2009 BMW M3 transmission problems

The 2009 BMW M3 has 25 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 46% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

Transmission complaints

46%

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

“ON MY 2009 BMW M3 WITH DCT TRANSMISSION, THERE IS A NOTICEABLE LAG AFTER BRAKING WHEN YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE WHILE IN AUTOMATIC(D). THIS IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUT OF AN INTERSECTION. THE CAR HAS NO POWER AND SITS THERE LIKE IT'S THINKING. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT. BMW NEEDS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 29, 2009

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2009 BMW M3 have?

NHTSA has 25 complaints about the 2009 BMW M3 transmission — 46% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2009 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.