BMW M3 E90/E92/E93 Sedan & Coupe & Convertible (4th Gen) – What To Check Before You Buy | CarBuzz

As far as BMW M-cars go, the E9X M3 is counted among the least troublesome of them all, but some typical BMW issues will nonetheless be par for the course. Apart from these issues, there were some 2008-2013 BMW M3 Convertible recalls, many of which were applicable to the sedan and coupe too.

The first recall to note regards the BMW E92 M3 airbag recall, which stems from the ongoing Takata recall campaign. This involves all the airbags fitted to these cars, and are covered under various recall notices. There’s another airbag recall to consider as well, but it applies only to 2008-vintage examples and relates to possible substandard connections in the side airbags and seatbelt pretensioner system, which may cause both of these items to fail to deploy when needed. Before buying an E9X BMW M3, make sure that all airbag recalls have been executed, as this is a potentially life-threatening defect.

Next up is a recall which affects most BMWs built between 2006 and 2013, and involves the PCV valve heater, which may short circuit and cause an engine bay fire (NHTSA Campaign Number 22V119000). A further recall involves the blower motor’s wiring on many BMWs of this era, which may overheat and increase the risk of an electrical fire (NHTSA Campaign Number 17V676000).

BMW M3 E92 transmission problems also resulted in a recall for all 2008 and 2009 BMW M3s equipped with the optional DCT, to solve a problem that could see the car’s engine cut out when rapidly slowing down. This is due to the DCT executing multiple down changes just before coming to a standstill, which then brings the car to a sudden stop, followed by a long delay before finding an appropriate gear. Fortunately, according to NHTSA Campaign Number 08V595000, this can be remedied by a simple software update of the DCT’s control unit.

Another electrical system-related recall concerns the main power supply from the battery’s positive terminal to the fuse box, which may degrade over time and lead to a loss of electrical power or an inability to start. This is again a problem on many other BMWs from this era as well, so it’s not exclusive to the M3. Just ensure that the recall repair has been performed according to NHTSA Campaign Number 13V044000.

The final recall isn’t BMW’s fault, but relates to possible defects on aftermarket replacement engine cooling fans, which were produced by Valeo. This fault entails a possible malfunction on the cooling fan’s control circuit board, which may overheat and cause an engine fire. If your car has a replacement engine cooling fan, remember to check whether NHTSA Campaign Number 12E029000 has been executed.