repaired · 2021 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2008 BMW M3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 82 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW M3, most often about the power train. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-071 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 25, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 BMW M3 has problems
82 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
37Power train2 crash/fire/injury
20Engine2 crash/fire/injury
9Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
9Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
4Fuel system, gasoline
3Electronic stability control (ESC)
3Vehicle speed control
2Seats
2Steering
97 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 37 | 2 |
| Engine | 20 | 2 |
| Air bags | 9 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 2 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 4 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 3 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 1 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 |
| 7 other systems | 9 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2008 BMW M3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Electrical system
Risk. A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
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…
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Power train: clutch assembly
Risk. IN THAT SITUATION, AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
6kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 31 power train complaints. 100% were reported before 100,000 miles.
27under 30k miles31under 100k miles0100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other M3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the M3 median. How we score
'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'21'22'23'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 BMW M3, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What M3 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
ENGINE BEGAN SUDDENLY MAKING A VERY LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WITHOUT ANY WARNING, AND I DROVE IT STRAIGHT TO SANDY SANSING BMW SERVICE CENTER, WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC CRANK BEARING FAILURE. THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED NOW... CAR HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED…
INCIDENT 1 I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AFTER THE SIGNAL AND ENTERING INTO THE FREEWAY AT 25 MPH, AND DURING THE TURN, THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCLINATION IN THE ROAD LIKE A BUMP AND THE CAR LANDED ON THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL AND IMMEDIATELY THE I LOST STEERING CONTROL AND HAD DSC (DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL)…
THERE'S AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR'S DCT/TRANSMISSION. THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN YOU SLOW DOWN- LIKE FOR A TURN, BUT DO NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE DCT TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO HAVE TROUBLE FIGURING OUT WHAT GEAR TO SELECT BECAUSE WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE, THERE IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT DELAY…
Own a 2008 M3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.