2008 BMW M3 transmission problems

The 2008 BMW M3 has 39 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 38% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Transmission complaints

38%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

M3 transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

08V595000TransmissionNovember 14, 2008 · 2,500 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

What owners report

“AFTER SLOWING FOR A YIELD SIGN, PRESSED ACCELERATOR AND THERE WAS A DELAYED RESPONSE, FOLLOWED BY SUDDEN ACCELERATION. BUMPED TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME DURING THE SURGE. CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST REARENDED ME WHEN MY CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 14, 2009 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2008 BMW M3 have?

NHTSA has 39 complaints about the 2008 BMW M3 transmission — 38% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2008 BMW M3 transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 08V595000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.