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.
The worst 2009 BMW M3 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission24
- Airbags8
- Electrical6
- Engine5
- Acceleration3
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Driver assistance1
- Fuel system1
- Lights1
- Seats1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 BMW M3
Recalls 5
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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.
Recall number 20V017000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 19V472000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
- 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.
Recall number 17V676000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 16V071000 · Recall details
Power train: clutch assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- In that situation, at low vehicle speeds, it is possible for the engine to stall increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 08V595000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 2009 BMW M3
Defect investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
EA21002
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 BMW M3 127
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop
- Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may...
- The footwell module (FRM) cannot be encoded after replacement.
- Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal...
- Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been...
- Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon"...
- N54T engine - inspect and replace injector(s).
- Cic
- "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle
2009 BMW M3 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 20 | 16 |
What 2009 BMW M3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Takata recall - I received notice of my driver side airbag at the beginning of this year but the bmw still does not have the part. This car is my daily driver and I do not have the luxury to have a second car. I am driving a car that is putting my life at risk. Bmw states they do not have enough, yet they have plenty to sell millions of new cars. I find this absolutely ridiculous! My wife's toyota was also recalled and it took a few months to get replaced, but not bmw. I would like to suggest a change to recalls where manufactures would have to stop or reduce the production numbers of new cars for until all recalls have been satisfied for extremely dangerous recalls. Maybe then we can have manufactures take the issue seriously.
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.
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.
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.
Compare the 2009 BMW M3
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Questions about the 2009 BMW M3
Is the 2009 BMW M3 reliable?
Owners have filed 45 complaints about the 2009 BMW M3, 3.5 times a typical M3 model year.
What is the 2009 BMW M3 year score?
The 2009 BMW M3 scores 27 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW M3: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW M3?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 24 complaints, typically around 1,800 miles. Next is airbags (8).
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW M3 have?
5 recalls, covering air bags, electrical system and power train.
Was there a recall on the 2009 BMW M3 transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 08V595000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW M3 have bad transmission?
The BMW M3 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2008 (37 complaints), 2009 (24 complaints) and 2003 (14 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2009 BMW M3 get?
Official estimates for the 2009 BMW M3 range from 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.0L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 20 highway.
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