DecodedCars2008 BMW M
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 4.0L 8-cyl, 5.0L 10-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 24% below the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 BMW M is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (4.0L 8-cyl and 5.0L 10-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 24% worse than the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2008
- Engine added: 4.0L 8-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 13 to 16
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 M →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 Coupe | 4.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -24% | $5,150 | 555 |
| M3 | 4.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -27% | $5,150 | 555 |
| M3 Convertible | 4.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -24% | $5,150 | 555 |
| M3 Convertible | 4.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 16 | -24% | $5,150 | 555 |
| M3 Coupe | 4.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -24% | $5,150 | 555 |
| M3 | 4.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -27% | $5,150 | 555 |
| M5 | 5.0L 10-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -38% | $6,300 | 684 |
| M5 | 5.0L 10-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -38% | $6,300 | 684 |
| M6 | 5.0L 10-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -38% | $6,300 | 684 |
| M6 | 5.0L 10-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -38% | $6,300 | 684 |
| M6 Convertible | 5.0L 10-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -38% | $6,300 | 684 |
| M6 Convertible | 5.0L 10-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -38% | $6,300 | 684 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 BMW M under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 BMW M (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Maserati GranTurismo | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 BMW 6 Series | 18 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Audi S4 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Audi S5 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Lexus IS F | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 BMW M.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 BMW M is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 BMW M in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 BMW M buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 BMW M. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other M years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →