U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Bmw 3 SERIES: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

51 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

92,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 34 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 18 of 51 complaints (35.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	5	9.8%
Transmission and shifting	2	3.9%
Engine operation	1	2.0%
Electrical and battery issues	1	2.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags

Exterior Lighting

Electrical System

Latches/Locks/Linkages

Suspension

Structure:Body

Engine And Engine Cooling

Tires

Air Bags: 18; Exterior Lighting: 14; Electrical System: 10; Latches/Locks/Linkages: 4; Suspension: 4; Structure:Body: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2; Tires: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 9; 75,000 to 99,999: 8; 100,000 to 149,999: 11; 150,000 and above: 4

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (11). 17 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2005

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2005: 2; 2010: 2; 2011: 6; 2012: 9; 2013: 5; 2014: 8; 2015: 6; 2016: 10; 2017: 1; 2018: 1; 2019: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10142434 · 2005-11-10 (November 10, 2005)

IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO FILE A COMPLAINT BUT NOW IT IS WORSE. ONE OF THE TIRES FROM COOPER THAT I FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT BLEW OUT FORCING MY CAR UP ON TWO WHEELS. I MANAGE TO CONTROL THE CAR WITHOUT FLIPPING. DO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I AM KILLED OR SOMEONE IS HURT BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE TIRES. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10142434 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10143744 · 2005-11-28 (November 28, 2005)

I WAS TOLD THAT MY TIRE HAD A DEFECT BUT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. ONE PERSON TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A TIRE DEFECT BUT HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SAY ANYTHING SINCE HE WORKED FOR THE COMPANY. THEN I WAS TOLD THAT IT HAD A BULGE CAUSED BY A POT HOLE BUT IT WAS NOT DANGEROUS. WHILE DRIVING THE TIRE BLEW OUT AND LITERALLY LIFTED THE CAR UP ON TWO WHEELS. I WAS SO SCARED AND UPSET AFTER I REGAINED CONTROL THAT I CALLED THE COMPANY AND THEY SAID OH WELL. I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THE TIRES SINCE THEY WERE PUT ON LAST SUMMER. THEY BOUNCE CONSTANTLY BUT YET…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10143744 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10344930 · 2010-07-23 (July 23, 2010)

REAL LIGHT ASSEMBLY (TURN SIGNAL, PARKING LIGHT BRAKE LIGHT) MALFUNCTIONS OCCASIONALLY AND NONE OF THE LIGHTS WORK THUS, POSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN VEHICLE IN MOTION, TURNING AND ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AT LEAST A YEAR. IT APPEARS THAT THE WIRE CONNECTOR IN THE ASSEMBLY IS BURNING OUT THUS CAUSING A SHORT, I HAVE TEMPORARILY REPAIRED THE PROBLEM MYSELF BY CLEANING THE BURNED PARTS OF THE WIRE AND RECONNECTING AND PROTECTING WITH ELECTRIC TAPE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10344930 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10362231 · 2010-10-25 (October 25, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE CAUTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE BRAKE LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED SUDDENLY. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE REAR BULB SEVERAL TIME. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO SPEAK WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10362231 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10436090 · 2011-11-16 (November 16, 2011)

THE COOLING FAN BROKE LOOSE SPONTANEOUSLY AND FLEW THROUGH THE AIR CUTTING THROUGH THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND RIPPING THROUGH THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. MOMENTS PRIOR THE HOOD HAD BEEN OPEN WITH PEOPLE STANDING AROUND LOOKING AT THE HOSES. HAD THE FAN BROKE LOOSE AT THIS TIME, I WOULD HAVE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED PEOPLE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 69,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10436090 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10438952 · 2011-12-07 (December 7, 2011)

IN 2010 THE SUNROOF WENT BAD I TALKED TO A BMW DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEM, IN AUGUST OF 2011 I NOTICED THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS AND BLINKERS WERE NOT WORKING PROPER,NOR WAS MY HORN,AND THE DRIVERS WINDOW REGULATORS ARE BINDING UP, ALSO A BRAKE HOSE FROM MY BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE ENGINE IS COLLAPSED IN TWO SPOTS. ??*TR

Owner-reported narrative. 95,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10438952 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10439132 · 2011-12-09 (December 9, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 3SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. AFTER CHECKING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, THE TAIL LIGHT APPEARED TO BE OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS). THE FAILURE M…

Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10439132 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10439284 · 2011-12-11 (December 11, 2011)

ZKW BI XENON HEADLIGHTS REFLECTORS BURN OUT OVER TIME. THE BOWLS ARE SHOT AND THEY WERE BLACK, BURNED TO A CRISP. THEY WERE MADE OUT OF A PLASTIC MATERIAL WITH A CHROME COATING, INSTEAD OF A METAL REFLECTOR. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR BMW. THEY GOT THE TAIL LIGHT WHICH WORKS FINE IN MY CAR, I NEED MY HEADLIGHTS TO SEE! *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 111,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10439284 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

51 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

66.7%Usable mileage34 / 51 records

100.0%Valid incident date51 / 51 records

100.0%Valid filing date51 / 51 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates51 / 51 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2023
Air Bags	1528.3% ODI 10649176 NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN OUR CAR ACCIDENT. WE WERE AT A STAND STILL, OR MOVING VERY SLOWLY AND ANOTHER CAR HIT US IN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PANEL NEAR THE TIRE, AT HIGH IMPACT. *TR Look up ODI 10649176 at NHTSA ↗	1033.3% ODI 10627101 · 44,000 mi I AM 5'2", FAT AND WANTED EITHER AN ON/SWITCH FOR MY FRONT DRIVER'S AIRBAG, OR I WAS GOING TO APPLY UNDER YOUR GUIDELINES TO HAVE THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DISCONNECTED. BMW APPARENTLY CAN DO NEITHER SINCE THEIR AIRBAG IS TIED INTO ITS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I HAVE GOTTEN NOTHING BUT A RUN AROUND REGARDING WHAT FOR ME IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I DON'T WANT TO BE DECAPITATED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. DO YOU HAVE ANY ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY OVER THIS THAT WOULD MAKE BMW COMPLY WITH YOUR REQUIREMENTS? *TR Look up ODI 10627101 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 11034723 · 55,000 mi TAKATA RECALL I HAVE CONTACTED COGGIN BMW FT. PIERCE FL. SEVERAL TIMES TO GET MY AIRBAG FIXED. OVER A YEAR NOW AND STILL THEY CLAIM THAT THE PARTS HAVE NOT COME IN YET. IS THIS TRUE AND WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THIS RECALL TAKEN CARE OF. Look up ODI 11034723 at NHTSA ↗	314.3% ODI 10513158 · 2,755 mi I WAS REARENDED, ON THE FREEWAY, ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, BY AN SUV GOING ABOUT 40MPH, I SLAMMED IN TO ANOTHER SUV IN FRONT OF ME. MY VEHICLE IS TOTALED. THE DISPLAY INDICATED THAT THERE WAS AN AIRBAG DEPLOY ERROR. ALSO, THE REASON MY CAR WAS TOTALED WAS BECAUSE ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL WIRES FOR THE COMPUTER SYSTEM ARE BEHIND THE REAR TAIL LIGHT, AND THEY WERE MELTED AFTER IMPACT. THIS IS CONCERNING BECAUSE THIS IS ALSO WHERE THE FUEL TANK IS. LUCKILY, I WALKED AWAY WITH A SORE NECK AND FEW BRUISES, BUT IT IS CONCERNING THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NO… Look up ODI 10513158 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	815.1% ODI 10543851 · 59,000 mi I HAVE A 2009 BMW328XI, WHICH I BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR. I ONLY HAVE 59,000 MILES. ON AUGUST 3, 2013 THE CAR TEMPERATURE LIGHT WENT ON, FIRST YELLOW AND NOT EVEN TWO SECONDS LATER RED. WITH OUT WARNING THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE. SO I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY. THINKING THE CAR IS OVER HEATING. INSTEAD, AFTER GETTING IT TOWED FOUND OUT THE WATER PUMP AND ELECTRIC THERMOSTAT WENT. I AM VERY UNHAPPY THAT A 4 AND HALF YEAR OLD CAR SHOULDN'T HAVE SUCH PROBLEMS. I'VE HAD MANY HIGH END CARS IN THE PAST FOR 11 YEARS AND NEVER … Look up ODI 10543851 at NHTSA ↗	516.7% ODI 10597574 · 61,500 mi NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE BLINKER STARTED TO BLINK QUICKLY. THE BRAKES AND TAIL LIGHTS USE A BULB WHILE THE BLINKER HAS APPROXIMATELY 15 LEDS. THEREFORE THE ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED. SEVERAL OF THE LEDS DO NOT LIGHT UP AND THE ONES THAT DO ARE DIM. TWO WEEKS LATER THE DRIVER SIDE BLINKER DID THE SAME THING. THIS CONCERNS ME AS ANOTHER DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT I AM TURNING UNTIL IT IS TO LATE. *TR Look up ODI 10597574 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	733.3% ODI 10490036 · 300 mi AS MY WIFE OPEN THE DOOR AND SITS , SHE PULLED THE DOOR TO CLOSE BUT IT WONT LOCK UP TRY SEVERAL TIMES TO DO IT WITH THE REMOTE BUT WONT LOCK UP. AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR!!! *TR Look up ODI 10490036 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	59.4% ODI 10545251 · 27,900 mi I THINK BMW NEEDS TO LOOK INTO A RECALL FOR THE TAIL LIGHTS ON THE 3 - SERIES MODELS FROM 09 AND UP. THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE LED SIGNAL LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONS AND SOME OF THE LED'S STOP WORKING. WHEN THOSE FEW STOP WORKING, IT AFFECTS THE ENTIRE CIRCUIT AND THE REST ARE VERY DIM/NOT VISIBLE. THIS ALSO CAUSES THE WARNING INDICATOR ON THE DASH TO COME UP ADVISING THAT YOU HAVE A BURNT OUT BULB . I HAVE ALREADY HAD MY DRIVERS SIDE REPLACED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO AND NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE IS HAVING ISSUES. THERE ARE ALSO SEVERAL OTHERS REPORTING TH… Look up ODI 10545251 at NHTSA ↗	26.7% ODI 10597574 · 61,500 mi NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE BLINKER STARTED TO BLINK QUICKLY. THE BRAKES AND TAIL LIGHTS USE A BULB WHILE THE BLINKER HAS APPROXIMATELY 15 LEDS. THEREFORE THE ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED. SEVERAL OF THE LEDS DO NOT LIGHT UP AND THE ONES THAT DO ARE DIM. TWO WEEKS LATER THE DRIVER SIDE BLINKER DID THE SAME THING. THIS CONCERNS ME AS ANOTHER DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT I AM TURNING UNTIL IT IS TO LATE. *TR Look up ODI 10597574 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	59.4% ODI 10481059 · 59,700 mi 2009 BMW 335D, EGR COOLER CRACKS OPEN AND STARTS FUMING UNFILTERED DIESEL EXHAUST INTO THE ENVIRONMENT AND INTO COCK PIT OF CAR. HIGHLY DANGEROUS GAS HAS SEVERE IMPACT TO OCCUPANTS, CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN AS EXHAUST SMELL INSIDE OF CAR. BMW REFUSE TO FIX THIS UNDER BELOW MENTIONED RECALL AS IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE COOLER. RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 11E-A03: BMW VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN SCR CATALYST, EGR VALVE AND/OR DEF MIXER AND ECU SOFTWARE FLASH FAILED EXHAUST COOLER MAKES THE CAR ILLEGAL ON ROAD AS IT EXCEEDS EMISSION LIMITS… Look up ODI 10481059 at NHTSA ↗	620.0% ODI 10639084 · 38,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE HOOD OF VEHICLE WAS OPEN, HE OBSERVED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO STATED THE EMISSION VALVE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAIL… Look up ODI 10639084 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11610158 See attached document for complaint Look up ODI 11610158 at NHTSA ↗	342.9% ODI 10780872 · 51,279 mi VANOS BOLT FAILURE. 4 VANOS BOLT BROKEN. CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHILE TURNING. NO POWER AT ALL. IT IS A 2011 328I. Look up ODI 10780872 at NHTSA ↗	733.3% ODI 10508639 · 3,500 mi AUTO START/STOP FUNCTION HAS MALFUNCTIONED BEFORE WHERE WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR DOESN'T START AGAIN. NORMALLY I CAN JUST PRESS THE START BUTTON AND PUT IT IN DRIVE. THIS TIME, HOWEVER, I WENT TO START IT AGAIN AFTER IT HAD AN "AUTO START/STOP MALFUNCTION", AND IT WOULDN'T TURN BACK ON. AN ERROR POPPED UP SAYING "IGNITION MALFUNCTION -- DO NOT TURN ENGINE OFF. CAR WILL NOT START AGAIN." CURRENTLY WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER I HAD TO FLATBED IT. ALSO THE CAR WOULDN'T GO INTO NEUTRAL SO THEY HAD TO DRAG IT ON … Look up ODI 10508639 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Steering	35.7% ODI 10781956 · 70,000 mi WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND AT THAT TIME THE BRAKES BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AS WELL. THIS RESULTED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT AS MY CAR ONLY STOPPED BY HITTING ANOTHER CAR WAITING AT THE OPPOSITE LIGHT. IT CAN BE COMPARED TO SLIDING ON A PATCH OF ICE, BUT THERE IS NO OPTION TO MOVE THE WHEEL TO TRY AND REGAIN CONTROL OF YOUR CAR. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT I WAS NOT ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THERE IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AS I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH… Look up ODI 10781956 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 10892703 · 25,989 mi WHILE IN LINE IN A DRIVE THRU THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF SUDDENLY LOSING ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND POWER STEERING. UPON TRYING TO START "CHARGING MALFUNCTION" APPEARED ON THE INFORMATION SCREEN IN WITH A RED WARNING SIGN. TRIED 2-3 TIMES TO TURN OVER STARTER. WHEN VEHICLE TURNED ON IT WAS TIME TO MOVE FORWARD. WHEN TRYING TO EXIT DRIVE THRU DRIVE WAY VEHICLE WAS VERY HEAVY AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. FINALLY AFTER SEVERAL BACK AND FORTH ATTEMPTS VEHICLE WAS MOVED ABOUT 50 FEET TO A SAFE PARKING LOCATION. Look up ODI 10892703 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Latches/Locks/Linkages	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	14.8% ODI 10490036 · 300 mi AS MY WIFE OPEN THE DOOR AND SITS , SHE PULLED THE DOOR TO CLOSE BUT IT WONT LOCK UP TRY SEVERAL TIMES TO DO IT WITH THE REMOTE BUT WONT LOCK UP. AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR!!! *TR Look up ODI 10490036 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	11.9% ODI 10345223 · 98,790 mi I OWN BMW 320D 2009, MY PROBLEM WITH THE CAR IS EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE, AS MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATE BY ITS SELF, AS I GO DOWN FROM SAY 75 MPH AND RELEASE THE BRAKES, SUDDENLY THE CAR SPEEDS UP AGAIN. THIS IS HAPPEN TO ME SEVERAL TIMES AND BMW SAYS THIS WAS NOTHING I WAS ASSUMING THIS, AFTER COMPLAINED AND COMPLAINED, FINALLY AN IGINUER LOOKED AT MY CAR AND KEPT IT FOR A DAY, BUT ONLY TO SAY NOTHING IS WRONG. IT KEEPS HAPPENING AND HAPPENING AND BMW DOES NOT REACT, AS I MENTIONED TOYOTA IN ONE OF MY LETTERS TO THEM, THEY ANSWERED ME ANGRY WITH W… Look up ODI 10345223 at NHTSA ↗	13.3% ODI 10509785 · 80,000 mi DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT CURLED UP AT FRONT AND WAS CAPTURED BY CLUTCH PEDAL WHEN CHANGING GEAR. WHEN CLUTCH WAS AGAIN ENGAGED, MAT WAS PULLED UP AND INTERFERED WITH SUBSEQUENT BRAKE OPERATION BEFORE FREEING ITSELF AND FALLING BACK ONTO FLOOR WELL. SINCE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT, IT TOOK A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT. *TR Look up ODI 10509785 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	628.6% ODI 10494881 · 2,250 mi THE SUBJECT VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN THE CAR WAS SLOWLY TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT. THE DRIVER HAD TO SUDDENLY PRESS VERY HARD ON THE BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR. *TR Look up ODI 10494881 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	47.5% ODI 10732000 INSIDE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE MELTING Look up ODI 10732000 at NHTSA ↗	13.3% ODI 10816877 CATALYTIC PERMANENT FAILURE-REPLACE, 08MAY14, 30KMILES. OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACE, 16JUN14, 30KMILES. EXTREME CARBON BUILD UP-WALNUT BLAST CYLINDERS,CLEAN INTAKE&EXHAUST SIDE, 23MAR15, 35KMILES. REPLACE INJECTOR, 08APR15, 35K MILES. REPLACE NOX SENSOR, 17APR15, 29KMILES. DIESEL ACTIVE TANK FAILURE 28 SEPT 15, 37K MILES. CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE-PART ON BACK ORDER, 28SEPT15, 37KMILES. DSC REAR SENSOR FAILURE,07DEC15, 38K MILES. ABOVE ENGINE AND RELATED EMISSIONS FAULTS CAUSED POOR MILEAGE AND POOR ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND EXPENSIVE REP… Look up ODI 10816877 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 10780872 · 51,279 mi VANOS BOLT FAILURE. 4 VANOS BOLT BROKEN. CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHILE TURNING. NO POWER AT ALL. IT IS A 2011 328I. Look up ODI 10780872 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Air Bags	63,750–113,250 mi	80,800 mi	10	ODI 10592639 · 140,000 mi TRAVELING SOUTH ON 75,DRIVER DOOR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. APPLIED BRAKES AND RAN OFF SIDE OFF ROAD TO KEEP FROM HAVING A CAR REAR END ME AND THEN RIGHT TIRE BLEW OUT DUE TO DROP OFF. CAR SHUT DOWN BY ITSELF. AIR BAGS DID NOT COMPLETELY DEPLOY. OVER HEAD STRAP HIT HEAD AND NECK AREA CAUSING SORENESS AND HEADACHE. DOOR AIR BAG CAUSED FRAGMENTS TO HIT HAND AND TORE OFF SKIN.I THOUGHT CAR WAS ON FIRE DUE TO SMOKE SMELL OF WIRES BURNING,REMOVED STRAP OFF NECK AND GOT OUT OF CAR. IF TRAFFIC HAD BEEN HEAVY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR WRECK. IF I… Look up ODI 10592639 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10649615 · 139,904 mi I WAS TRAVELING N/B ON ROUTE 1 IN ELKRIDGE MARYLAND @ INTERSECTION DUCKETTS LANE ON 10/9/14 @ 4:47 PM. I WAS INVOLVED IN A 4 CAR PILE UP CRASH, I WAS STOPPED - THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME WAS STRUCK BY A SPEEDING MOTORIST WHICH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION & STRUCK MY BMW AND KNOCKING ME INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS EXPLODED WITH CAUSED A SEVERE BURN TO MY RIGHT HAND. MY VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS AND THE AT-FAULT DRIVER'S INSURANCE HAS POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL WITH OTHER INJURIES… Look up ODI 10649615 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10659252 · 119,000 mi RE: BMW AIRBAG RECALL CAMPAIGN 14V428 UPON RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER. BMW'S AUTHORIZED AND FRANCHISED DEALERSHIP (CENTURY BMW IN GRENVILLE, SC ) INFORMED ME THAT BMW USA WOULD CONTACT US AS PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE. A MONTH PASSED SINCE RECEIVING THE INITIAL NHTSA 14V428 NOTICE (TANAKA AIRBAG) AND I HAD NO FOLLOW UP. THEREFORE, I CALLED CENTURY BMW AGAIN THIS MORNING : THIS TIME THEY TOOK MY INFO AND ARE ORDERING THE PARTS. BMW MAY A HAVE CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AS SOME PEOPLE ARE MOST LIKELY WAI… Look up ODI 10659252 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	70,000–115,988 mi	92,976 mi	12	ODI 10344930 · 70,000 mi REAL LIGHT ASSEMBLY (TURN SIGNAL, PARKING LIGHT BRAKE LIGHT) MALFUNCTIONS OCCASIONALLY AND NONE OF THE LIGHTS WORK THUS, POSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN VEHICLE IN MOTION, TURNING AND ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AT LEAST A YEAR. IT APPEARS THAT THE WIRE CONNECTOR IN THE ASSEMBLY IS BURNING OUT THUS CAUSING A SHORT, I HAVE TEMPORARILY REPAIRED THE PROBLEM MYSELF BY CLEANING THE BURNED PARTS OF THE WIRE AND RECONNECTING AND PROTECTING WITH ELECTRIC TAPE. TR Look up ODI 10344930 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10362231 · 50,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE CAUTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE BRAKE LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED SUDDENLY. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE REAR BULB SEVERAL TIME. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO SPEAK WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. Look up ODI 10362231 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10439132 · 80,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 3SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. AFTER CHECKING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, THE TAIL LIGHT APPEARED TO BE OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS). THE FAILURE M… Look up ODI 10439132 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	90,000–140,000 mi	100,000 mi	9	ODI 10438952 · 95,000 mi IN 2010 THE SUNROOF WENT BAD I TALKED TO A BMW DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEM, IN AUGUST OF 2011 I NOTICED THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS AND BLINKERS WERE NOT WORKING PROPER,NOR WAS MY HORN,AND THE DRIVERS WINDOW REGULATORS ARE BINDING UP, ALSO A BRAKE HOSE FROM MY BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE ENGINE IS COLLAPSED IN TWO SPOTS. ??TR Look up ODI 10438952 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10439773 · 90,000 mi PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND BOTH REAR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN. ALL THREE DOORS REMAINED LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE OPEN FROM INSIDE BY USING THE MECHANICAL HANDLES. NEITHER THE REMOTE KEY NOR THE REGULAR KEY WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. TR Look up ODI 10439773 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10456763 · 100,000 mi DOORS FAIL TO UNLOCK, EITHER USING THE KEYFOB, THE INSIDE BUTTON OR MANUALLY BY PULLING THE DOOR HANDLE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS OCCUPANTS ARE TRAPPED INSIDE. NO METHOD OF OPENING THE DOOR WORK. THIS APPEARS TO BE INTERMITTENT AND EVENTUALLY THE DOORS UNLOCK MECHANISM STARTS WORKING AGAIN. THE GM5 MODULE SEEMS AT FAULT. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. *TR Look up ODI 10456763 at NHTSA ↗
Latches/Locks/Linkages	Too few reports for a range	120,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10439773 · 90,000 mi PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND BOTH REAR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN. ALL THREE DOORS REMAINED LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE OPEN FROM INSIDE BY USING THE MECHANICAL HANDLES. NEITHER THE REMOTE KEY NOR THE REGULAR KEY WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. TR Look up ODI 10439773 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10472119 · 120,000 mi THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK WILL NOT WORK. THE DOOR STAYS LOCKED AND WHEN IT FIRST OCCURED THE PASSENGER HAD TO CRAWL OUT THE WINDOW. NEITHER THE ELECTRONIC KEY LOCK NOR THE PUSHBUTTON LOCK CONTROL ON THE CONSOLE WILL OPEN THE DOOR LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ALL OTHER LOCKS WORK FINE, INCLUDING THE TRUNK. THE MANUAL DOOR OPENER WILL NOT OPEN THE PASSENGER DOOR EITHER. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SINCE, IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGER WOULD BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. TR Look up ODI 10472119 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10614828 · 153,231 mi PASSENGER DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. ALL PASSENGERS COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR. PULLING ON THE DOOR HANDLES DID NOT OPEN OR UNLOCK THE DOORS. INTERIOR UNLOCK BUTTONS DID NOT WORK. UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB DID NOT WORK. THIS IS VERY COMMON ISSUE AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. 4 PASSENGERS HAD TO CRAWL OUT THE DRIVER DOOR. *TR Look up ODI 10614828 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	Too few reports for a range	125,634 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10514059 · 74,268 mi REAR SPRINGS WERE REPORTED AND REPLACED WITH BMW PARTS. AT 112,172 MILES (04/23/2013) THEY WERE REPORTED BROKEN AGAIN, BUT NOT REPLACED YET. REPORTED TO BMW OF NORTH AMERICA,LLC ON 05/14/2013 WHO FILED THE REPORT AND DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE. *TR Look up ODI 10514059 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10676843 · 177,000 mi ORIGINAR REQUEST CAR GONE FOR REPAIR: MAIN ISSUE; LEAK OF ANTI-FREE, PUMP ISSUE. HOSE REPLACEMENT. 2012 - PACKAGE RESULTS NO INCLUDED IN OUR ORIGINAL REQUESTS. SUSPENSION PROBLEM: TECH FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN. NOTE BY CAR'S OWNER: WE WHEN AHEAD AND REPLACED BOTH, ALTHOUGH AROUND 90% OF MY DRIVE IS IN HIGHWAYS AND MY FREQUENT PASSENGER IS ONLY A 3 YEAR OLD BOY. REPAIR COST: US$400.00 --------------------------------------- 2015- CAR BROUGHT OVER THE DEALERSHIP FOR "COMPUTER PROGRAMMING" AS SERVICE WAS NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHE… Look up ODI 10676843 at NHTSA ↗
Structure:Body	Too few reports for a range	134,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10472119 · 120,000 mi THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK WILL NOT WORK. THE DOOR STAYS LOCKED AND WHEN IT FIRST OCCURED THE PASSENGER HAD TO CRAWL OUT THE WINDOW. NEITHER THE ELECTRONIC KEY LOCK NOR THE PUSHBUTTON LOCK CONTROL ON THE CONSOLE WILL OPEN THE DOOR LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ALL OTHER LOCKS WORK FINE, INCLUDING THE TRUNK. THE MANUAL DOOR OPENER WILL NOT OPEN THE PASSENGER DOOR EITHER. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SINCE, IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGER WOULD BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. *TR Look up ODI 10472119 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10522498 · 148,000 mi DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, EITHER WITH THE INSIDE DOOR LATCH OR THE OUTSIDE LATCH. THE LOCK PLUNGER GOES UP AND DOWN NORMALLY WITH EITHER THE KEY, THE KEY REMOTE, OR THE INSIDE DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON, BUT IN NO CASE CAN EITHER DOOR LATCH OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. ALL OTHER DOORS OPERATE NORMALLY. THIS MAKES ENTERING OR EXITING THE CAR DIFFICULT, NECESSITATING EITHER CLIMBING IN/OUT THROUGH THE WINDOW OR BY CLIMBING ACROSS THE CONSOLE FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT. IF THERE WERE AN EMERGENCY, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE Q… Look up ODI 10522498 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	Too few reports for a range	123,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10436090 · 69,000 mi THE COOLING FAN BROKE LOOSE SPONTANEOUSLY AND FLEW THROUGH THE AIR CUTTING THROUGH THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND RIPPING THROUGH THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. MOMENTS PRIOR THE HOOD HAD BEEN OPEN WITH PEOPLE STANDING AROUND LOOKING AT THE HOSES. HAD THE FAN BROKE LOOSE AT THIS TIME, I WOULD HAVE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED PEOPLE. *TR Look up ODI 10436090 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10676843 · 177,000 mi ORIGINAR REQUEST CAR GONE FOR REPAIR: MAIN ISSUE; LEAK OF ANTI-FREE, PUMP ISSUE. HOSE REPLACEMENT. 2012 - PACKAGE RESULTS NO INCLUDED IN OUR ORIGINAL REQUESTS. SUSPENSION PROBLEM: TECH FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN. NOTE BY CAR'S OWNER: WE WHEN AHEAD AND REPLACED BOTH, ALTHOUGH AROUND 90% OF MY DRIVE IS IN HIGHWAYS AND MY FREQUENT PASSENGER IS ONLY A 3 YEAR OLD BOY. REPAIR COST: US$400.00 --------------------------------------- 2015- CAR BROUGHT OVER THE DEALERSHIP FOR "COMPUTER PROGRAMMING" AS SERVICE WAS NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHE… Look up ODI 10676843 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2013: 14 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2013	9	12	14
2023	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2013	20	0	1
2023	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags	Exterior Lighting	Electrical System	Latches/Locks/Linkages	Suspension	Structure:Body	Engine And Engine Cooling	Tires
Air Bags	—	0	1 ODI 10592639 · 140,000 mi TRAVELING SOUTH ON 75,DRIVER DOOR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. APPLIED BRAKES AND RAN OFF SIDE OFF ROAD TO KEEP FROM HAVING A CAR REAR END ME AND THEN RIGHT TIRE BLEW OUT DUE TO DROP OFF. CAR SHUT DOWN BY ITSELF. AIR BAGS DID NOT COMPLETELY DEPLOY. OVER HEAD STRAP HIT HEAD AND NECK AREA CAUSING SORENESS AND HEADACHE. DOOR AIR BAG CAUSED FRAGMENTS TO HIT HAND AND TORE OFF SKIN.I THOUGHT CAR WAS ON FIRE DUE TO SMOKE SMELL OF WIRES BURNING,REMOVED STRAP OFF NECK AND GOT OUT OF CAR. IF TRAFFIC HAD BEEN HEAVY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR WRECK. IF I… Look up ODI 10592639 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	1 ODI 10592639 · 140,000 mi TRAVELING SOUTH ON 75,DRIVER DOOR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. APPLIED BRAKES AND RAN OFF SIDE OFF ROAD TO KEEP FROM HAVING A CAR REAR END ME AND THEN RIGHT TIRE BLEW OUT DUE TO DROP OFF. CAR SHUT DOWN BY ITSELF. AIR BAGS DID NOT COMPLETELY DEPLOY. OVER HEAD STRAP HIT HEAD AND NECK AREA CAUSING SORENESS AND HEADACHE. DOOR AIR BAG CAUSED FRAGMENTS TO HIT HAND AND TORE OFF SKIN.I THOUGHT CAR WAS ON FIRE DUE TO SMOKE SMELL OF WIRES BURNING,REMOVED STRAP OFF NECK AND GOT OUT OF CAR. IF TRAFFIC HAD BEEN HEAVY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR WRECK. IF I… Look up ODI 10592639 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	3 ODI 10439773 · 90,000 mi PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND BOTH REAR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN. ALL THREE DOORS REMAINED LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE OPEN FROM INSIDE BY USING THE MECHANICAL HANDLES. NEITHER THE REMOTE KEY NOR THE REGULAR KEY WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. TR Look up ODI 10439773 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10532798 THE GENERAL MODULE 5 (GM5) IS ELECTRONIC HARDWARE THAT AMONGST OTHER FUNCTIONS PRIMARILY CONTROLS THE LOCKING AND UNLOCKING OF THE BMW E46'S. THIS MODULE HAS DECIDED TO STOP WORKING IN MY VEHICLE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE FROM ANY OF THE POSSIBLE OPTIONS (KEY FOB BUTTON, CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON, OR DOOR DOUBLE LOCKING HANDLE). THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT THE PASSENGERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO QUICKLY ESCAPE THE VEHICLE DUE TO INABILITY OF THE DOORS TO UNLOCK. AFTER THOROUGH RESEARCH I HAVE FOU… Look up ODI 10532798 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10614828 · 153,231 mi PASSENGER DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. ALL PASSENGERS COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR. PULLING ON THE DOOR HANDLES DID NOT OPEN OR UNLOCK THE DOORS. INTERIOR UNLOCK BUTTONS DID NOT WORK. UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB DID NOT WORK. THIS IS VERY COMMON ISSUE AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. 4 PASSENGERS HAD TO CRAWL OUT THE DRIVER DOOR. TR Look up ODI 10614828 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10522498 · 148,000 mi DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, EITHER WITH THE INSIDE DOOR LATCH OR THE OUTSIDE LATCH. THE LOCK PLUNGER GOES UP AND DOWN NORMALLY WITH EITHER THE KEY, THE KEY REMOTE, OR THE INSIDE DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON, BUT IN NO CASE CAN EITHER DOOR LATCH OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. ALL OTHER DOORS OPERATE NORMALLY. THIS MAKES ENTERING OR EXITING THE CAR DIFFICULT, NECESSITATING EITHER CLIMBING IN/OUT THROUGH THE WINDOW OR BY CLIMBING ACROSS THE CONSOLE FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT. IF THERE WERE AN EMERGENCY, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE Q… Look up ODI 10522498 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Latches/Locks/Linkages	0	0	3 ODI 10439773 · 90,000 mi PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND BOTH REAR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN. ALL THREE DOORS REMAINED LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE OPEN FROM INSIDE BY USING THE MECHANICAL HANDLES. NEITHER THE REMOTE KEY NOR THE REGULAR KEY WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. TR Look up ODI 10439773 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10532798 THE GENERAL MODULE 5 (GM5) IS ELECTRONIC HARDWARE THAT AMONGST OTHER FUNCTIONS PRIMARILY CONTROLS THE LOCKING AND UNLOCKING OF THE BMW E46'S. THIS MODULE HAS DECIDED TO STOP WORKING IN MY VEHICLE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE FROM ANY OF THE POSSIBLE OPTIONS (KEY FOB BUTTON, CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON, OR DOOR DOUBLE LOCKING HANDLE). THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT THE PASSENGERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO QUICKLY ESCAPE THE VEHICLE DUE TO INABILITY OF THE DOORS TO UNLOCK. AFTER THOROUGH RESEARCH I HAVE FOU… Look up ODI 10532798 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10614828 · 153,231 mi PASSENGER DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. ALL PASSENGERS COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR. PULLING ON THE DOOR HANDLES DID NOT OPEN OR UNLOCK THE DOORS. INTERIOR UNLOCK BUTTONS DID NOT WORK. UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB DID NOT WORK. THIS IS VERY COMMON ISSUE AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. 4 PASSENGERS HAD TO CRAWL OUT THE DRIVER DOOR. TR Look up ODI 10614828 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	1 ODI 10472119 · 120,000 mi THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK WILL NOT WORK. THE DOOR STAYS LOCKED AND WHEN IT FIRST OCCURED THE PASSENGER HAD TO CRAWL OUT THE WINDOW. NEITHER THE ELECTRONIC KEY LOCK NOR THE PUSHBUTTON LOCK CONTROL ON THE CONSOLE WILL OPEN THE DOOR LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ALL OTHER LOCKS WORK FINE, INCLUDING THE TRUNK. THE MANUAL DOOR OPENER WILL NOT OPEN THE PASSENGER DOOR EITHER. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SINCE, IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGER WOULD BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. *TR Look up ODI 10472119 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Suspension	0	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 10577907 BMW DID NOT PROPERLY DESIGN THE REAR FLOOR OF THE CAR BODY WHERE IT SUPPORTS THE REAR SUBFRAME. AS A RESULT UNDER NORMAL DRIVING, MANY OF THE BMW E46 3-SERIES CARS (325, 323, 330, IN THE I, CI, OR CIC TRIMS, EXAMPLE 325CI OR 330I) SUFFER FROM TORN SHEET METAL WHERE THE REAR SUBFRAME ATTACHES TO THE BODY. THIS EVENTUALLY CAUSES A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AS THE REAR SUBFRAME AND ASSOCIATED SUSPENSION CAN SEPARATELY ENTIRELY FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND SEVERE CRASH. THIS CAN AFFECT ANY E46 3-SERIES CAR BUT IS MOST COMMON IN MOD… Look up ODI 10577907 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10676843 · 177,000 mi ORIGINAR REQUEST CAR GONE FOR REPAIR: MAIN ISSUE; LEAK OF ANTI-FREE, PUMP ISSUE. HOSE REPLACEMENT. 2012 - PACKAGE RESULTS NO INCLUDED IN OUR ORIGINAL REQUESTS. SUSPENSION PROBLEM: TECH FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN. NOTE BY CAR'S OWNER: WE WHEN AHEAD AND REPLACED BOTH, ALTHOUGH AROUND 90% OF MY DRIVE IS IN HIGHWAYS AND MY FREQUENT PASSENGER IS ONLY A 3 YEAR OLD BOY. REPAIR COST: US$400.00 --------------------------------------- 2015- CAR BROUGHT OVER THE DEALERSHIP FOR "COMPUTER PROGRAMMING" AS SERVICE WAS NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHE… Look up ODI 10676843 at NHTSA ↗	0
Structure:Body	0	0	1 ODI 10522498 · 148,000 mi DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, EITHER WITH THE INSIDE DOOR LATCH OR THE OUTSIDE LATCH. THE LOCK PLUNGER GOES UP AND DOWN NORMALLY WITH EITHER THE KEY, THE KEY REMOTE, OR THE INSIDE DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON, BUT IN NO CASE CAN EITHER DOOR LATCH OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. ALL OTHER DOORS OPERATE NORMALLY. THIS MAKES ENTERING OR EXITING THE CAR DIFFICULT, NECESSITATING EITHER CLIMBING IN/OUT THROUGH THE WINDOW OR BY CLIMBING ACROSS THE CONSOLE FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT. IF THERE WERE AN EMERGENCY, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE Q… Look up ODI 10522498 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10472119 · 120,000 mi THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK WILL NOT WORK. THE DOOR STAYS LOCKED AND WHEN IT FIRST OCCURED THE PASSENGER HAD TO CRAWL OUT THE WINDOW. NEITHER THE ELECTRONIC KEY LOCK NOR THE PUSHBUTTON LOCK CONTROL ON THE CONSOLE WILL OPEN THE DOOR LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ALL OTHER LOCKS WORK FINE, INCLUDING THE TRUNK. THE MANUAL DOOR OPENER WILL NOT OPEN THE PASSENGER DOOR EITHER. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SINCE, IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGER WOULD BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. *TR Look up ODI 10472119 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10577907 BMW DID NOT PROPERLY DESIGN THE REAR FLOOR OF THE CAR BODY WHERE IT SUPPORTS THE REAR SUBFRAME. AS A RESULT UNDER NORMAL DRIVING, MANY OF THE BMW E46 3-SERIES CARS (325, 323, 330, IN THE I, CI, OR CIC TRIMS, EXAMPLE 325CI OR 330I) SUFFER FROM TORN SHEET METAL WHERE THE REAR SUBFRAME ATTACHES TO THE BODY. THIS EVENTUALLY CAUSES A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AS THE REAR SUBFRAME AND ASSOCIATED SUSPENSION CAN SEPARATELY ENTIRELY FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND SEVERE CRASH. THIS CAN AFFECT ANY E46 3-SERIES CAR BUT IS MOST COMMON IN MOD… Look up ODI 10577907 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10676843 · 177,000 mi ORIGINAR REQUEST CAR GONE FOR REPAIR: MAIN ISSUE; LEAK OF ANTI-FREE, PUMP ISSUE. HOSE REPLACEMENT. 2012 - PACKAGE RESULTS NO INCLUDED IN OUR ORIGINAL REQUESTS. SUSPENSION PROBLEM: TECH FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN. NOTE BY CAR'S OWNER: WE WHEN AHEAD AND REPLACED BOTH, ALTHOUGH AROUND 90% OF MY DRIVE IS IN HIGHWAYS AND MY FREQUENT PASSENGER IS ONLY A 3 YEAR OLD BOY. REPAIR COST: US$400.00 --------------------------------------- 2015- CAR BROUGHT OVER THE DEALERSHIP FOR "COMPUTER PROGRAMMING" AS SERVICE WAS NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHE… Look up ODI 10676843 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0
Tires	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

3 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 2.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 117,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11220395 · 117,000 mi

BRAKE LIGHTS ON BOTH SIDES GETS STUCK ON ONCE THE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THIS PRODUCES NO ERROR CODES. I WAS TOLD IT COULD BE THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE SENSOR SWITCH. I CHANGED THIS AND IT DID NOTHING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO OTHER DRIVERS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT SURE IF THE CAR IS BRAKING AS THE LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AND WILL BURN OUT THE BULBS AND MELT THE HOUSING IF CONSTANTLY ON. THIS CAN BE REPRODUCED EITHER WHILE PARKED OR IN MOTION.

Look up ODI 11220395 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 2.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11074692

2003 BMW 325I LOW FUEL STALL

Look up ODI 11074692 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 2.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10439132 · 80,000 mi

Look up ODI 10439132 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b