Abstract. The μ − + 3 He → ν μ + n + d and μ − + 3 He → ν μ + n + n + p capture reactions are studied under full inclusion of final state interactions with the AV18 nucleon-nucleon potential, augmented by the Urbana IX three-nucleon force, and employing the single nucleon weak current operator. We give first realistic estimates of the total capture rates: 544 s −1 and 154 s −1 for the n + d and n + n + p channels, respectively. Our results are compared with the most recent experimental data, finding a rough agreement for the total capture rates, but failing to reproduce the differential capture rates.