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Research · Compact Cars

2008 BMW M3Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 82 owner complaints for the 2008 BMW M3. Most complaints involve power train (37) and engine (20). The EPA rates it 16 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
16mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Jan 2020
Owner complaints
82
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$5,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

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 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Air bagsReported Jan 15, 2020NHTSA 20V017000

Electrical system: fuses and circuit breakers

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Jun 19, 2019NHTSA 19V472000

Electrical system: wiring

Remedy pending

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.

Electrical systemReported Oct 25, 2017NHTSA 17V676000
See all 5 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

82 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2008 – Jun 2024
  1. Power train37
  2. Engine20
  3. Electrical system9
  4. Air bags9
  5. Fuel system, gasoline4
  6. Vehicle speed control3
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)3
  8. Structure2
  9. Seats2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each M3 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19961
199719
199814
199911
200114
200290
2003141
2004112
200537
2006216
200882
200945
201015
201141
20126
201313
20154
20165
20173
20189
20213
20221
20232
20252
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

37 reports1 crash
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 26, 2015Power train, EngineODI 10712972

Engine

20 reports1 crash1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 3, 2019EngineODI 11265977

Electrical system

9 reports1 crash1 fire
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 25, 2024Electrical system, StructureODI 11596458
All 2008 M3 problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars, Subcompact Cars
Engines
4.0L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S7) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
M3
Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$5,000555
M3
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$5,000555
M3 Convertible
Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$5,000555
M3 Convertible
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131916$5,000555
M3 Coupe
Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$5,000555
M3 Coupe
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$5,000555
  • M3
    Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 4.0 L
    14 city · 20 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • M3
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L
    14 city · 20 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • M3 Convertible
    Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 4.0 L
    14 city · 20 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • M3 Convertible
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L
    13 city · 19 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • M3 Coupe
    Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 4.0 L
    14 city · 20 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • M3 Coupe
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L
    14 city · 20 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 BMW M3 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2008 M3 questions

How many recalls does the 2008 BMW M3 have?

5 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2008 BMW M3 problems?

Owners filed 82 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (37), engine (20), electrical system (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2008 BMW M3 get?

The EPA rates the 2008 BMW M3 at 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026