2009 BMW M3 recalls and problems

5 recalls and 45 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2009 BMW M3.

5
recalls
45
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2009 BMW M3 recalls

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 20V017000 · reported January 15, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC · 59,965 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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, fuses and circuit breakers · Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery, cables · Electrical system

NHTSA campaign 19V472000 · reported June 19, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC · 16,641 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Electrical system: wiring

NHTSA campaign 17V676000 · reported October 25, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC · 702,965 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
The 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 · reported February 5, 2016 · BMW of North America, LLC · 840,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The 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 · reported November 14, 2008 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 2,500 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
In that situation, at low vehicle speeds, it is possible for the engine to stall increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 29, 2021 · Exterior lighting · 84,000 miles

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…

Mar 17, 2020 · Air bags · 45,000 miles

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.

Jan 5, 2018 · Air bags

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.

Jul 4, 2017 · Engine · 67,000 miles

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…

May 23, 2017 · Electrical system · 58,500 miles

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…

M3 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2006 51400
2007 3000
2008 58242
2009 54510
2010 41510
2011 43101
2012 3600

Across all years, the 2008 M3 has the most complaints (82). All BMW M3 years →

Questions

Does the 2009 BMW M3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2009 BMW M3, the most recent reported on January 15, 2020 (Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW M3?
Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (24 complaints), followed by air bags (8).
How many 2009 BMW M3 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 45 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 29, 2021.