2008 BMW M3 - SpecComparePro

2008 BMW M3 Sedan 7DCT

All BMW M3 E92 trims (2008–2013) → All BMW M3 generations →

The 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 7DCT is a 414-hp 4.0-liter V8 sedan with a 7-speed m double clutch transmission and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $53,800 MSRP and is rated at 16 mpg combined.

It makes 414 horsepower at 8,300 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 3900 rpm, spinning to a 8,400 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway (16 mpg combined).

The M3 measures 180.4 inches long on a 108.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,726 lb.

Spec	Value
Vehicle
Body Type	Sedan
Powertrain	Gas
Price
MSRP	$53,800 ($81,212 *)
MSRP with Destination	$54,575 ($82,382 *)
Destination Charge	$775
Engine
Engine Type	4.0L V8 DOHC 32-valve (S65)
Displacement	4 L
Horsepower	414 hp @ 8,300 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Redline	8,400 rpm
Valvetrain	DOHC 32-valve
Bore and Stroke	92.0 x 75.2
Compression Ratio	12.0:1
Drivetrain
Drive Type	RWD
Transmission
Transmission	7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT)
Fuel Economy
City	14 MPG
Highway	20 MPG
Combined	16 MPG
Recommended Fuel	Premium
Tank Capacity	16.6 gal
Suspension
Turning Diameter	38.4 ft
Brakes
Front Brake Disc	360 mm
Rear Brake Disc	350 mm
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front	8.5J x 18"
Wheels Rear	9.5J x 18"
Tires Front	245/40 ZR18
Tires Rear	265/40 ZR18
Dimensions & Weight
Length	180.4 in
Width	71.5 in
Height	57 in
Wheelbase	108.7 in
Front Track	60.6 in
Rear Track	60.6 in
Cargo Volume	12 ft³
Curb Weight	3,726 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R)	47.8% / 52.2%
Interior
Headroom Front	38.5 in
Headroom Rear	37.5 in
Legroom Front	41.5 in
Legroom Rear	34.6 in
Shoulder Room Front	55.4 in
Shoulder Room Rear	55.1 in

* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Similar cars

Rivals to the 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 7DCT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.

Premium Luxury

$55,200

Compare

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

5 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 BMW M3. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jan 15, 2020 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 20V017000

Jun 19, 2019 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 19V472000

Oct 25, 2017 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 17V676000

Feb 5, 2016 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 16V071000

Nov 14, 2008 · POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 08V595000

82 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2008 BMW M3

Owner Complaints

82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 BMW M3 (4 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 3 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas

Power Train	37
Engine	20
Air Bags	9
Electrical System	9
Fuel System	4
Gasoline	4

A complaint can cite more than one area.

Most recent complaints

Jun 25, 2024 · Electrical System, Structure

“During a regular fuel stop at a gas station, I noticed the central lock button nor the physical door hinge fail to operate to open the door for me to exit. The fuse for the central power door…”

Sep 5, 2023 · Air Bags, Seats

“Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor error displayed in vehicle information center. Warning restraint/Air Bag not functioning properly. This was taken to the BMW dealership for diagnosis, and it was…”

Aug 20, 2020 · Fuel/Propulsion System

“VISIBLE GASOLINE LEAK FROM THE CHASSIS UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE REAR PASSENGER AREA. STATIONARY INSIDE GARAGE.”

Oct 3, 2019 · Engine

“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, CEL CAME ON, CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE, BEFORE LOSING POWER ALTOGETHER WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON. REPORT OF ENGINE DAMAGE…”

Sep 5, 2019 · Electrical System Crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN REVERSE ON A HILL. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NOT APPLIED PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND CRASHED…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2008 BMW M3. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search