U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Bmw M3: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

54 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

70,750 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 38 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 14 of 54 complaints (25.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	11	20.4%
Braking behavior	4	7.4%
Steering behavior	3	5.6%
Engine operation	2	3.7%
Electrical and battery issues	2	3.7%
Fuel system concerns	2	3.7%

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

Power Train

Power Train:Manual Transmission

Suspension

Electrical System

Engine

Exterior Lighting

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Air Bags: 14; Power Train: 5; Power Train:Manual Transmission: 5; Suspension: 4; Electrical System: 3; Engine: 3; Exterior Lighting: 3; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 3

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: 11; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 12; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 2

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 16 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.

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2025

2026

2002: 1; 2003: 3; 2004: 7; 2005: 2; 2006: 1; 2008: 1; 2009: 4; 2010: 1; 2011: 8; 2012: 4; 2013: 1; 2014: 3; 2015: 1; 2016: 8; 2017: 2; 2018: 1; 2019: 4; 2025: 1; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 11 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 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 10021313 · 2003-06-09 (June 9, 2003)

MY CAR WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE RESULTING IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR BEING INDENTED 11" FROM IT'S NORMAL POSITION. THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR WAS ABOUT 2 INCHES FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. BMW INVESTIGATED THE CAR AND SAID THAT THE ANGLE ON IMPACT WAS FROM BACK TO FRONT WHICH DID NOT TRIGGER THE AIR BAG. THE BODY SHOP, THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATOR ALL SAID THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10021313 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10028346 · 2003-07-15 (July 15, 2003)

BMW M3 2003 WITH SMG TRANSMISSION SURGES BADLY IN FIRST GEAR OCCASIONALLY WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE. THIS IS QUITE DISCONCERTING WHEN TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AND THE AUTO WON'T ACCELLERATE PROPERLY.

Owner-reported narrative. 25 miles reported. Look up ODI 10028346 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10030443 · 2003-07-30 (July 30, 2003)

I HAVE A 2003 BMW M3. JUST THIS WEEK A COVER (PART#51717892955) ON THE UNDER CARRIAGE BROKE. BMW MADE IT OUT OF PLASTIC (WHY?). THE SERVICE MANAGERS SAY A ROCK OR BUMP COULD CAUSE THIS PART TO BREAK IN TWO PARTS. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. WHEN THE PART BROKE IT WENT IN TO THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND ANOTHER CAR RAN OVER IT. I'M UNSURE IF ANY DAMAGE OCCURED TO THE VEHICLE. I CALLED THE BMW SERVICE MANAGER AND HE INFORMED ME THAT HE SEES 3 OR 4 BMW M3S A WEEK WITH THIS BROKEN COVER. THIS PART BEING BROKEN WILL NOT AFFECT THE CARS DRIVAB…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10030443 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10058376 · 2004-02-18 (February 18, 2004)

THE FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY WHEN TANK IS FULL. AFTER INVESTIGATING LOUD NOISES FROM THE TRUNK AREA, I DISCOVERED THAT THE GAS TANK HAS IMPLODED, AND THE COMPONENTS WITHIN HAVE BEEN DESTROYED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES, AND EVERYTIME THEY THINK THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM, SOON AGAIN THE SAME THING HAPPENS.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 3,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10058376 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10081574 · 2004-07-08 (July 8, 2004)

STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT TIGHTENED TO THE POINT THAT WHEN MAKING A TURN IT WAS HARD TO TURN. ITS WAS AS IF SOMETHING WAS HOLDING ON TO IT.*AK THIS OCCURRENCE HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY

Owner-reported narrative. 23,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10081574 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10086688 · 2004-08-12 (August 12, 2004)

2004 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE. I WAS ON MY WAY HOME AND DECIDED TO PUT THE TOP DOWN. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR APPROX. 6 MONTHS AND HAVE PERFORMED THIS OPERATION A COUNTLESS NUMBER OF TIMES (I LIVE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA). I WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH WHEN I LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW AND NOTICED THAT THE STOWAGE LID WAS COMPLETELY UP. I PULLED OVER AND PERFORMED THE OPERATION, BUT IT WOULD NOT CLOSE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED SOS AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO ASSIST ME. ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, I TOOK THE CAR TO BEVERLY HILLS BMW WHERE THEY INSPECTED THE CAR …

Owner-reported narrative. 6,430 miles reported. Look up ODI 10086688 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10087533 · 2004-08-09 (August 9, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A BLOW OUT. MECHANIC REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 7,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10087533 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10095288 · 2004-10-06 (October 6, 2004)

CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING PROPERLY. HE TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE. VEHICLE WAS MAKING A GRINDING/HUMMING NOISE. DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT LET HIM DRIVE VEHICLE OUT OF THE SHOP BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS DANGEROUS. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON VEHICLE CONCERNING CONNECTING ROD BEING DEFECTIVE. IT COULD BREAK OR BEND, WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY . DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT THEY WERE FORCED TO KEEP HIS VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD NOT RECEIVED A RECALL IN TH…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10095288 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

03V160000 · Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls

Reported: 2003-04-29 (April 29, 2003)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE MIGHT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.

Consequence: OCCUPANTS COULD BE PINCHED BY A WINDOW THAT IS BEING CLOSED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 27, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

13V172000 · Air Bags

Reported: 2013-05-02 (May 2, 2013)

BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

NHTSA campaign record ↗

14V428000 · Air Bags

Reported: 2018-06-11 (June 11, 2018)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

NHTSA campaign record ↗

15V318000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2015-05-28 (May 28, 2015)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could 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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

20V018000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant 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 passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

54 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

70.4%Usable mileage38 / 54 records

100.0%Valid incident date54 / 54 records

100.0%Valid filing date54 / 54 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates54 / 54 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	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2021	2022	2023	2025
Air Bags	619.4% ODI 10654689 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT FLICKERED WHILE THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED OR UNOCCUPIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. … Look up ODI 10654689 at NHTSA ↗	466.7% ODI 10934302 · 63,000 mi TAKATA RECALL IS TAKING TOO LONG TO REPLACE MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG IN MY 2012 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE. I CALLED RUSNAK BMW IN WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA IN NOVEMBER 2016 FOR A STATUS UPDATE AS TO WHY THEY STILL HAVE NOT CONTACTED ME TO REPLACE MY DRIVER'S SIDE TAKATA AIRBAG DESPITE A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH OF 2016. THEY INDICATED THEY HAVE NOT GOTTEN TO MY MODEL YEAR AND THAT REPLACEMENT TAKATA AIRBAGS ARE NOT COMING AS QUICKLY AS THEY SHOULD. Look up ODI 10934302 at NHTSA ↗	753.8% ODI 10873743 · 9,000 mi TAKATA RECALL AIRBAG BMW TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE CAR TO PARK IT AND THEY WANT TO GIVE ME RENTAL. UNKNOW HOW LONG FOR REPAIR I LEASE CAR AT $1245 PER MONTH WAY SHOULD I GET A LESSER CAR AND CONTINUE MY PAYMENTS .I HAVE 2 YEARS LEFT I WANT TO TRADE IT IN FOR THE SAME VALUE ON A M4 SHOULDNT THEY GIVE ME THE SAME DEAL TO GET ME OUT OF MY LEASE.. FLORIDA HAS A HIGHER RISK BECAUSEOF THE HEAT FOR THE AIR BAG TO EXPLODE. IM 5FT 1 AND IM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR... I HAVENT DRIVEN IT SINCE THEY TOLD ME ABOUT RECALL ..I HAPPEN TO BRING CAR FOR SERVICE OR I WO… Look up ODI 10873743 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable 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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11611304 Unknown. I was driving home when I get a message stating “passenger restraint system malfunction” Look up ODI 11611304 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.
Engine	1651.6% ODI 10626663 · 35,150 mi TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE GRADUALLY GOT LOUDER. OIL WARNING THAT IT WAS LOW ON OIL. ADDED OIL, STILL SAID IT WAS LOW, THEN SAID IT WAS TOO MUCH. THEN SAID IT WAS LOW (PARTICLES FROM BEARINGS WERE CLOGGED IN OIL SENSOR GIVING FALSE READING). FINALLY PARKED CAR WHEN NOISE WAS SO GREAT THAT I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP. ROD BEARS DISINTEGRATED ON CYLINDERS 2 AND 5. HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. *TR Look up ODI 10626663 at NHTSA ↗	233.3% ODI 10779100 · 24,600 mi DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, SHIFTED FROM 1ST GEAR TO SECOND GEAR AND AT 4000 RPMS, THE CAR STOPPED. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. TOWED CARD TO DEALER AND IT NEEDED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. Look up ODI 10779100 at NHTSA ↗	430.8% ODI 10821362 · 3,100 mi VEHICLE HAS 3,100 MILES ON IT. I STOPPED TO GET FUEL AND ON THE WAY BACK HOME THE ENGINE STARTED TO MISFIRE HEAVILY, THEN STALL OUT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET REAR ENDED. LUCKILY THE CAR STARTED BUT FELT LIKE IT HAD ONLY 10% OF THE POWER, BMW TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT TO THE NEAREST SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THEY CALLED ME THE NEXT DAY TO TELL MY MY ENGINE HAS FAILED. IM NOT SURE HOW IN 3,100 WELL CARED FOR MILES THE ENGINE WOULD FAIL, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET REAR-ENDED IN TRAFFIC. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT BMW COULD RELEASE … Look up ODI 10821362 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 11289890 · 95,000 mi CRANK HUB SPUN TIMING SPROCKET CAUSING VALVES TO IMPACT PISTON AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. QUOTED MORE THAN $10K OUT OF POCKET TO REPAIR. THIS IS CAUSED DUE TO POOR CRANK HUB DESIGN. CAR COMPANIES HAVE BEEN USING KEYED CRANKHUBS FOR GENERATIONS BUT BMW DECIDED TO NOT USED A KEYED HUB.. THIS IS VERY NEGLIGENT CONSIDERING HOW MANY OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO THIS. Look up ODI 11289890 at NHTSA ↗	360.0% ODI 11289880 · 28,000 mi THE CRANKHUB ON THESE CARS ARE TICKING TIME BOMBS AND IS LIKELY TO FAIL JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY FORCING HUGE REPAIR BILLS. IN SOME CASES, A "LUCKY" FEW JUST NEED TO BE RETIMED AND ONLY REQUIRE 18 HOURS OF LABOR. HOWEVER, OTHERS HAVE NOT BEEN SO LUCKY AND HAVE REQUIRED AN ALL-NEW ENGINE. THIS IS AN ISSUE BMW IS FULLY AWARE OF BUT HAS NOT TAKEN RESPONSBILITY FOR THEIR INSUFFICIENT ENGINEERING. Look up ODI 11289880 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	222.2% ODI 11289976 · 8,000 mi CRANK HUB WILL BE PRONE TO SPIN AND THEREFORE WILL DESTROY ENGINE WHICH WILL REQUIRE A FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *TR Look up ODI 11289976 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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	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.	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.	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.
Power Train	412.9% ODI 10438472 · 10,000 mi CLUNKING NOISE AND VIBRATION WHEN TURNING RIGHT FROM A STOP IN COOLER TEMPERATURES. *TR Look up ODI 10438472 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	323.1% ODI 11000438 · 7 mi TAKATA RECALL. REASONABLE TIME HAS PASSED SINCE THE AIRBAG RECALL. BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD AS TO WHEN THIS SAFETY ISSUE WILL BE RESOLVED.EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR I FEEL I AM RISKING MY LIFE OR CHANCE FOR SERIOUS INJURY. BMW HAS BEEN COMPLETELY NEGLIGENT WITH REGARDS TO RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. BMW SHOULD TEMPORARILY REMEDY THE SITUATION BY REPLACING THE CAR WITH A SIMILAR VEHICLE. I NEED THIS TO BE RESOLVED NOW!!!. ALSO THE DRIVE TRAIN HAS A CLUNKING NOISE OF WHICH I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING SINCE NEW. THEY HAVE MADE TEMPORARY ADJUSTMENT BUT THE PROB… Look up ODI 11000438 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 11232137 · 48,234 mi KEEP HEARING A KNOCKING SOUND ON DRIVER SIDE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. FEELING VIBRATION UNDER CAR UNDER ACCELERATING AND BREAKING. CARBON FIBER ROOF LAMINATE PEELING OFF. Look up ODI 11232137 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 11289976 · 8,000 mi CRANK HUB WILL BE PRONE TO SPIN AND THEREFORE WILL DESTROY ENGINE WHICH WILL REQUIRE A FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *TR Look up ODI 11289976 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11714063 I am reporting a safety-related failure involving the clutch system on my 2022 BMW M3. At approximately 26,000 miles when I purchased, I began experiencing clutch-related issues, including slipping and abnormal engagement. I brought the vehicle to the BMW dealership on two separate occasions to report these concerns, but the dealership dismissed the issue and did not document or inspect the clutch. At approximately 33,000 miles, while driving on the freeway, the clutch failed to properly engage and would not catch gears, creating an unsafe dr… Look up ODI 11714063 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11669571 Car was parked and turned off in our driveway and it rolled backwards down the driveway and into the street Look up ODI 11669571 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	722.6% ODI 10661151 · 44,000 mi 2011 BMW DCT M3 ENGINE TURNS OFF BY IT SELF WHILE DRIVING THROUGH INTERSECTION. TRANSMISSION GOES INTO NEUTRAL. "N" POPS UP ON THE CENTER COCKPIT. STEERING WHEEL LOCK. BRAKES WORK. HAD TO MAINTAIN FOOT ON BRAKES. HAVE TO PUSH "ENGINE START" BUTTON. CAR STARTS UP AGAIN. ENGINE STALLING AND SHUTTING OFF IS A SAFETY HAZARD, ESPECIALLY IF THE CAR IS IN MOTION. COULD CAUSE DEATH TO END USERS OR OTHER PEOPLE. CAN CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGES AS WELL. THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE WITHIN A 8 WEEK PERIOD. MOST RECENTLY ON NOV 26,2014 APPROXIMATELY 430… Look up ODI 10661151 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	215.4% ODI 10910460 · 20,000 mi WHEN I ACCELERATE QUICKLY AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN I GET A GREEN LIGHT, THE ENGINE LOOSES ALL POWER BUT KEEPS RUNNING. BMW HAS NO IDEA AS NO CODES ARE BEING SAVED WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE GENERAL MANAGER SAID IT PROBABLY COMPUTER PART BUT WE MAY NEVER KNOW. Look up ODI 10910460 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11301469 · 6,352 mi VEHICLE IS A 2017 BMW M3 WITH 6352 MILES. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE THE VEHICLE HAD STARTED AND HAD BEEN OPERATING NORMALLY THE DAY PRIOR. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND WOULD NOT START.IT WAS CLEAR THERE WAS NO POWER GETTING TO THE ELECTRONICS EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY WAS FULLY CHARGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TRANSPORTED BY FLATBED TRUCK TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP INVESTIGATED THE ROOT CAUSE AND FOUND THE PRIMARY BATTERY CABLE CONNECTOR TO THE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION BOX HAD FAILED WHERE THERE WAS NO LONG… Look up ODI 11301469 at NHTSA ↗	111.1% ODI 11759039 While driving, suddenly, with no warning smoke came from under the hood. I got off the road and turned off car immediately. Luckily, since I did turn off the car so quickly, it did not burst into flames but did create a fire within the engine. I have video of fire damage and BMW quote on repair stating fire damage. As in the past with BMW, there is a documented history of PCV-heater fires. NHTSA Recall 22V-119 states the BMW PCV valve heaters can short circuit, overheat and cause a fire. Look up ODI 11759039 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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Manual Transmission	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.	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.	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.
Unknown Or Other	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.	125.0% ODI 11341883 REAR VIEW CAMERA STOPPED WORKING, SCREEN DISPLAYS "NO SIGNAL". FUSE DID NOT BLOW. Look up ODI 11341883 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 11099977 · 3,000 mi I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN TO THE SERVICE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE I'VE PURCHASED THE CAR BACK IN NOV. 2016. I NOTICED A CLUNKING AND JOLTING SENSATION FROM MY REAR AXLE WHICH I KNEW WAS NOT NORMAL. THE DEALER AFTER DIAGNOSING THE ISSUE TOLD ME IT IS NORMAL AND THERE ISN'T AN ISSUE AT ALL. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH ONLINE AND PERSONAL FRUSTRATION KNOWING I'M PAYING FOR A NEW CAR WHICH DOESN'T FEEL NEW AT ALL, I FOUND THE ATTACHED RECALL NOTICE. MY CAR HAS A PRODUCTION DATE OF MAY 20, 2016 WHICH FALLS IN BETWEEN THE TIMELINE MENTIONED IN THE AT… Look up ODI 11099977 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	222.2% ODI 11193822 · 13,500 mi HELLO, I HAVE A 2018 BMW M3 THAT IS ABOUT 12 MONTHS OLD. THERE WAS A SIRIUS XM (SATELLITE RADIO) TRIAL PERIOD OF 1 YEAR, AND NOW THAT IT IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE, THERE IS AN ADVERTISEMENT IN MY NAVIGATION WINDOW THAT COMES UP EVERY TIME I TURN ON THE CAR, THAT HAS TO BE CLEARED VIA PRESSING "OK" OR ELSE IT DOESN'T GO AWAY. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT IF I TURN ON THE CAR AND GO INTO REVERSE, THE REVERSE CAMERA WILL SHOW BUT GETS INTERRUPTED BY THE SIRIUS XM ADVERTISEMENT, AND DOESN'T COME BACK UNTIL THE ADVERTISEMENT TO RENEW IS MANUALLY CLEARED O… Look up ODI 11193822 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 11728419 Sunroof shattered while driving, no impact from outside. Look up ODI 11728419 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 11733289 I just did a software update for my 2025 M3 and all settings were lost. Most of this is a customer inconvenience, but brake auto hold was turned off so imagine my surprise when I took my foot off the brake and my car rolled forward. Thankfully I was paying attention or there could have been an accident. I rely on auto hold to keep my car stopped even when my foot is off the brake. Look up ODI 11733289 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	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.	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.	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.

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	59,257–117,249 mi	90,000 mi	7	ODI 10021313 · 5,000 mi MY CAR WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE RESULTING IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR BEING INDENTED 11" FROM IT'S NORMAL POSITION. THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR WAS ABOUT 2 INCHES FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. BMW INVESTIGATED THE CAR AND SAID THAT THE ANGLE ON IMPACT WAS FROM BACK TO FRONT WHICH DID NOT TRIGGER THE AIR BAG. THE BODY SHOP, THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATOR ALL SAID THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. JB Look up ODI 10021313 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10475478 · 99,647 mi MY CAR WAS IN A COLLISION WHERE THE DRIVER OF CAR 1 WAS MAKING A TURN INTO THE MAIN STREET , SHE TURNED TOO WIDE AND COULD NOT COMPLETE THE TURN AND DECIDED TO BACK UP..SHE SLAMMED INTO MY CAR ,DAMAGE WAS LEFT FRONT BUMPER ,BROKEN PARKING LIGHT, DAMAGE LEFT FRONT FENDER , XENON HEADLIGHT MODULE,(CAUSES THE LEFT HEAD LIGHT TO TURN OF SOMETIMES) AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON , DIAGNOSIS FOUND DRIVERS SEAT BELT TENSIONER FAULT ,SINCE THERE WAS THE IMPACT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE DRIVER OF CAR 1 WAS CITED FOR HE INCIDENT AND ALSO FOR DRIVING O… Look up ODI 10475478 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10649507 · 55,000 mi I WAS IN A SERIOUS AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT INVOLVING A 2003 BMW M3. I SUSTAINED SERIOUS FACIAL TRAUMA THAT RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF VISION IN MY LEFT EYE. I HAD FACIAL STITCHES AS WELL AFTER THE ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE THAT DEBRIS WAS DISCHARGED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. 2 SURGERIES WERE REQUIRED AFTER THE ACCIDENT TO REPAIR DAMAGES WITH NO VISION RESTORED IN MY LEFT EYE. IT WAS A FRONTAL IMPACT WITH A SOLID OBJECT. TR Look up ODI 10649507 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	10,320–119,000 mi	93,000 mi	5	ODI 10471564 · 93,000 mi WHILE DRIVING ON A RELATIVELY HOT DAY (92 DEGREES F), MY VEHICLE'S SMG (SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEARBOX) MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TURNED ON AND I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY DROPPING OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL OR "0" FOR 6-15 SECONDS AT A TIME. WHEN OUT OF GEAR, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. ON ONE INSTANCE OF DROPPING OUT OF GEAR, I WAS TURNING RIGHT AT AROUND 10-15 MPH WHEN I FOUND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND AN ONCOMING VEHICLE ALMOST RAN INTO ME. SINCE THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THIS, THIS TYPE OF "STALLING" HAS HAPPENED MU… Look up ODI 10471564 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10604983 · 120,000 mi WHILE TURNING AT A SLOW SPEED LEFT OR RIGHT THE DIFFERENTIAL BEGINS TO MAKE GRINDING AND CLUNKING NOISE. INSPECTION II SERVICE HAS ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED IN WHICH THE DIFF FLUID IS REPLACED. HOWEVER, IF TURNING A HARD RIGHT OR HARD LEFT THE REAR TIRE BEGINS TO VIBRATE AND FEELS LIKE ITS RUNNING OVER A BUMP. *TR Look up ODI 10604983 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11032048 · 1 mi REAR SUBFRAME STRUCTURAL DAMAGE PER CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BACCA V. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC, CASE NO. [XXX]. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE FOR MAINTENACE REPAIRS AND INSPECTION AT A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP AND NOTIFIED ME THAT THERE IS EVIDENCE OF REAR SUBFRAME DAMAGE DURING THEIR INSPECTION. BMW DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF THIS VERY TYPICAL ISSUE OF THEIR BMW 3 SERIES MODELS 1999-2006. THIS IS NOT A TYPICAL ISSUE IN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING AND SHOULD BE CONTINUED TO BE ADDRESS BY BMW NORTH AMERICA DUE TO THE COMPROMISE OF SAFETY TO THE OWNERS AND THE PUBLI… Look up ODI 11032048 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Manual Transmission	Too few reports for a range	36,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10136186 · 11,000 mi I AM THE OWNER OF A 2003 M3 EQUIPPED WITH THE SMG-II TRANSMISSION [XXX]. FOR THE PAST YEAR (SINCE THE CAR ACCRUED ABOUT 11,000 MILES), THE CAR HAS, WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY, FAILED TO MAKE THE SHIFT FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR UNDER HARD ACCELERATION. INSTEAD, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE FREE-REVS OFTEN PAST RED-LINE. THE RESULT IS THAT THE CAR LOSES ACCELERATION (DRAMATICALLY IF THE FUEL IS CUT-OFF WHEN THE RED-LINE IS PASSED), BUT BECAUSE THE DRIVER'S FOOT IS ON THE GAS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE. THIS RECENTLY N… Look up ODI 10136186 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10408587 · 61,000 mi BMW M3'S WITH SMG TRANSMISSION 2002-2006. ON HOT DAYS THE TRANSMISSION WITH "POP" OUT OF GEAR AND INTO NEUTRAL FOR ABOUT 15-30 SECONDS BEFORE REENGAGING INTO THE APPROPRIATE GEAR. THIS JUST LEAVES THE CAR HELPLESS COASTING DOWN THE STREET.THIS HAS HAPPENED EVERY DAY FOR THE PAST WEEK AND TODAY THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A BUSY INTERSECTION AND AN ONCOMING VEHICLE HAD TO "BRAKE N SWERVE" TO AVOID T-BONING ME. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT US BMW OWNERS HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET BMW TO ACKNOWLEDGE FOR YEARS BUT THEY ACT LIKE ITS NOT… Look up ODI 10408587 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	Too few reports for a range	90,931 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10394529 · 85,000 mi I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. DURING THEIR VEHICLE INSPECTION, THEY DISCOVERED THE REAR COIL SPRINGS HAD BROKEN WHERE THEY SEAT AT THE BOTTOM. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, BECAUSE WATER GETS INTO THIS AREA AND THERE ARE NO DRAIN HOLES, CAUSING THE SPRINGS TO RUST AND BREAK. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN ERROR, LEADING TO BROKEN SPRINGS AND A POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING SITUATION. Look up ODI 10394529 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10453234 · 96,861 mi I CURRENTLY OWN A 2003 BMW M3 COUPE, MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN RACED OR TAKEN TO THE TRACK AND HAS SEEN MOSTLY CITY DRIVING. ALL SUSPENSION COMPONENTS ARE STOCK OR OEM REPLACEMENT PARTS. UPON INSPECTION OF THE CAR, A TRAINED TECHNICIAN FOUND HAIRLINE FRACTURES STARTING FROM THE SPOT WELDS ON THE REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME MOUNTING POINTS RENDERING THE VEHICLE STATIONARY UNTIL EXPENSIVE REINFORCING PLATES CAN BE WELDED INTO THE TRUNK. IF A CAR COMPANY MAKES STREET-LEGAL RACE CARS AND MARKETS THEM TO THE PUBLIC IN THAT WAY IT SEEM… Look up ODI 10453234 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11032048 · 1 mi REAR SUBFRAME STRUCTURAL DAMAGE PER CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BACCA V. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC, CASE NO. [XXX]. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE FOR MAINTENACE REPAIRS AND INSPECTION AT A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP AND NOTIFIED ME THAT THERE IS EVIDENCE OF REAR SUBFRAME DAMAGE DURING THEIR INSPECTION. BMW DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF THIS VERY TYPICAL ISSUE OF THEIR BMW 3 SERIES MODELS 1999-2006. THIS IS NOT A TYPICAL ISSUE IN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING AND SHOULD BE CONTINUED TO BE ADDRESS BY BMW NORTH AMERICA DUE TO THE COMPROMISE OF SAFETY TO THE OWNERS AND THE PUBLI… Look up ODI 11032048 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	89,655 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10745533 · 81,310 mi WINDOWS WERE CLOSED. THERE HAD BEEN A LIGHT RAIN. TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 90 DEGREES F. DOORS WERE UNLOCKED. UPON SHUTTING THE IGNITION KEY OFF IN A PARKING LOT, BOTH DOORS LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY AND IMMEDIATELY. LOCK BUTTON ON CONSOLE WAS NOT PUSHED. BOTH DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN, BY USE OF THE BUTTONS ON THE KEYS OR BY THE CONSOLE BUTTON. TWO DIFFERENT KEYS WERE TRIED. THE DOOR HANDLES MOVED, BUT WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS. I DON'T BELIEVE THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES WOULD HAVE OPENED THE DOORS EITHER BECAUSE THE DOORS WERE "LOCKED" . THE INSIDE… Look up ODI 10745533 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11246068 · 98,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORTED OUT AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL DEVICES FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE ENGINE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND LOST POWER. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW BATTERY WAS NEEDED AND A PART ON THE FUSE BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE VIN WAS UNK… Look up ODI 11246068 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	98,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10471564 · 93,000 mi WHILE DRIVING ON A RELATIVELY HOT DAY (92 DEGREES F), MY VEHICLE'S SMG (SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEARBOX) MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TURNED ON AND I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY DROPPING OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL OR "0" FOR 6-15 SECONDS AT A TIME. WHEN OUT OF GEAR, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. ON ONE INSTANCE OF DROPPING OUT OF GEAR, I WAS TURNING RIGHT AT AROUND 10-15 MPH WHEN I FOUND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND AN ONCOMING VEHICLE ALMOST RAN INTO ME. SINCE THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THIS, THIS TYPE OF "STALLING" HAS HAPPENED MU… Look up ODI 10471564 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10604982 · 120,000 mi P133 CODE HAS COME UP AFTER DRIVING 100 MILES. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL MECHANIC IN WHICH HE REPLACED ALL OXYGEN SENSORS. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE CODE CAME BACK UP. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE MECHANIC IN WHICH HE SAID IT HAS TO DO WITH A FAULTY ECM. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO FAIL SMOG TEST UNLESS I ERASE THE CODE. THE ECM HAS ALREADY BEEN REFLASHED BY BMW BACK IN 2012. TR Look up ODI 10604982 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11246068 · 98,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORTED OUT AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL DEVICES FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE ENGINE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND LOST POWER. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW BATTERY WAS NEEDED AND A PART ON THE FUSE BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE VIN WAS UNK… Look up ODI 11246068 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	95,824 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10475478 · 99,647 mi MY CAR WAS IN A COLLISION WHERE THE DRIVER OF CAR 1 WAS MAKING A TURN INTO THE MAIN STREET , SHE TURNED TOO WIDE AND COULD NOT COMPLETE THE TURN AND DECIDED TO BACK UP..SHE SLAMMED INTO MY CAR ,DAMAGE WAS LEFT FRONT BUMPER ,BROKEN PARKING LIGHT, DAMAGE LEFT FRONT FENDER , XENON HEADLIGHT MODULE,(CAUSES THE LEFT HEAD LIGHT TO TURN OF SOMETIMES) AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON , DIAGNOSIS FOUND DRIVERS SEAT BELT TENSIONER FAULT ,SINCE THERE WAS THE IMPACT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE DRIVER OF CAR 1 WAS CITED FOR HE INCIDENT AND ALSO FOR DRIVING O… Look up ODI 10475478 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10515262 · 92,000 mi XENON HEADLIGHTS MY XENON HEADLIGHTS ONLY WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND WHEN THEY DO WORK THEY JUST BARELY LIGHT THE ROADWAY. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. I WENT TO THE BMW DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS MALFUNCTION COULD ONLY BE REPAIRED AT MY COST AND THAT THE XENON LIGHTS HAD SIMPLY WORN OUT. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN FLAW. REAR TURN SIGNAL LGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS I ALSO HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP F… Look up ODI 10515262 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Too few reports for a range	78,960 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10403886 · 84,839 mi 1. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WHERE I LIVE REACHED AROUND 95'F AND ABOVE MY TRANSMISSION ON MY VEHICLE DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. WOULD SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AUTOMATICALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF ACCELERATION. I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. 2. EVER SINCE THE TEMPERATURE GOT HOT HERE IN AZ, MY TRANSMISSION LIGHT HAS BEEN ON AND THE CAR KEEPS GOING INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING FOR ABOUT 6-15 SECONDS BEFORE RE-ENGAGING. IT HAS HAPPENED EVERYDAY FOR THE PAST 4 DAYS, TWICE WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION, WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS. MA… Look up ODI 10403886 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10404438 · 78,960 mi AS YOU REMEMBER, WE ALL SPENT ABOUT SIX MONTHS THIS PAST SUMMER FIGURING OUT WHY OUR E46 M3 SMG'S WERE RANDOMLY THROWING ON THE TRANSMISSION CHECK LIGHT AND RANDOMLY CYCLING INTO NEUTRAL FOR AROUND 6-15 SECONDS, DISPLAYING A CONSTANT "0" DURING AN UP OR DOWNSHIFT IN HOT AND/OR HUMID WEATHER. WE DETERMINED AFTER PLENTY OF RESEARCH AND PHYSICALLY REMOVING THE SMG'S HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT(HCU), AND COMPARING HARD-TO-FIND BLUEPRINTS OF THE UNIT WHAT THE MALFUNCTION WAS. THE PROBLEM WAS THE HCU'S HYDRAULIC FLUID TEMPERATURE SENSOR, WHICH WOULD GO BA… Look up ODI 10404438 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10407049 · 65,952 mi 1. I LIVE IN LANCASTER, CA AND WHEN THE SUMMER COMES AROUND IT GETS REALLY HOT REALLY QUICK. MY BMW M3 2003 WHICH HAPPENS TO BE AN SMG KEEPS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. IT CAUSES MY TRANSMISSION TO FUNCTION IMPROPERLY BY SHIFTING TO "NEUTRAL" AUTOMATICALLY. TODAY, ON MY WAY BACK FROM WORK I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WHEN MY TRANSMISSION CHANGE AUTOMATICALLY FROM 3RD GEAR INTO NEUTRAL ALMOST CAUSING THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME TO CRASH ONTO MY VEHICLE. 2. THE SMG LIGHT KEEPS TURNING ON. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC IMMEDIATELY AND HE TOLD… Look up ODI 10407049 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	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	1	None	ODI 11681428 The contact owns a 2003 BMW M3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Look up ODI 11681428 at NHTSA ↗
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	1	None	ODI 11735676 On May 01, 2026, at approximately 0230 while traveling on hwy. I75 I heard a loud pop towards the rear for the vehicle as the car started to slide. I pulled over to the right side of the road nearly hitting another vehicle. I exited my vehicle and noticed the right rear passenger tire tread had separated from the side wall completely. It should be noted there was no warning before the tire failed. I then contacted Continental Tires who advised a take them to Discount Tires for inspection. The service center confirmed the tire tread had separa… Look up ODI 11735676 at NHTSA ↗
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	0	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

2022: 0 complaints · 2023: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2022	0	0	0
2023	0	0	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2022	1	0	0
2023	1	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	Power Train	Power Train:Manual Transmission	Suspension	Electrical System	Engine	Exterior Lighting	Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Air Bags	—	0	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10475478 · 99,647 mi MY CAR WAS IN A COLLISION WHERE THE DRIVER OF CAR 1 WAS MAKING A TURN INTO THE MAIN STREET , SHE TURNED TOO WIDE AND COULD NOT COMPLETE THE TURN AND DECIDED TO BACK UP..SHE SLAMMED INTO MY CAR ,DAMAGE WAS LEFT FRONT BUMPER ,BROKEN PARKING LIGHT, DAMAGE LEFT FRONT FENDER , XENON HEADLIGHT MODULE,(CAUSES THE LEFT HEAD LIGHT TO TURN OF SOMETIMES) AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON , DIAGNOSIS FOUND DRIVERS SEAT BELT TENSIONER FAULT ,SINCE THERE WAS THE IMPACT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE DRIVER OF CAR 1 WAS CITED FOR HE INCIDENT AND ALSO FOR DRIVING O… Look up ODI 10475478 at NHTSA ↗	0
Power Train	0	—	0	1 ODI 11032048 · 1 mi REAR SUBFRAME STRUCTURAL DAMAGE PER CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BACCA V. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC, CASE NO. [XXX]. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE FOR MAINTENACE REPAIRS AND INSPECTION AT A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP AND NOTIFIED ME THAT THERE IS EVIDENCE OF REAR SUBFRAME DAMAGE DURING THEIR INSPECTION. BMW DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF THIS VERY TYPICAL ISSUE OF THEIR BMW 3 SERIES MODELS 1999-2006. THIS IS NOT A TYPICAL ISSUE IN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING AND SHOULD BE CONTINUED TO BE ADDRESS BY BMW NORTH AMERICA DUE TO THE COMPROMISE OF SAFETY TO THE OWNERS AND THE PUBLI… Look up ODI 11032048 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10471564 · 93,000 mi WHILE DRIVING ON A RELATIVELY HOT DAY (92 DEGREES F), MY VEHICLE'S SMG (SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEARBOX) MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TURNED ON AND I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY DROPPING OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL OR "0" FOR 6-15 SECONDS AT A TIME. WHEN OUT OF GEAR, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. ON ONE INSTANCE OF DROPPING OUT OF GEAR, I WAS TURNING RIGHT AT AROUND 10-15 MPH WHEN I FOUND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND AN ONCOMING VEHICLE ALMOST RAN INTO ME. SINCE THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THIS, THIS TYPE OF "STALLING" HAS HAPPENED MU… Look up ODI 10471564 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Power Train:Manual Transmission	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Suspension	0	1 ODI 11032048 · 1 mi REAR SUBFRAME STRUCTURAL DAMAGE PER CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BACCA V. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC, CASE NO. [XXX]. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE FOR MAINTENACE REPAIRS AND INSPECTION AT A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP AND NOTIFIED ME THAT THERE IS EVIDENCE OF REAR SUBFRAME DAMAGE DURING THEIR INSPECTION. BMW DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF THIS VERY TYPICAL ISSUE OF THEIR BMW 3 SERIES MODELS 1999-2006. THIS IS NOT A TYPICAL ISSUE IN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING AND SHOULD BE CONTINUED TO BE ADDRESS BY BMW NORTH AMERICA DUE TO THE COMPROMISE OF SAFETY TO THE OWNERS AND THE PUBLI… Look up ODI 11032048 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 11246068 · 98,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORTED OUT AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL DEVICES FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE ENGINE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND LOST POWER. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW BATTERY WAS NEEDED AND A PART ON THE FUSE BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE VIN WAS UNK… Look up ODI 11246068 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Engine	0	1 ODI 10471564 · 93,000 mi WHILE DRIVING ON A RELATIVELY HOT DAY (92 DEGREES F), MY VEHICLE'S SMG (SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEARBOX) MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TURNED ON AND I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY DROPPING OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL OR "0" FOR 6-15 SECONDS AT A TIME. WHEN OUT OF GEAR, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. ON ONE INSTANCE OF DROPPING OUT OF GEAR, I WAS TURNING RIGHT AT AROUND 10-15 MPH WHEN I FOUND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND AN ONCOMING VEHICLE ALMOST RAN INTO ME. SINCE THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THIS, THIS TYPE OF "STALLING" HAS HAPPENED MU… Look up ODI 10471564 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 11246068 · 98,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORTED OUT AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL DEVICES FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE ENGINE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND LOST POWER. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW BATTERY WAS NEEDED AND A PART ON THE FUSE BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE VIN WAS UNK… Look up ODI 11246068 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0
Exterior Lighting	1 ODI 10475478 · 99,647 mi MY CAR WAS IN A COLLISION WHERE THE DRIVER OF CAR 1 WAS MAKING A TURN INTO THE MAIN STREET , SHE TURNED TOO WIDE AND COULD NOT COMPLETE THE TURN AND DECIDED TO BACK UP..SHE SLAMMED INTO MY CAR ,DAMAGE WAS LEFT FRONT BUMPER ,BROKEN PARKING LIGHT, DAMAGE LEFT FRONT FENDER , XENON HEADLIGHT MODULE,(CAUSES THE LEFT HEAD LIGHT TO TURN OF SOMETIMES) AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON , DIAGNOSIS FOUND DRIVERS SEAT BELT TENSIONER FAULT ,SINCE THERE WAS THE IMPACT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE DRIVER OF CAR 1 WAS CITED FOR HE INCIDENT AND ALSO FOR DRIVING O… Look up ODI 10475478 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	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

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 5.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 93,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10087533 · 7,300 mi

Look up ODI 10087533 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10471564 · 93,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON A RELATIVELY HOT DAY (92 DEGREES F), MY VEHICLE'S SMG (SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEARBOX) MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TURNED ON AND I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY DROPPING OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL OR "0" FOR 6-15 SECONDS AT A TIME. WHEN OUT OF GEAR, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. ON ONE INSTANCE OF DROPPING OUT OF GEAR, I WAS TURNING RIGHT AT AROUND 10-15 MPH WHEN I FOUND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND AN ONCOMING VEHICLE ALMOST RAN INTO ME. SINCE THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THIS, THIS TYPE OF "STALLING" HAS HAPPENED MU…

Look up ODI 10471564 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11246068 · 98,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORTED OUT AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL DEVICES FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE ENGINE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND LOST POWER. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW BATTERY WAS NEEDED AND A PART ON THE FUSE BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE VIN WAS UNK…

Look up ODI 11246068 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 3.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10105574

LTR CONCERNING A DEFECT OF THE SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEAR TRANSMISSION ON THE LEASED 2003 BMW M3. *BF THE VEHICLE LURCHES MOVING ONLY AN INCH AT A TIME. THE LURCHING FORWARD HAPPENS WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP POSITION. PROBLEM EXISTS WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES FROM FIRST GEAR TO SECOND. *TC *JB

Look up ODI 10105574 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10142026

I OWN A 2003 BMW M3 EQUIPPED WITH A SMG(SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEARBOX). WITHIN A MONTH OF OWNERSHIP, THE CAR STARTED EXHIBITING A SYMPTOM THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. DURING ACCELERATION IN 1ST GEAR FROM STANDSTILL, IF THE CAR TRAVELS OVER A BUMP OR POTHOLES, THE CAR BEGINS TO BEHAVE IN A JERKY, STOP AND GO MOTION. IF I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE MORE VIOLENT THE STOP AND GO MOTION WOULD BECOME. THE ONLY WAY TO RECOVER IS TO RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL UNTIL THE CAR SLOWS DOWN OR THE TACH GOES BELOW 1500 RPM. …

Look up ODI 10142026 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 3.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 84,250 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10409716 · 75,500 mi

RE: SMG PUMP FAILURE I HAVE CONTACTED BMWNA IN THE PAST IN REGARDS TO THE SMG (SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEARSHIFT) PUMP FAILURE IN SOME BMW E46 M3'S 2002-2006. BMWNA APPEARS TO BRUSH THIS PROBLEM ASIDE. THE SMG IS AN ELECTRO HYDRAULICALLY ACTUATED CLUTCH. IT CHANGES THE GEARS (UTILIZING HYDRAULIC PUMP) WITHOUT AN ACTUAL CLUTCH PEDAL BY UTILIZING THE SHIFTER LEVER LOCATED ON THE CENTER CONSOLE OR THE SHIFTER PADDLE LEVERS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN THE SMG FAILS YOUR VEHICLE LOSES ENGINE POWER AND YOU ARE UNABLE TO PROCEED. THIS COMMON PROBLEM APPEARS…

Look up ODI 10409716 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10471564 · 93,000 mi

Look up ODI 10471564 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10220628

CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT RECALLS FOR A 2003 BMW. HE STATES THAT HE HAS TRIED TO CONTACT BMW TWICE AND HAS RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY OUTSTANDING RECALLS FOR HIS VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HIS VEHICLE DEVELOPED A FUEL LEAK AND ALSO A FAULTY QUARTER PANEL TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT AND SIGNAL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE CONSUMER STATED HE REPAIRED THE FUEL LEAK AND FAULTY TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY ON HIS OWN. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED FOUR LIGHT SOCKETS/ BULBS OUT OF FIVE WERE NON-OPERATIONAL. THE ONLY LIGHT FUNCTI…

Look up ODI 10220628 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 23,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10081574 · 23,000 mi

Look up ODI 10081574 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b