2005 BMW M3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 17%of 12 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 BMW M3, 17% of the 12 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Smg transmission light came on and randomly went into neutral while driving down the four lane and almost caused an accident. Light went off and it seemed fine l for a couple weeks and same happened again when I was on the interstate taking my son to the hospital. I called Bmw and was informed that there wasnt a recall on the transmission and therefore it isnt deemed an issue on thier end. I told them I wasnted this reported and was told they would have the report in thier system. I was not aware until recently that you have to report it to NHTSA. …”
NHTSA complaint #10779500, filed 2015-10, 88,000 miles“While normal driving through town/highway the car will slip into neutral and cease to accelerate. Which causes a high risk maneuver to avoid traffic accidents.”
NHTSA complaint #10405576, filed 2011-06, 80,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 11% |
| 2016 | 1 | 20% |
| 2013 | 3 | 23% |
| 2011 | 4 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 13% |
| 2009 | 24 | 53% |
| 2008 | 37 | 45% |
| 2006 | 2 | 14% |
| 2005 | 2 | 17% |
| 2004 | 6 | 19% |
| 2003 | 14 | 26% |
| 2002 | 8 | 20% |
| 2001 | 4 | 29% |
| 1999 | 1 | 9% |
| 1998 | 3 | 21% |
| 1997 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2005 BMW M3
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 BMW M3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology