2008–2009 BMW M3 Recall: Power Train
NHTSA campaign 08V595000 · Power Train · filed Nov 14, 2008 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The 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.
The risk
IN THAT SITUATION, AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
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.
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
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Other campaigns involving BMW vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 08V595000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.