2008 BMW M3 recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2008 BMW M3; the most frequently affected component is air bags — inflator module. Owners filed 82 complaints, most often about engine. Among the 11 model years of this model in the database, 2008 ranks #2 for number of recalls.

Recalls5

Complaints82

Crashes reported3in stored complaints

Fires reported2in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (5)

Air bags — Inflator moduleCampaign 20V017000 · 15 Jan 2020

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical system — Fuses and circuit breakersCampaign 19V472000 · 19 Jun 2019

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.

Risk: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.

Electrical system — WiringCampaign 17V676000 · 25 Oct 2017

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.

Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags — Inflator moduleCampaign 16V071000 · 05 Feb 2016

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Power train — Clutch assemblyCampaign 08V595000 · 14 Nov 2008

Problem: Bmw is recalling 2,500 my 2008-2009 m3 passenger vehicles with an optional double clutch transmission. The problem involves the double clutch gearbox. In a situation of rapid vehicle deceleration, the transmission software may perform a multistage downshift.

Risk: In that situation, at low vehicle speeds, it is possible for the engine to stall increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine and transmission electronic control unit with updated software free of charge. The recall began on december 3, 2008. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

What owners complain about

Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine20 · 50%

Air bags9 · 22%

Electrical system8 · 20%

Vehicle speed control3 · 8%

Electronic stability control (esc)3 · 8%

Power train3 · 8%

Steering2 · 5%

Service brakes2 · 5%

When complaints were filed

20121

20132

20142

20157

20167

201711

20185

20192

20201

20231

20241

From owner complaints

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw m3. While accelerating, the throttle became stuck and caused the rear tires to spin. The contact struck a curb, crashed into a tree, and then a fence. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a back injury that needed medical attention. The vehicle…
Air bags · Dec 2015 · NHTSA complaint record

Connecting rod bearing failure while driving. Starting making a loud ticking sound from the bottom end of the motor.
Engine · Dec 2017 · NHTSA complaint record

I have a bmw e92 chassis. I have spoken to many, many owners of the same bmw and they have said the same thing. The throttle body actuators are defective on these bmws. When the malfunction takes place the bmw goes into limp mode. The car is not able to rev above 3k rpm nor go a speed of over 55 mph. This is…
Vehicle speed control · Dec 2017 · NHTSA complaint record

Received a loss of power warning for the car. Took it to the shop, shop was unable to diagnose the problem but stated that it was probably a bent red. Took it to get a second opinion. No compression in the 4th cylinder but there is obvious cylinder wall deformation and small piston shrinkage.
Engine · Dec 2017 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Full specifications All model years 2008 BMW lineup

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.

2010 BMW M3 recalls and complaints Recalls
2009 BMW M3 recalls and complaints Recalls
2012 BMW 135i recalls and complaints Recalls
2010 BMW 335d recalls and complaints Recalls
2011 BMW lineup Car specs
2011 BMW X6 Xdrive35i Car specs
2019 BMW X6 Xdrive35i Car specs