The 2008 BMW M3 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a Takata-style driver's airbag inflator that can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Two separate filings cover this same airbag inflator defect, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles. On the electrical side, the positive battery cable connection at the fuse box can degrade over time and cause intermittent loss of power, stalling the engine while driving. There is also a risk of fire from the wiring and connectors that control the heating and air conditioning system, which can overheat and melt even when the car is parked and unattended. On vehicles equipped with the optional double-clutch transmission, a software issue can trigger an unintended multi-stage downshift during rapid deceleration, which may stall the engine at low speeds.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Replace the driver air bag inflator. On X5 and X6 models, only the inflator is replaced. Repair is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The positive battery cable connection at the fuse box may degrade over time, causing the electrical system to intermittently lose power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it properly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring and electrical connectors that control airflow in the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may build up excessive pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module or inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During rapid deceleration, the transmission software may perform multiple downshifts in sequence, which could cause unexpected vehicle behavior.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine and transmission control unit software at no cost to prevent the multistage downshift.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
