2009 BMW M3 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 2%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 BMW M3, 2% of the 45 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.
“The contact owns a 2009 BMW M3. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the driver’s and passenger’s side turn signal failed to illuminate. Additionally, the headlights and dashboard lights would flicker on and off. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the electrical wiring insulation was frayed and damaged. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11427001, filed 2021-07, 84,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10148275Apr 1, 2014"One or Both Xenon Headlights Aiming Downwards. CAUSE Both sides are aiming downwards: * The most likely cause is a faulty or disconnected rear height sensor. In very extreme…
- 10147945Jan 1, 2014Delay in Automatic Driving Light Switching On/Off. When driving out of a tunnel or exiting underground parking, the automatic driving light remains switched on for two minutes…
- 10149344Apr 1, 2013Headlight Washer Nozzle Cover Sticks Out.
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 BMW M3
24 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 BMW M3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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