Before buying a used 2008 BMW M3, check whether recall repairs were completed, how it scored in crash tests and what owners report most often. Ask the seller for service records covering any recall listed below.
A 0–100 grade from public NHTSA data — higher means fewer reported problems. How it's calculated
NHTSA hasn't published 5-star ratings for this model year.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.
No listings here yet — new vehicles are added daily.
82 complaints filed with NHTSA (4 involving a crash, 2 a fire). Most-reported areas:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints. Complaints are unverified reports, not confirmed defects.
| Version | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| M3 — Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 4.0 L | 16.8 L/100 km (14 mpg) | 11.8 L/100 km (20 mpg) | 14.7 L/100 km (16 mpg) |
| M3 — Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L | 16.8 L/100 km (14 mpg) | 11.8 L/100 km (20 mpg) | 14.7 L/100 km (16 mpg) |
| M3 Convertible — Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 4.0 L | 16.8 L/100 km (14 mpg) | 11.8 L/100 km (20 mpg) | 14.7 L/100 km (16 mpg) |
| M3 Convertible — Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L | 18.1 L/100 km (13 mpg) | 12.4 L/100 km (19 mpg) | 14.7 L/100 km (16 mpg) |
| M3 Coupe — Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 4.0 L | 16.8 L/100 km (14 mpg) | 11.8 L/100 km (20 mpg) | 14.7 L/100 km (16 mpg) |
| M3 Coupe — Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L | 16.8 L/100 km (14 mpg) | 11.8 L/100 km (20 mpg) | 14.7 L/100 km (16 mpg) |
Source: U.S. EPA / fueleconomy.gov. Converted to L/100 km for Canadian buyers.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
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.
Source: U.S. NHTSA. Canadian-market vehicles can have different recalls — check Transport Canada's recall database. Always confirm recall status for a specific VIN with a dealer.