“I am unable to read the oil level in my 2020 M340i. Upon checking the oil pressure, the oil pressure goes above 45psi which is the cutoff for the measurement check. Under heavy acceleration, the oil pressure will go over 90psi. My car needs the oil pump to be replaced. The plastic ring surrounding the oil pump for vari…”Mar 17, 2025 · Engine · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP

NHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.

Other M model years

A

2027 BMW M

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2026 BMW M

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2025 BMW M

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2024 BMW M

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2023 BMW M

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2022 BMW M

0 recalls · 0 complaints

F

2021 BMW M

12 recalls · 17 complaints

D

2019 BMW M

4 recalls · 8 complaints

C

2018 BMW M

4 recalls · 41 complaints

C

2017 BMW M

3 recalls · 20 complaints

F

2016 BMW M

6 recalls · 11 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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