Owners have filed 102 complaints
about the 2008 BMW M3 with NHTSA between 2008 and 2024.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 16 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the BMW M3. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 66
12.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 89
53% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
2877.8%
Manual Transmission
25.6%
Connecting
12.8%
Driveline
12.8%
Body
12.8%
Fuel Pump
12.8%
Engine
12.8%
Front Underhood
12.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
56.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2632.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
810.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
810.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1620.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
911.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
810.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2008peak 11Jun 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 BMW M3
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2008 BMW M3
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V017000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V472000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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.
Risk: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
17V676000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
16V071000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
08V595000
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: IN THAT SITUATION, AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 90,000 milesMonson, MACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11253458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesModesto, CAFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11066845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jamaica, NYCrash
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT BOUT 1AM ON A CLEAR 45 DEGREE MORNING. I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 54 MPH ON A FREEWAY. I HEARD A NOISE COME FROM MY ENGINE, IT SOUND LIKE METAL BEING GRIND. MY VEHICLE THEN SHUT OFF I LOST POWER STEERING CAUSING ME TO RUN INTO A DITCH. WHEN I FINALLY CAME TO A STOP I NOTICED THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RE START. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK. WHEN THE TRUCK MOVED MY CAR I NOTICED A LOT OF ENGINE OIL UNDER THE CAR. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A BMW MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME " ONE OF YOUR ROD BEARINGS BROKE SENDING A ROD THROUGH YOUR OIL PAN". AND I HAVE TINY PIECES OF METAL ALL INSIDE OF MY ENGINE. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT I WILL NEED A NEW ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10992606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,706 milesYpsilanti, MIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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?
NHTSA complaint #10896370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesSAN Ramon, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10817277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesSAN Ramon, CACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10817277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Irvine, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11596458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11596458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellington, FL
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11542687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellington, FL
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11542687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,440 milesAltamonte Springs, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VISIBLE GASOLINE LEAK FROM THE CHASSIS UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE REAR PASSENGER AREA. STATIONARY INSIDE GARAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11350380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11265977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesMonson, MACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11253458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesArlington Heights, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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?
NHTSA complaint #11144882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niles, MI
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11098485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niles, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
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.
NHTSA complaint #11098485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redwood City, CA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11096423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesKent, WA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11079720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesModesto, CAFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11066845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,183 milesGladstone, OR
ENGINE
CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. STARTING MAKING A LOUD TICKING SOUND FROM THE BOTTOM END OF THE MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #11057223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,100 milesCary, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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'.
NHTSA complaint #11056674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,100 milesCary, NC
ENGINE
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'.
NHTSA complaint #11056674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,100 milesCary, NC
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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'.
NHTSA complaint #11056674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,500 milesCulver City, CA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11055005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesMequon, WI
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11046268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCherry Hill, NJ
ENGINE
CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE. WELL MAINTAINED AT DEALERSHIP AND CERTIFIED INDY SHOP. CRANKSHAFT WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED BECAUSE LACK OF OIL DUE TO INCORRECT BEARING AND CONNECTING ROD CLEARANCES FROM FACTORY. ENGINE IS UNREPAIRABLE. CHECK BY BMW AND REFUSE TO ASSIST IN REPLACEMENT. CAR WAS STATIONARY AND HAD BEEN IDLING FOR 1 MIN.
NHTSA complaint #11041511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesBuford, GA
ENGINE
FAILED BEARINGS ENGINE HAD TO REPLACE ENGINE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11032277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,500 milesLemont, IL
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11012310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jamaica, NYCrash
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT BOUT 1AM ON A CLEAR 45 DEGREE MORNING. I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 54 MPH ON A FREEWAY. I HEARD A NOISE COME FROM MY ENGINE, IT SOUND LIKE METAL BEING GRIND. MY VEHICLE THEN SHUT OFF I LOST POWER STEERING CAUSING ME TO RUN INTO A DITCH. WHEN I FINALLY CAME TO A STOP I NOTICED THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RE START. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK. WHEN THE TRUCK MOVED MY CAR I NOTICED A LOT OF ENGINE OIL UNDER THE CAR. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A BMW MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME " ONE OF YOUR ROD BEARINGS BROKE SENDING A ROD THROUGH YOUR OIL PAN". AND I HAVE TINY PIECES OF METAL ALL INSIDE OF MY ENGINE. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT I WILL NEED A NEW ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10992606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, NE
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10970953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,500 milesChicago, IL
ENGINE
THROTTLE ACTUATOR PROBLEM: IS CAUSED BY AN ENGINEERING DEFECT IN THE ACTUATOR GEARS WHICH DETERIORATE UNDER 60,000 MILES AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO GO TO "LIMP" MODE. ONCE IN LIMP MODE THE ENGINE MAY STALL AND WON'T ACCELERATE AS NORMAL; WHICH WAS MY CASE WHEN IT OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING A GREAT DANGER TO MYSELF AND SOCIETY.
NHTSA complaint #10947979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.