YearToAvoid

2009 BMW M3 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA has 24 owner complaints about transmission problems in the 2009 BMW M3, 53% of all 45 complaints for this model year. That is #2 highest transmission complaint count among 18 M3 model years. Median mileage at failure: 1,650 miles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
24
53% of 45 complaints
All complaints this year
45
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
1,650 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2009 BMW M3 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 6, 2009, latest Aug 20, 2010.

2009 BMW M3 transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month7Feb 2009May 2009Jul 2009Feb 2010Aug 2010
24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2009 to Aug 2010; peak Apr 2009 (7).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2009 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 2009 BMW M3 have transmission problems?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints about the transmission in the 2009 BMW M3, 53% of all complaints for this model year. Median mileage at failure is 1,650 miles.
Which BMW M3 year has the most transmission complaints?
The 2008 BMW M3 has the most transmission complaints (37), compared with 24 for the 2009.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2009 BMW M3?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2009 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.