2009 BMW M3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 53%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,650miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 BMW M3, 53% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,650 miles. 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.
“The dual clutch transmission (dct) in my car, a 2009 Bmw M3 routinely hesitates when pushing the accelerator in 2nd gear. The hesitation is long enough to have put me and my passengers in grave danger. In fact, it has almost caused a number of accidents when merging with highway traffic. This is unacceptable and needs to be immediately corrected before someone is seriously injured or killed.”
NHTSA complaint #10279187, filed 2009-08, 7,000 miles“My 2009 Bmw M3 with a dct transmission lags between 1st and 2nd gear. When you push on the accelerator the car does not go for at least 2 seconds, then it shoots forward. I have complained to Bmw but they say this is normal. This occurs all the time when I am slowing down and the car is down shifting.”
NHTSA complaint #10265347, filed 2009-04, 10 miles“This complaint is for a 2009 Bmw M3 coupe with the dual-clutch transmission (dct). I am experiencing major shift lag trying to reaccelerate after slowing down. Basically, the 2nd gear will fail to catch / engage when I put my foot on the gas pedal causing the car stall for a second or two. After that, the gear will engage abruptly and I will be pulled violently forward. This has resulted in several near-accident situations: 1. …”
NHTSA complaint #10274339, filed 2009-06, 11 miles“My 09 Bmw M3 with dct is exhibiting gear shifting slowness and power lagging problems after hard braking. The most recent incident was a near rear end collision today that required me to brake hard from 70mph, to 40, switch lanes and accelerate to avoid being hit by approaching traffic from behind. When I attempted to accelerate, the car did not respond for what seemed like a couple seconds. The lag was long enough that the car behind me was forced to leave the road to avoid hitting me.”
NHTSA complaint #10257666, filed 2009-02, 1,800 miles“Summary: power application lag in 2nd gear with M3 dual clutch transmission. Specific incident: while rolling in 2nd with about 1500rpm I was trying to merge onto traffic from a merging right lane that was ending shortly. After I thought it was safe to accelerate, I did so, but the engine did not produce power for the next 0.5 second. After power kicked in, it was no longer safe to continue as the oncoming car was closer than I had calculated before attempting to accelerate. Also, power kicked in as I would expect it to happen 0.5 second ago. …”
NHTSA complaint #10264984, filed 2009-04, 1,500 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 2009 BMW M3
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
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 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