2009 BMW M3: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 45 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (53% of complaints); the 2007 and 2010 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2021
“I received a recall for the airbag on my car. I contacted bmw to replace but they were unable to replace at that time. I have tried to contact them since to arrange replacement and they have not returned my calls.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2020
“Vehicle would not start and all electrical systems were dead despite a good battery. Was solved by removing glove box and fus box and pushing on the battery cable that goes into the fuse box to get a connection. This is a know issue for bmw and a recall was issued on other 3-series vehicles (2007 - 2011) with the same part numbers, but will not cover m3. This is a safety issue as loss of power to fuse box while driving can shut down the car.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“Takata recall driving my car for about 30 minutes on the local street and stopped at a red light, light turns green, I try to accelerate and engine felt sluggish and shuts off. Towed the car to mrf engineering and car needed an "engine replacement" as my rod bearings caused the engine to fail. Costed roughly around $19,000 in parts and labor.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2017
“Takata recall hasn't happened. What is the problem. I guess if you wait we won't be able to complain after it kills us in an accident.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2016
“The car suddenly vibrated and the wheels locked up and skidded slightly sideways before going into a reduced power mode. If it had been raining or snowing, or at a higher speed on highway the situation could have been deadly. I had the car taken to the dealer. I was told a the throttle actuator valve was defective. The car has only 44k miles but has surpassed the 4 years of warranty. This is a known issue with thousands of cars affected. Bmw refuses to recall and repair the item if the car is not under warranty. The cost for repair is $3000.00 the part alone is $1200.00 which I was quoted. My vehicle is also affected by the takata airbag recall.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2016
“Takata recall, replacement air bags are not available. Bmw has no idea when they will be. This is not right, I should not have to drive this car with this defect.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
“Error message: fault in - passenger restrain system affecting airbag, belt tensioner, or belt force limiter. This is caused by fault seat mat sensor in the passenger seat, which may cause the airbag not to function properly.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
“Takata recall - I have been waiting 2 years to have this recall done. I was once scheduled to get the service and then after I dropped off the car they called me back and stated that they didnt have the part in.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
“I have been waiting for over one year for my recall to be performed by my local bmw service center. I received a letter stating it was going to be taken care of in may of 2016 (letter was dated march of 2016). I drive my car on a daily basis and run the risk of injury due to the defective airbag. I will not allow family members to drive my dangerous vehicle and now worried I have to sell my car. If I sell my car I shall divulge that there is a recall by bmw and that it has not been performed. I cannot drive this vehicle anylonger.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2009 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact M3 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 BMW M3 reliable?
NHTSA has 45 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 BMW M3. The most complained-about area is power train (53% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 BMW M3 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 5,750 miles or less.
Does the 2009 BMW M3 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:wiring. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.