2008 BMW M3 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

5 safety recalls on file

The 2008 BMW M3 has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA, including 4 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Power Train (39 reports).

5Recalls
82Owner complaints
4Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your M3?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2008 BMW M3 recalls

Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments

Recall 20V017Jan 15, 202059,965 vehicles affected

The driver-side frontal airbag inflator in certain vehicles contains an ammonium nitrate propellant that was not properly dried.

Battery Cable Can Degrade, Causing Sudden Power Loss and Stalling

Recall 19V472Jun 19, 201916,641 vehicles affected

The positive battery cable connection at the fuse box terminal may degrade over time.

Overheating wiring can melt connectors and cause fire

Recall 17V676Oct 25, 2017702,965 vehicles affected

The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning may overheat.

Driver air bag inflator may rupture in a crash

Recall 16V071Feb 5, 2016840,000 vehicles affected

BMW is recalling certain vehicles because the driver's frontal air bag inflator can rupture when the air bag deploys.

Power Train:Clutch Assembly

Recall 08V595Nov 14, 20082,500 vehicles affected

Most common 2008 BMW M3 problems

Problem areas named in the 82 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Power Train39
Engine20
Electrical System9
Air Bags9
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Structure2
Service Brakes2
Steering2

What owners report

2024-06-25, Electrical System
During a regular fuel stop at a gas station, I noticed the central lock button nor the physical door hinge fail to operate to open the door for me to exit. The fuse for the central power door lock/unlock button blew out, completely disabling the interior door hinge mechanism. I got trapped inside but thankfully the power was still on and the rear doors remained unlocked. So, I lowered the driverside window and crawl outside. Then open the unlocked reer door to enter the vehicle from the back seat. Then located the fuse box, searched on the internet to itenfy the effected fuse, replaced damaged one to another fuse (dedicated to another function), temporarily replaced with the same ampage fu
2023-09-05, Air Bags
Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor error displayed in vehicle information center. Warning restraint/Air Bag not functioning properly. This was taken to the BMW dealership for diagnosis, and it was determined the Passenger Occupancy Sensor has failed and needs to be replaced. There was no recall listed for this issue. I found there was a Service Information Bulletin from BMW acknowledging the issue SB-10056703-9690 with many affected models of vehicles, that has been updated in 2018 to include additional. It currently does not list the E93 model, but does list E90 and E91 and stated the affected component if electric adjustable seats is seat option code 459. My vehicle has the same option co
2020-08-20, Fuel/Propulsion System
VISIBLE GASOLINE LEAK FROM THE CHASSIS UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE REAR PASSENGER AREA. STATIONARY INSIDE GARAGE.
2019-10-03, Engine
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, CEL CAME ON, CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE, BEFORE LOSING POWER ALTOGETHER WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON. REPORT OF ENGINE DAMAGE REQUIRING AN ENTIRE REPLACEMENT.
2019-09-05, Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN REVERSE ON A HILL. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NOT APPLIED PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES TO THE HOOD, BUMPER, AND FENDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY AAA TO AUTOMASTER BMW (3328 SHELBURNE RD, #3, SHELBURNE, VT 05482, (802) 985-1850) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE BODY DAMAGE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V472000 (ELECTRICA

2008 BMW M3 questions

Does the 2008 BMW M3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2008 BMW M3: Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Battery Cable Can Degrade, Causing Sudden Power Loss and Stalling; Overheating wiring can melt connectors and cause fire; Driver air bag inflator may rupture in a crash; Power Train:Clutch Assembly. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW M3?

Based on 82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (39), Engine (20), Electrical System (9).

How do I check if a recall on my 2008 BMW M3 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other BMW M3 years

Other 2008 BMW models