Model year guide

2008 BMW M3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 BMW M3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 35 on record.

2008 BMW M3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 BMW M3 at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints82
Combined16 mpg
Typical price$26,937

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 BMW M3 recalls 5

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers NHTSA Campaign #19V472000 · 19/06/2019

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.

Fix: 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.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #20V017000 · 15/01/2020

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 a…

Fix: 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 NHTSA Campaign #17V676000 · 25/10/2017

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.

Fix: 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 NHTSA Campaign #16V071000 · 05/02/2016

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 sDriv…

Fix: 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.

Power Train:clutch Assembly NHTSA Campaign #08V595000 · 14/11/2008

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 BMW M3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2008 BMW M3 MPG & running costs

Combined16 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,750

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 BMW M3 worth?

Low
$22,900
Typical price
$26,937
High
$32,000

From 35 comparable 2008 BMW M3 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 BMW M3 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$23,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$17,750
Total$41,500
Per mile$0.55

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($26,937) with the same model 5 model-years older ($9,197), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 BMW M3 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
4.0L 8-cyl 414 hp

2008 BMW M3 vehicles on record

2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWD93588PY40002 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWD93538PY43101 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWL93538P331051 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWD93538PY40599 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWL93558P331004 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWL93598P330230 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWL93528P330120 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWD93588PY40078 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWD93548PY40661 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWL93598PL89634 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWL93518P330917 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWD93508PY40768 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWD93568PY39415 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWD93538PY42160 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWD93528PY43106 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWL93528PL89720 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSVA935X8E215245 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSVA93508E041850 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSVA93568E215582 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWL935X8PL89027 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWL93538P330157 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWD93548PY39106 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWD93568PY39690 2008 BMW M3 BaseWBSWD935X8PY40177

Other BMW M3 model years

2021 2018 2016 2015 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 1999 1998 1997 1991

2008 BMW M3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW M3 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2008 BMW M3. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW M3?

Based on 82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW M3 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 BMW M3 at about 16 mpg combined (14 city / 20 highway).

How much is a 2008 BMW M3 worth?

Comparable 2008 BMW M3 listings run roughly $22,900–$32,000, typically around $26,937 (from 35 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.