2008 BMW M3 Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

POWER TRAIN

34 complaints

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 IN THE ONSET OF POWER- UP TO 2-3 SECONDS. BY THIS TIME, THE DRIVER IS USUALLY REALLY DIGGING INTO THE THROTTLE. THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY PICKS A GEAR, WHICH RESULTS IN THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHING FORWARD, SOMETIMES INVOKING THE ANTI-SKIP CONTROL. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND CAN PROVE TO BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU'RE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO ANOTHER CAR AND THE CAR THRUSTS FORWARD. *JS

Jul 02, 2012

I OWN A 2008 BMW M3 WITH DCT TRANSMISSION. WHEN IN AUTO MODE AND YOU SLOW DOWN AND THEN WISH TO ACCELERATE THE CAR HESITATES AND THEN LUNGES FORWARD. THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE A PROBLEM WITH LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR OR COULD CRASH INTO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG. THEIR NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS. VIN NUMBER [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Jul 15, 2010

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 IN THE ONSET OF POWER- UP TO 2-3 SECONDS. BY THIS TIME, THE DRIVER IS USUALLY REALLY DIGGING INTO THE THROTTLE. THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY PICKS A GEAR, WHICH RESULTS IN THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHING FORWARD, SOMETIMES INVOKING THE ANTI-SKIP CONTROL. THE DANGER IN THIS BEHAVIOR OCCURS WHEN MAKING A TURN INTO ON-COMING TRAFFIC AFTER SLOWING DOWN TO AROUND 10-15 MPH. AFTER THE TURN, THE CAR IS POSITIONED IN THE TRAFFIC LANE, BUT YOU HAVE NO POWER TO ACCELERATE INTO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THE ONCOMING CARS ARE NOW CLOSING IN ON YOUR CAR AT A FAST RATE, AND YOU'RE BASICALLY STUCK. THIS SITUATION IS MOST PRONOUNCED IN THE "AUTO" MODE OF THE DCT TRANSMISSION, BUT ALSO OCCURS TO A LESSER DEGREE WHILE IN THE MANUAL MODE WHEN YOU SELECT SECOND GEAR IN PREPARATION FOR THE TURN. IT IS ALSO VERY REPEATABLE IN BOTH MODES. *TR

May 02, 2010

I AM VERY HAPPY TO SEE YOUR ORGANIZATION TAKING AN INTEREST IN THIS ISSUE. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT BMWNA IS WELL AWARE OF, BUT INSISTS THAT IT IS "NORMAL BEHAVIOR" FOR MY CAR/TRANSMISSION. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER, AND THEY WERE ABLE TO REPRODUCE IT, BUT THEY WERE TOLD BY BMW THAT THIS WAS "NORMAL BEHAVIOR." 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 IN THE ONSET OF POWER- UP TO 2-3 SECONDS. BY THIS TIME, THE DRIVER IS USUALLY REALLY DIGGING INTO THE THROTTLE. THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY PICKS A GEAR, WHICH RESULTS IN THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHING FORWARD, SOMETIMES INVOKING THE ANTI-SKIP CONTROL. THE DANGER IN THIS BEHAVIOR OCCURS WHEN MAKING A TURN INTO ON-COMING TRAFFIC AFTER SLOWING DOWN TO AROUND 10-15 MPH. AFTER THE TURN, THE CAR IS POSITIONED IN THE TRAFFIC LANE, BUT YOU HAVE NO POWER TO ACCELERATE INTO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THE ONCOMING CARS ARE NOW CLOSING IN ON YOUR CAR AT A FAST RATE, AND YOU'RE BASICALLY STUCK. THIS SITUATION IS MOST PRONOUNCED IN THE "AUTO" MODE OF THE DCT TRANSMISSION, BUT ALSO OCCURS TO A LESSER DEGREE WHILE IN THE MANUAL MODE WHEN YOU SELECT SECOND GEAR IN PREPARATION FOR THE TURN. IT IS ALSO VERY REPEATABLE IN BOTH MODES. THESE PROBLEMS STARTED OCCURRING AFTER A PREVIOUS RECALL ON THIS TRANSMISSION WHERE THE ENGINE WOULD STALL UNDER HARD BRAKING OR NOT SHIFT UNDER HARD BRAKING. THE RECALL FIXED THAT PROBLEM, BUT INTRODUCED THIS PROBLEM, WHICH OCCURS ALMOST EVERY DAY WHEREAS THE PREVIOUS PROBLEM ONLY OCCURRED DURING A SPECIFIC SITUATION. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS DANGEROUS MATTER. *TR

Apr 09, 2010

2008 E92 M3 WITH M-DCT TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION TENDS TO "LAG" AFTER MEDIUM TO HARD BRAKING CAUSING UNRESPONSIVENESS TO THROTTLE FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE EITHER 1)SLOWLY REGAINING THROTTLE, OR 2)SUDDEN FORWARD JERK. BMW HAS TRIED UPDATING THE M-DCT SOFTWARE, WHICH SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY BEFORE STARTING TO OCCUR AGAIN. *TR

Feb 23, 2010

+ 29 more complaints for this component

ENGINE

17 complaints

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.

Oct 03, 2019

I'VE BEEN DRIVING BMW FOR OVER 12 YEARS. MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE CAR TO DRIVE. I'VE HAD MY M3 FOR A YEAR. MY DREAM CAR. I TOOK THE UPMOST CARE OF HER. COMING HOME FROM WORK LATE MONDAY DRIVING AROUND 65-70 MILES PER HOUR. I HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM MY CAR AND AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION NOTIFICATION ON MY CAR. ALMOST HIT AN 18 WHEELER AS MY CAR LOST CONTROL BEFORE I SWERVED INTO A DITCH. HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WHERE HE CONFIRMED A PIECE OF A ROD POKING OUT THE LOWER PART OF MY BLOCK. I NEVER THOUGHT THE ROD BEARING FAILURE WOULD EVER HAPPEN TO ME! IT HAPPENED. I CURRENTLY HAVE NO CAR AND I STILL MAKE PAYMENTS. I HAVE TO GET A RIDE TO WORK WHICH I HATE. BMW SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL S65 MOTORS THAT HAVE THESE NO CLEARANCE ROD BEARINGS. THIS WAS MY BABY. NOW SHE'LL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN.

Feb 04, 2018

Fire: 1

CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. STARTING MAKING A LOUD TICKING SOUND FROM THE BOTTOM END OF THE MOTOR.

Dec 28, 2017

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.

Dec 15, 2017

I WAS DRIVING FROM WORK AND HEARD A LOUD METAL KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO KUMMROW AUTOMOTIVE. THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THIS IS A CATASTROPHIC ROD BEARING FAILURE. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN IN A CAR WITH A LITTLE OVER 60,000 MILES? I KNEW ABOUT THE POTENTIAL ROD BEARING ISSUE AND THE CLASS ACTION SUITS, BUT SINCE THIS ISSUE AFFECTS LESS THAN 1% OF THE VEHICLES AND SINCE I BOUGHT A VEHICLE THAT WAS NEVER TRACKED, BABIED ALL OF ITS LIFE, I FELT CONFIDENT I WASN'T GOING TO BE ONE OF THE UNLUCKY ONES. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN THE WAY I WAS TREATED BY BMW NA AFTER SO MANY YEARS OF BEING A LOYAL CUSTOMER AND A BMW ENTHUSIAST. THE S65 (M3) AND S85 (M5) ENGINE ROD BEARING ISSUE HAS BEEN VERY WELL DOCUMENTED OVER THE YEARS. I REPORTED THE ISSUE TO BMW NA AND CORRESPONDED WITH YOU AND SCOTT KUCHTA VIA EMAIL AS WELL AS ON THE PHONE. IT'S BEEN GOING BACK AND FORTH FOR OVER A WEEK. I SPOKE WITH SCOTT ON MONDAY AND HE INFORMED ME THAT BMW NA IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ROD BEARING ISSUES WITH MY ENGINE AND THAT SINCE THE CAR WASN'T MAINTAINED AT THE DEALER, BMW NA WON'T BE ABLE TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT BMW OF STERLING IN VA ALL OF ITS LIFE EXCLUSIVELY FROM 2008 THROUGH 2013. THE SECOND OWNER HAD THE CAR FROM 2013 THROUGH 2017 AND PUT 3,000 MILES ON IT. THAT'S IT! SO, HE DID ONE OIL CHANGE. THE CAR WAS BABIED ALL OF ITS LIFE. AS FAR AS THE ROD BEARING ISSUE, A SIMPLE SEARCH FOR THE ENGINE (S65) OR THE MODEL NUMBER (E92 M3) GENERATES PAGES AND PAGES OF INFORMATION ON THE SUBJECT. ANY BMW LICENSED OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC IS VERY WELL AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THIS IS VERY DISAPPOINTING AND DISCOURAGING THAT BMW NA WOULDN'T STAND UP TO ITS REPUTATION AND DO THE RIGHT THING HERE. THIS IS A VERY WELL-DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH THE S65 ENGINE. I AM HOPING BMW WILL DO THE RIGHT THING HERE.

Nov 15, 2017

+ 12 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

5 complaints

TAKATA RECALL. DESPITE MY HAVING RECEIVED 2 RECALL NOTICES REGARDING MY AIRBAG, AND MY CAR'S VIN BEING LISTED ON NHTSA.DOT.GOV AS BEING SUBJECT TO AN AIRBAG RECALL, THE BMW DEALER LISTED ON MY RECALL NOTICE, BMW OF MOUNTAIN VIEW, IN MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, REFUSED TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR ON 5/16/2018 ON THE BASIS THAT THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEM SAID THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THEY FURTHER SAID THAT THE RECALL NOTICE I RECEIVED MEANT THAT THEIR MIGHT BE A RECALL BUT THAT IN FACT THERE WAS NO RECALL.

May 16, 2018

PASSENGER RESTRAINT ERROR KEEPS COMING UP DUE TO FAULT IN SEAT MATS. RECALLED FOR OTHER 3 SERIES VEHICLES, 2008 M3 SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN RECALL.

Mar 16, 2018

I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO REACH MY DEALER TO FIX THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG (TAKATA) AND THEY ARE STILL SAYING ' NO SOLUTION AVAILABLE YET' I NEED THIS FIXED TO FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY BMW AGAIN.

Aug 02, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Apr 06, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 126V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Sep 22, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

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 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AS A POTENTIAL CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, BUT HE HAD NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ASSISTED WITH THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE THE BODY DAMAGE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. *TR*JB

Sep 05, 2019

Crash: 1

NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 17V676 THIS RECALL WAS ISSUED OVER A YEAR AGO AND STILL HAVE YET TO BE CONTACTED BY BMW TO RESOLVE THE RECALL OR PROVIDE ANY RECOURSE. WHAT IS THE TYPICAL RESPONSE TIME?

Nov 02, 2018

MY BMW HAVE HEADLIGHTS INSULATION FLAKING OFF, THIS IS REALLY SCARY BECAUSE I'M AFRAID TO GET MY CAR GETTING FIRE.

Sep 06, 2016

VEHICLE MILEAGE: 41,706 AFTER RECEIVING AN OIL CHANGE, I PICKED MY CAR UP AT MY LOCAL INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP. WHEN TURNING THE CAR ON I NOTICED A MISFIRE WITH THE ENGINE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ASKED THE SHOP TO TAKE A LOOK. THEY IDENTIFIED A MISFIRE IN CYLINDER #2. AFTER 30 SECONDS OF THE CAR BEING TURNED OFF, SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT OF CYLINDER #2. AFTER 90 SECONDS OF AGGRESSIVELY SMOKING, THE FIRE PUT ITSELF OUT. IIT WAS FOUND THAT THE COIL PACK FOR CYLINDER #2 CAUGHT FIRE AND FRIED AN UPSTREAM DME CONTROL UNIT AS WELL. REPAIRS WERE STARTED THE NEXT DAY TO REPLACE ALL 8 COIL PACKS AND THE DME CONTROL UNIT. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT DRIVING AND MY FAMILY WAS NOT IN THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED BMW THROUGH THEIR ONLINE SYSTEM. AFTER 3 DAYS I CALLED THEIR HELP NUMBER. I THEN WAITED 2 DAYS FOR CONTACT FROM THEM. FINALLY I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL BACK, BY THIS TIME THE CAR WAS REPAIRED BY MY MECHANIC. BMW DENIED MY REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT, STATING THE CAR WAS NOT AT A BMW DEALERSHIP WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE. AFTER ESCALATING THE CONCERN WITHIN BMW TO THEIR INVESTIGATION TEAM, I WAS REQUESTED TO SUBMIT PHOTOS OF THE BURNT COIL PACK, AND REPAIR RECEIPTS. AFTER 5 WEEKS OF WAITING, THEY CONTACTED ME AND DENIED MY CLAIM AGAIN. WHEN I ASKED FOR THE INVESTIGATION REPORT, THEY STATED THAT NO INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED AND THAT NO REPORT WOULD BE PROVIDED. I HAVE SINCE FOUND ANOTHER M3 OWNER WITH THE SAME FAILURE ON THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE WITH THE SAME MILEAGE. THE COIL PACK WAS ORIGINAL TO THE CAR, AND HAS NOT BEEN TOUCHED SINCE IT WAS BUILT BY BMW. THIS PART IS NOT LISTED FOR REPLACEMENT IN BMW'S MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR. BMW REFUSES TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE DAMAGES, NOR DO THEY CLAIM THAT THIS IS A BMW PART CONCERN. IF IT'S NOT A PART PROBLEM, THEN WHAT CAUSED IT TO CATCH FIRE?

Aug 16, 2016

Fire: 1

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 complaints

CRUISING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STARTS MISFIRING AND LOSES POWER. AFTERWARD THE ENGINE IS RUNNING ROUGH AND CONTINUES IN "ENGINE FAILURE" MODE WITH REDUCED POWER. PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AS HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. FUEL PUMP REPLACED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH AND KEEPS FAILING WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS. THE VEHICLE IS 2008 BMW 335I. *TR

Aug 11, 2008

ON SATURDAY, JULY 26TH, I DROVE A SHORT DISTANCE FROM MY HOME (AFTER A LONG CRANKING START) AND THE CAR SEEMED DRIVE NORMALLY UNTIL I TURNED TO ENTER A SHOPPING CENTER(FORTUNATELY, A SHORT DISTANCE FROM MY HOME, AS IT TURNS OUT). WHILE DRIVING INTO THE SHOPPING CENTER ENTRANCE (10 OR 15 MILES PER HOUR) I FELT A JOLT AND THE CAR SLOWED DRAMATICALLY. I CHECKED THE REARVIEW MIRROR TO SEE IF I HAD BEEN HIT BY ANOTHER CAR, BUT HAD NOT. I THEN REALIZED THAT THE ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING, PUT IN THE CLUTCH AND COASTED TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN. I ATTEMPTED TO RE-START THE CAR BUT WAS UNABLE TO. THE ENGINE 'TURNED OVER' BUT WOULD NOT START. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE OR AT ANY OTHER TIME. AT THIS POINT, I USED BMW ASSIST TO GET HELP SINCE I WAS PARTIALLY BLOCKING A BUSY INTERSECTION WITHIN THE SHOPPING CENTER. A TOW TRUCK ARRIVED ABOUT 45 MINUTES AFTER MY CALL TO BMW ASSIST. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED, THE DRIVER POINTED OUT A LEAK AND PUDDLE/STAIN ON THE ASPHALT COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE STAIN WAS ABOUT 2 BY 3 FEET. THERE WAS ALSO A SMELL OF GASOLINE. WHEN THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE SERVICE ADVISOR ALSO NOTICED GAS STILL LEAKING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND DRIPPING ON THE GROUND. A LOANER CAR AND I WAS ON MY WAY. ON MONDAY, JULY 28TH I CALLED THE SA TO CHECK THE STATUS OF THE CAR AT ABOUT 3:00 PM. I WAS TOLD THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND A CONNECTING HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE SAID THE PARTS WERE ORDERED AND SHOULD BE ON HAND BY WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 TO BE INSTALLED. I ASKED ABOUT THE HOSE, AND THE RESULTING GASOLINE LEAK AND HE COMMENTED ABOUT THE LARGE AMOUNT OF GAS THAT HAD BEEN SPRAYED OUT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE HOSE. THERE EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHIC FIRE DUE TO THE MAGNITUDE OF THE GASOLINE LEAK. THE DEALERSHIP WILL REPAIR THE PUMP AND HOSE UNDER WARRANTY. THE CAR IS A BMW 335I. *TR

Jul 30, 2008

FUEL PUMP REPLACED AFTER 188 MILES. CAR ALREADY SHOWED SYMPTOM 1 DAY AFTER DELIVERY. HESITATED TO START. DEALER DIAGNOSED DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP AND REPLACED IT. IMPORTANT NOTE TO CAR. IT IS A 335I, MODEL TYPE E93. YOUR SYSTEM DOESN'T LIST IT, SO I USED M3. *TR

Jun 19, 2008

CAR HAD LONGER AND LONGER CRANK TIMES AT STARTUP. OVER THE SPAN OF A WEEK THE STARTUP TIME BEFORE IGNITION TOOK UP TO 5 SECONDS. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN, AND THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WAS FOUND TO BE FAULTY. REPLACED BY DEALER FREE OF CHARGE. *TR

May 29, 2008

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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 fuse. For my vehicle, there is no visible solution to enter the physical key to open the door from the outside that are typically found under the exterior door handle. If it wasn't for a combination of luck that the other door remained unlocked, had power to lower the window, have some knowledge of vehicle electrical system (fuse), and tolerable weather condition, I would've been stuck inside my car for indifinite time, or break the window to get to exit. I would testify that this is a serious safety concern the manufacturer should investigate and provide permanent resolution.

Jun 25, 2024

AIR BAGS,SEATS

1 complaint

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 code as listed as the affected components. BMW extended warranty coverage for owners of vehicles adding additional models with E91 in 2018. They should cover over models with the affected component as it presents a safety issue and is a common failing part.

Sep 05, 2023

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

VISIBLE GASOLINE LEAK FROM THE CHASSIS UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE REAR PASSENGER AREA. STATIONARY INSIDE GARAGE.

Aug 20, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BASNEY BMW MAZDA, 52203 IN-933, SOUTH BEND, IN 46637, (574) 272-8504) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

May 29, 2018

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE

1 complaint

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 INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN YOUR CAR DOES THIS. I DID NOT FEEL SAFE AS WELL AS MANY PEOPLE I'VE TALKED TO AND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THEM. IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON THE E92 BMW AROUND 79,000 MILES. THE BMW M3 OF THIS YEAR IS VERY POPULAR AND THERE ARE MANY OWNERS. THE ROD BEARINGS ALSO GO OUT IN THIS CAR AND CREATE THE SAME SAFETY ISSUE. I BELIEVE THE THROTTLE ACTUATORS AND ROD BEARINGS GOING BAD AND PUTTING THE CAR INTO LIMP MODE IS AN INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS ISSUE. I HAVE CALLED BMW NA AND THEY WILL NOT LOOK INTO THEM AS THEY ARE NOT AN 'ACTIVE RECALL'.

Dec 26, 2017

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

ABS HYDRO UNIT ON E92 M3 2008 JUST FAILED, IT IS A COMMON ISSUE ON ALL BMW CARS, THOUGH PROBLEM IS OVER THE YEAR AND BECAUSE OF POOR SOLDIERING THESE UNIT FAILS, CAUSING BRAKING PROBLEM, CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING IRRESPONSIVE, AND STABILITY CONTROL PROBLEMS.

Sep 06, 2016

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

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 WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Dec 31, 2015

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

STEERING,ENGINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW M3. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A SUDDEN KNOCKING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED, BUT THE NOISE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ROD BEARING FAILURE AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.

Jun 25, 2015

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

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 AND ALWAYS SERVICED AT BMW DEALERS SINCE IT WAS NEW... A CAR WITH 56K MILES ON IT SHOULD NOT HAVE SUCH AN EXTREME FAILURE IN THIS NATURE... *TR

Apr 26, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS

1 complaint

PASSENGER RESTRAINT FAULT LIGHT CAME ON...SIMILAR PROBLEMS IN OTHER YEARS AND RECALLS FOR '06 MODEL YEAR BUT NOT THIS YEAR. *TR

Mar 27, 2015

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

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) AND BRAKE WARNING AND I WAS THIS CLOSE TO GETTING RAMMED BY A TRUCK FROM BEHIND AND I HURT MY HAND DURING THIS EVENT BECAUSE I COULD HARDLY STEER MY CAR AND BARELY PULLED ON TO THE CURB OF THE FREEWAY. HOW CAN A BMW BE SO DELICATE, IT CANT HANDLE A BUMP AND IF IT CANNOT, THEN WHY DID I LOOSE STEERING CONTROL ? INCIDENT 2 2 WEEKS BEFORE THIS INCIDENT HAD A CLUTCH BEARING FAILURE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE CLUTCH PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND DID AND RETRIEVE, I COULD NOT CHANGE THE GEAR AND ALMOST RAN INTO ANOTHER ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR CAME TO A HALT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE IS PRE-CERTIFIED BY BMW AND IT'S BEEN ONLY 4 MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. *TR

Sep 18, 2014

Injuries: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START, AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS TESTED AND WAS IN WORKING CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. UPDATED 3/28/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. *JB

Jan 13, 2014

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

IN A SITUATION WHERE THE CAR IS STOPPED AND LIGHT PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE (HVAC IS OFF) THE IDLE OF THE CAR WILL FALL BELOW SPECIFICATION AND THE IDLE BECOMES ROUGH. EVEN A VERY SLIGHT DECREASE IN BRAKE PRESSURE WILL RETURN THE IDLE TO SPEC. THIS WOULD SEEM TO ME TO BE A PROBLEM WITH EITHER THE VACUUM BOOSTER OR THE MASTER CYLINDER. I HAVE NOTED MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS IN ONLINE FORUMS. AT THE VERY LEAST IT IS AN EMISSIONS ISSUE AND AT WORST A SAFETY ISSUE. I AM PROMPTED TO LOG THIS COMPLAINT GIVEN TODAY'S NEWS OF 328I BRAKE INVESTIGATIONS. I HAVE CALLED BMWNA TO GET NO SATISFACTORY RESPONSE. *TR

Sep 10, 2013

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

UPON SLOWING DOWN, THEN ATTEMPTING TO RESUME POWER, THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE LAGS FOR SEVERAL SECONDS . WHEN TURNING LEFT ACROSS TRAFFIC, THIS LAG LEAVES THE VEHICLE IN THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS OCCURS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS SLOWED. *TR

Dec 09, 2009

POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

I HAVE THE DCT TRANSMISSION WITH MY 2008 BMW M3 AND THE LAG IS VERY UNSAFE. DEALER SAYING NO FIX AND PROBLEM NOT UNSAFE. *TR

Jul 06, 2009

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

MY WINDSHIELD EASILY GETS ROCK CHIPS AND DENTS. IT APPEARS THAT ANY ROCKS/PEBBLES THAT HIT THE WINDSHIELD RESULT IN A DENT. I ONLY HAVE 1,300 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND ALREADY HAVE ABOUT 4 CHIPS IN THE WINDSHIELD IT EASILY BECOMES TARNISHED. *TR

May 17, 2008

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

CAR = BMW 328 CONVERTIBLE WITH COMFORT ACCESS OPTION YEAR = 2008 AND 2007 (HARD TOP CONVERTIBLE REQUIRED OPTION = COMFORT ACCESS FOR REMOTE ROOF OPEN/CLOSE 1) WHILE EVERYONE WAS STANDING OUTSIDE THE CAR WITH THE ROOF OPEN THE SALESMAN DEMONSTRATED THE REMOTE ACCESS OPTION CLOSING THE ROOF. 2) THE ROOF CLOSED. 3) I REACHED INTO THE REAR WINDOW TO TOUCH SOMETHING IN THE BACK SEAT AREA 4) THE WINDOWS RAISED UP CATCHING MY ARM BETWEEN THE REAR WINDOW ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE HARD-TOP ROOF. 5) MY ARM WAS CAUGHT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AS THE SALESMAN TRIED TO COMMAND EITHER THE WINDOW TO LOWER OR THE ROOF OPERATION TO REVERSE. 6) THE REMOTE ACCESS ROOF CLOSURE PROGRAM RELENTLESSLY TRIED TO CLOSE THE WINDOW EVEN THOUGH MY ARM WAS NOW FULLY CAUGHT AND MY WIFE (IN TEARS) NOR THE SALESMAN OR ANY OTHER STAFF AT THE LARGE DEALERSHIP COULD HELP ME. 7) I FINALLY PULLED MY ELBOW PAST THE WINDOW SUFFERING MINOR SCRAPES AND SOME FAIRLY SIGNIFICANT NERVE DAMAGE. 8) I AM GLAD THAT IT WASN'T MY NECK OR THE APPENDAGE OF A CHILD. I NOTIFIED BMW AG AND BMW USA OF THIS EVENT. IT IS LIKELY THEY WILL TAKE NO AUTONOMOUS ACTION TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IN MY OPINION THE REAR WINDOWS NEED PINCH PROTECTION CIRCUITRY AND THE REMOTE ACCESS CLOSING PROGRAM NEEDS A TIME-OUT FUNCTION RATHER THAN THE RELENTLESS "MUST CLOSE WINDOWS" PROGRAM THAT IS CURRENTLY A THREAT TO ANYONE WHO HAPPENS TO GET CAUGHT DURING THIS OPERATION. *TR

May 11, 2008

Injuries: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

BMW M3 EXPERIENCING SOS FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SOS FAILURE WARNING AND RADIO DID NOT WORK. SHE STATES THAT IT WAS UNINTELLIGIBLE WHEN SHE PRESSED THE SOS BUTTON. DEALER STATED THAT IT WOULD BE OK. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY HIS NON BMW CELL PHONE WHICH WAS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE TCU, WHICH CAUSED IT TO LOCKED UP AND SHUT DOWN DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS IN THE VEHICLE. *JB

Apr 18, 2008

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4.9/5.0

68 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2008 BMW M3 have?

The 2008 BMW M3 currently has 82 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2008 BMW M3?

The most common problems reported for the 2008 BMW M3 are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2008 BMW M3 problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2008 BMW M3 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.