2008 BMW M
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 40 of 91 complaints (44%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more crash reports (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 13 in 2007 to 91 in 2008.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | vs. 2008 Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,550–5,950 | 5,950 | 4,850–5,950 | 4,850–5,950 | 4,850–5,950 | |
| Combined MPG | 13–17 | 13 | 13–16 | 13–16 | 13–16 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 11–15 / 17–22 | 11 / 17 | 11–14 / 17–20 | 11–14 / 17–20 | 11–14 / 17–20 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 523–684 | 684 | 555–684 | 555–684 | 555–684 | |
| Complaints filed | 55 | 13 | 91 | 45 | 16 | |
| Recalls issued | 6 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 6 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW M have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2008 BMW M?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 40 of 91 NHTSA complaints (44%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW M get?
EPA rates it 13–16 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2008 BMW M?
EPA estimates $4,850–$5,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (12)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 6-spd | 10 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 11 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 13 mpg (low) | $5,950 (high) | 684 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S7) | 10 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 11 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 13 mpg (low) | $5,950 (high) | 684 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 6-spd | 10 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 11 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 13 mpg (low) | $5,950 (high) | 684 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S7) | 10 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 11 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 13 mpg (low) | $5,950 (high) | 684 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 6-spd | 10 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 11 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 13 mpg (low) | $5,950 (high) | 684 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S7) | 10 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 11 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 13 mpg (low) | $5,950 (high) | 684 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 14 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $4,850 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 14 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $4,850 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (S7) | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 14 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $4,850 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 13 mpg | 19 mpg | 16 mpg (high) | $4,850 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 11 | Automatic (S7) | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 14 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $4,850 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic (S7) | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 14 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $4,850 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 24 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 40 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 13 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 20V017000 · Jan 15, 2020
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES · Campaign 19V472000 · Jun 20, 2019
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · Campaign 17V676000 · Oct 27, 2017
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 16V071000 · Feb 8, 2016
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS · Campaign 13V407000 · Sep 13, 2013
Defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
Consequence: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES · Campaign 12V126000 · Mar 26, 2012
Defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
Consequence: OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE. AS A PRECAUTION, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK OUTSIDE UNTIL THE REMEDY HAS BEEN MADE.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY · Campaign 08V595000 · Nov 14, 2008
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IN THAT SITUATION, AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 3, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.