2008 BMW M3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 45%of 82 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,400miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 BMW M3, 45% of the 82 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,400 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2008 Bmw M3 with the dct transmission. Ever since Bmw installed a software update to fix a similar NHTSA issue with the transmission, my car suffers from a sudden power loss when I slow down to approximately 10mph, and then try to accelerate again. This leads to a very dangerous situation while the car does not move and traffic around me continues to move.”
NHTSA complaint #10274382, filed 2009-06, 11,605 miles“Incident 1 I was making a left turn after the signal and entering into the freeway at 25 MPH, and during the turn, there was a slight inclination in the road like a bump and the car landed on the front right wheel and immediately the I lost steering control and had dsc (dynamic stability control) and brake warning and I was this close to getting rammed by a truck from behind and I hurt my hand during this event because I could hardly steer my car and barely pulled on to the curb of the freeway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10637297, filed 2014-09, 45,800 miles“I have a 2008 Bmw M3 equipped with the dct transmission and my issue is the lag with 2-3 gears, this is my daily commuter car and for some one who is stuck in stop and go traffic for about 2 hours and 45 miles each way I cant not drive my car any more because of this issue. I've become really frustrated by this behavior. It's not at all intermittent -- it happens every time the car drops into 2nd gear when slowing (and not completely stopping). …”
NHTSA complaint #10259911, filed 2009-02, 9,400 miles“While decelerating in 2nd or 1st gear under light braking then attempting to accelerate the vehicle experiences a loss of power for two to three seconds. My first experience with this happened making a left turn across opposing traffic lane. Had oncoming traffic been closer when the vehicle did not accelerate I would have been hit mid side of the vehicle. Bmw reports that this is normal behavior of this transmission however I feel it is a major safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10266854, filed 2009-04, 2,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10258881, filed 2009-02, 4,500 milesRelated recalls
- 08V595000Nov 14, 2008Bmw 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…Covers: BMW M3 2008–2009
Related service bulletins
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10147008Aug 1, 2016"REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain…
- 10147241Sep 1, 2015Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE…
- 10149361Oct 1, 2014DCT Transmission: Oil Leakage Diagnosis. INFORMATION Incorrect diagnosis of DCT (Double-clutch Transmission) oil leaks may lead to unnecessary part replacements and repeat…
- 10148034Sep 1, 2014"Intelligent Battery Sensor Diagnosis Hints. The vehicle enters the workshop with one or more of the following complaints: * Check Control Message related to battery discharge *…
- 10147930Jan 1, 2014GM6 - 6L45R: Diagnostic Procedure for Shudder or Vibration Issues. A shudder or vibration can be felt under light acceleration or when driving at constant suburban speeds. This…
- 10150096Mar 1, 2013N55 Engine Failsafe - FC 120308 Boost Pressure Control, Plausibility: Pressure Too Low Stored in DME Fault Memory. INFORMATION The customer complains the SES is illuminated and…
Transmission 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 2008 BMW M3
20 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 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