YearToAvoid

2008 BMW M3 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA has 37 owner complaints about transmission problems in the 2008 BMW M3, 45% of all 82 complaints for this model year. That is the highest transmission complaint count among 18 M3 model years. These complaints report 1 crash and 1 injury. Median mileage at failure: 6,400 miles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
37
45% of 82 complaints
All complaints this year
82
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
6,400 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2008 BMW M3 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 4, 2009, latest Apr 26, 2015.

2008 BMW M3 transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month10Feb 2009Apr 2009Jul 2009Sep 2009Feb 2010May 2010Jul 2012Apr 2015
37 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2009 to Apr 2015; peak Apr 2009 (10).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2008 BMW M3

  1. NHTSA 08V595000Nov 14, 2008Transmission & Powertrain2,500 vehicles

    Power train:clutch assembly

    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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by M3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20052 (17%)
  2. 20062 (14%)
  3. 20070 (0%)
  4. 200837 (45%)
  5. 200924 (53%)
  6. 20102 (13%)
  7. 20114 (13%)
  8. 20120 (0%)
  9. 20133 (23%)
  10. 20140 (0%)
  11. 20150 (0%)
  12. 20161 (20%)
  13. 20171 (33%)
  14. 20181 (11%)
  15. 20210 (0%)
  16. 20221 (100%)
  17. 20231 (100%)
  18. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW M3 have transmission problems?
NHTSA has 37 owner complaints about the transmission in the 2008 BMW M3, 45% of all complaints for this model year, including 1 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 6,400 miles.
Which BMW M3 year has the most transmission complaints?
The 2008 BMW M3 has the most transmission complaints (37), compared with 37 for the 2008.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2008 BMW M3?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2008 BMW M3 concerns the transmission: 08V595000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.