FaultScore

FaultScore report

2003 BMW 3-SERIES problems

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the 2003 BMW 3-SERIES with NHTSA between 2004 and 2019. The largest single group is the lights.

Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

The numbers

28

Complaints

4

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

46,578 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

36%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What breaks on a 2003 BMW 3-SERIES

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Lights 9 32.1%

Median failure at 46,578 miles

Airbags 3 10.7%

Median failure at 40,859 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 3 10.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 60,000 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 2 7.1%

Median failure at 39,108 miles

Brakes 2 7.1%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 18,750 mi

Electrical System 2 7.1%

Median failure at 115,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 2 7.1%

Median failure at 38,000 miles

Stability & Traction Control 1 3.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 28,000 mi

Tires 1 3.6%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 3.6%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 3.6%
Body & Structure 1 3.6%

Median failure at 51,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 4.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 3 13.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 1 4.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 7 31.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 4 18.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 5 22.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 1 4.5%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Oct 2004 peak 3 Aug 2019

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 9,500 miles Glendora, CA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 7MPH HIT BRAKES DIDN'T STOP HIT CAR IN FRONT OF ME. *TRW

NHTSA complaint #10545756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 28,000 miles Vernon, NJ Crash

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WHILE DRIVING 2003 325XI ON COUNTY HIWAY SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE RIGHT TURN TO ABOUT 15-20 MPH. HALFWAY THROUGH THE TURN LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM TRANSMISSION AREA (PREVIOUS FAILURE OF TRANS. COMP. MODULE @ 1500 MILES-REPLACED BY DEALER) AND VEHICLE LOCKE UP, HARD ENOUGH FOR MYSELF AND MY WIFE TO MOVE FORWARD AGAINST THE SEAT BELTS. PRESSED ON ACCELARATOR, MOTOR RUNNING BUT WOULD NOT RESPOND. DODGE TRUCK STRUCK MY VEHICLE IN REAR, DRIVER AND WITNESSES SAW NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR OTHER INDICATION I WAS STOPPED OTHER THAN NOT MOVING FORWARD. SHUT CAR OFF. HAD TO RESTART CAR TO MOVE SAME TO SIDE OF ROAD, RESPNDED NORMALLY. TOWED TO DEALER, UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING ABNORMAL. BMW TO SEND ENGINEER TO SHOP.

NHTSA complaint #10096344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 28,000 miles Vernon, NJ Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

WHILE DRIVING 2003 325XI ON COUNTY HIWAY SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE RIGHT TURN TO ABOUT 15-20 MPH. HALFWAY THROUGH THE TURN LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM TRANSMISSION AREA (PREVIOUS FAILURE OF TRANS. COMP. MODULE @ 1500 MILES-REPLACED BY DEALER) AND VEHICLE LOCKE UP, HARD ENOUGH FOR MYSELF AND MY WIFE TO MOVE FORWARD AGAINST THE SEAT BELTS. PRESSED ON ACCELARATOR, MOTOR RUNNING BUT WOULD NOT RESPOND. DODGE TRUCK STRUCK MY VEHICLE IN REAR, DRIVER AND WITNESSES SAW NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR OTHER INDICATION I WAS STOPPED OTHER THAN NOT MOVING FORWARD. SHUT CAR OFF. HAD TO RESTART CAR TO MOVE SAME TO SIDE OF ROAD, RESPNDED NORMALLY. TOWED TO DEALER, UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING ABNORMAL. BMW TO SEND ENGINEER TO SHOP.

NHTSA complaint #10096344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 28,000 miles Vernon, NJ Crash

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)

WHILE DRIVING 2003 325XI ON COUNTY HIWAY SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE RIGHT TURN TO ABOUT 15-20 MPH. HALFWAY THROUGH THE TURN LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM TRANSMISSION AREA (PREVIOUS FAILURE OF TRANS. COMP. MODULE @ 1500 MILES-REPLACED BY DEALER) AND VEHICLE LOCKE UP, HARD ENOUGH FOR MYSELF AND MY WIFE TO MOVE FORWARD AGAINST THE SEAT BELTS. PRESSED ON ACCELARATOR, MOTOR RUNNING BUT WOULD NOT RESPOND. DODGE TRUCK STRUCK MY VEHICLE IN REAR, DRIVER AND WITNESSES SAW NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR OTHER INDICATION I WAS STOPPED OTHER THAN NOT MOVING FORWARD. SHUT CAR OFF. HAD TO RESTART CAR TO MOVE SAME TO SIDE OF ROAD, RESPNDED NORMALLY. TOWED TO DEALER, UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING ABNORMAL. BMW TO SEND ENGINEER TO SHOP.

NHTSA complaint #10096344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Price, UT

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND 13V172000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE TO BMW OF PLEASANT GROVE (2111 W GROVE PKWY, PLEASANT GROVE, UT 84062, (801) 443-2000) WHO STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. *TT CONSUMER STATED HE MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT BMW OF PLEASANT GROVE.

NHTSA complaint #11252476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113 miles Savoy, IL

AIR BAGS

BMW OF CHAMPAIGN , ILLINOIS HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR MY AIRBAGS. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM THROUGH THEIR ATTORNEY, DAVID SHOLEM. HIS RESPONSE HAS BEEN TO HANG UP ON ME OR NOT RESPOND AT ALL. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM, AS THEY HAVE AGNOLIGED ( COPY AVAILABLE). I HAVE ASKED FOR AT LEAST FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAVEL TO ANOTHER BMW DEALER NEARLY 100 MILES AWAY TO RELIEVE THE HARDSHIP THEY CREATED. BMW CHAMPAIGN IS LOCATED LESS THAN 2 MILES FROM MY RESIDENCE.I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM BMW OF CHAMPAIGN WITH AN OPEN RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS ADVERTISED AS BEING "FULLY RECONDITIONED.

NHTSA complaint #10744542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 51,000 miles Hummelstown, PA

STRUCTURE:BODY

I ARRIVED HOME WITH MY SON WHO WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN HE TRIED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR, THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE LOCK BUTTON STAYED DOWN AND WOULD NOT OPEN WITH TWO PULLS ON THE HANDLE AS IT SHOULD, WITH USE OF THE INTERIOR LOCKING/UNLOCKING BUTTON , OR WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL KEY FOB. IT HAS NOW REMAINED NON-FUNCTIONAL. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, THERE WOULD BE NO WAY TO LEAVE THE CAR OR RECEIVED HELP WITHOUT BREAKING A WINDOW AND TRYING TO SLITHER OUT THROUGH BROKEN GLASS. IN ADDITION, SOMEONE WHO WAS INFIRM (E.G., BACK TROUBLE) AND COULD NOT CLIMB OVER THE CONSOLE AND DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD BE STUCK IN THE CAR. THIS IS A SAFETY AND HEALTH HAZARD AND FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN ON LINE, IS NOT UNIQUE TO ME. BMW SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO MAKE MODIFICATIONS THAT WOULD ELIMINATE THIS SAFETY AND HEALTH HAZARD.

NHTSA complaint #10585959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles LOS Gatos, CA

ENGINE

THE BMW E46 3-SERIES (1999-2006) SUFFERS FROM A DESIGN FLAW IN THE COOLING SYSTEM. PLASTIC PARTS IN THE COOLING SYSTEM FAIL AS SOON AS 4 YEARS AND 80,000 MILES FROM MANUFACTURE DATE, OFTEN FAILING CATASTROPHICALLY AND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. CONTINUED DRIVING OF THE CAR IN THIS SITUATION LEADS TO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE AND LOSS OF POWER (INCLUDING POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES), POTENTIALLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT IF IT HAPPENS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TYPICAL FAILED PARTS INCLUDE THE COOLANT EXPANSION TANK, RADIATOR END TANKS, AND WATER PUMP IMPELLERS OR BEARINGS. (BMW CAME UP WITH AN IMPROVED WATER PUMP DESIGN AROUND 2004 THAT IS MORE RELIABLE.) CARS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS ALSO SUFFER FAILURES OF THE MECHANICAL FAN CLUTCH AND THE TRANSMISSION COOLING THERMOSTAT. FAILURE OF THE FAN CLUTCH (FOUND ONLY ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CARS) CAN CAUSE THE FAN BLADES TO BREAK OFF AND DAMAGE THE RADIATOR, SERPENTINE BELT, AND WATER PUMP, AS WELL AS THE CAR'S HOOD. AT HIGHER MILEAGES (>150,000 MILES) THE PLASTIC COOLANT PIPES OFTEN FAIL, CAUSING OVERHEATING AND REQUIRING MAJOR WORK TO REPLACE. ON MY CAR THE COOLANT EXPANSION TANK AND RADIATOR BOTH FAILED AND WERE REPLACED. THE THERMOSTAT ALSO STUCK OPEN RESULTING IN LOWER GAS MILEAGE UNTIL IT WAS REPLACED. NOW ONE OF MY PLASTIC COOLANT PIPES IS LEAKING. BMW SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPAIR FAILED PLASTIC COOLING SYSTEM PARTS ON THE E46 3-SERIES WITH HIGHER-QUALITY PARTS DESIGNED TO LAST AT LEAST 10 YEARS AND 100,000 MILES FROM MANUFACTURE DATE.

NHTSA complaint #10577923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 88,000 miles Washington, DC

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 323CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REAR D DRUM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

NHTSA complaint #10550524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 9,500 miles Glendora, CA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 7MPH HIT BRAKES DIDN'T STOP HIT CAR IN FRONT OF ME. *TRW

NHTSA complaint #10545756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 38,000 miles Bethesda, MD

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

HEADLIGHTS FAIL RANDOMLY. HEADLIGHTS FLICKER, TURN OFF, TURN BACK ON. INDEPENDENT OF SPEED OR WEATHER CONDITIONS. BULB TESTING AFTER THIS FAILURE INDICATE THAT THE BULBS ARE NOT FAILING (THEY ARE NOT BURNED OUT).

NHTSA complaint #10436660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles Poughkeepsie, NY

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE LOW BEAM REFLECTORS ON 2003-2004 ZKW BRANDED HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE XENON OEM HID HEADLIGHTS ON THE 3 SERIES BMW FROM THAT MODEL YEAR (SEDAN) WERE MADE OF SOME PAINTED MATERIAL THAT DEGRADED WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE HEAT PRODUCED BY THE OEM XENON BULBS. THIS RESULTS IN A SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASED LIGHT OUTPUT AS THE REFLECTOR BECAME SCORCHED. IF IT'S BAD ENOUGH, THERE IS NO LIGHT BEING PROJECTED ON THE ROAD AND IT IS VERY HARD TO SEE ANYTHING WITH THE NORMAL HEADLIGHTS. EITHER THE HIGH BEAMS HAVE TO BE USED OR THE FOGLIGHTS HAVE TO BE TURNED ON. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I WOULD IMAGINE THAT BMW AND ZKW WERE AND ARE AWARE OF THE DEFECT AS THE NEWER, REDESIGNED HEADLIGHTS DO NOT SUFFER FROM THIS PROBLEM. REPLACEMENT OEM HEADLIGHTS COST $1200 FOR EACH SIDE.

NHTSA complaint #10413233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lawrenceville, NJ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

ON 2003-2004 BMW 3 SERIES E46 SEDANS WITH OEM ZKW MANUFACTURED XENON (HID) HEADLIGHTS, THE REFLECTIVE BOWL FOR THE HEADLIGHTS WILL BECOME DISCOLORED AND NON-REFLECTIVE AFTER NORMAL USE WITH OEM BULBS. OVER TIME, THE HEAT FROM THE OEM BULB WILL SCORCH THE REFLECTIVE BOWL AND DRAMATICALLY REDUCE LIGHT OUTPUT TO UNSAFE LEVELS FOR NIGHT TIME DRIVING. BMW HAS NOT NOTIFIED OWNERS OF THE DESIGN FLAW, AND NO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE OTHER THAN THE ENTIRE EXPENSIVE, NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES THAT WILL SUFFER FROM THE SAME PROBLEM IN TIME. THOUGH BMW REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT AN ISSUE EXISTS, BMW CHANGED THE XENON HEADLIGHT REFLECTOR DESIGN FOR LATER MODEL YEARS TO A METAL REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY THAT DOES NOT DEGRADE WHEN EXPOSED TO THE NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURES OF THE OEM XENON BULBS. THESE NEWER DESIGNED HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES TO NOT SUFFER FROM ANY REDUCTION IN LIGHT OUTPUT WITH USE.

NHTSA complaint #10411949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 81,606 miles Cincinnati, OH

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 3-SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, INDICATING THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT NOTICED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DETECTION MATT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN IN REGARDS TO DRIVING A VEHICLE WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING AIR BAG. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,606. UPDATED 07/26/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED BMW AGREED TO SHARE THE COST WITH THE HIM. UPDATED 07/28/11

NHTSA complaint #10408807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Altadena, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

LENS COVER FOR HEAD LIGHTS ON BMW 325 I WITH ONLY 65K IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ARE SEVERELY OXIDIZED LIMITING VISION AT NIGHT. CALLED BMW AND BASICALLY STATED WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED.

NHTSA complaint #10373276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Altadena, CA

VISIBILITY

LENS COVER FOR HEAD LIGHTS ON BMW 325 I WITH ONLY 65K IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ARE SEVERELY OXIDIZED LIMITING VISION AT NIGHT. CALLED BMW AND BASICALLY STATED WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED.

NHTSA complaint #10373276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Birmingham, 00

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CENTRAL LOCKING WONT WORK, THE KEY DOES NOT OPEN THE DOORS LIGHT COMES ON TO SAY DOOR OPEN BUT THEY DON'T AND ALSO DRIVER DOOR OPENS WITH KEY THE INTERNAL BUTTON ALSO DOES NOT OPEN THE DOORS, INTERMITTENT FAULT.

NHTSA complaint #10369578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Anaheim, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

BMW E46 3 SERIES - ZKW HEADLIGHTS- VERY LOW LIGHT OUTPUT THE ZKW HEADLIGHTS HAVE A DESIGN FLAW IN WHICH AFTER 2-3 YEARS OF USE, THEY DIM TO AROUND 20% OF THE ORIGINAL LIGHT OUTPUT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT COMES TO NIGHT DRIVING. SOMEONE DRIVING WITH THIS ISSUE IS NEARLY COMPLETELY BLIND DRIVING AROUND AT NIGHT. THIS IS DUE TO THE PROJECTOR REFLECTOR BOWL BEING MADE OUT OF PLASTIC, AND MELTING FROM THE HEAT. THIS CAUSES THE LIGHT TO BLEED OUT FROM THE BACKSIDE OF THE LIGHT INTO THE HOUSING, INSTEAD OF FORWARD ONTO THE ROAD. BMW NOTED THIS FLAW BY REPLACED THE ZKW HEADLAMPS WITH AL BRANDED HEADLAMPS IN ALL THE NEWER BMWS IN 2005 AND ON. THE AL BRANDED HEADLIGHTS REPLACED THE PLASTIC BOWL WITH METAL BOWLS. HOWEVER, ALL E46 3 SERIES SEDANS FROM 2003-2004 STILL HAVE THESE FAULTY ZKW HEADLAMPS. THERE IS NO EASY FIX TO THIS PROBLEM, AS BMW DOES NOT SELL THE BOWLS SEPARATELY. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS, WHICH COSTS AROUND $2000. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. I CAN GUARANTEE THAT NEARLY EVERY 2003-2004 3 SERIES SEDAN WITH OEM XENON HEADLAMPS FACES THIS ISSUE. OWNERS DO NOT FIX THE ISSUE DUE TO THE HEAVY COSTS.

NHTSA complaint #10353738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 77,217 miles Montesano, WA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1. ENGINE HAD BEEN RUNNING ROUGHLY ON START UP (FOR A FEW SECONDS) FOR A FEW DAYS. ON THE DATE OF INCIDENT, WHILE STARTING CAR TO HEAD BACK HOME, CAR STARTED VERY ROUGHLY (FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME). CAR THEN CLEARED UP. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED OF 55-60 MPH ON HIGHWAY, CAR SUDDENLY DIED. I HAD TO STEER THE CAR FROM THE LEFT-HAND LANE ONTO THE RIGHT HAND SHOULDER IN THE MIDST OF TRAFFIC (DIFFICULT TO STEER). 2. THE ENGINE DIED SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS WAS THE ONLY TIME THAT THE ENGINE DIED WHILE I DROVE THE CAR. 3. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE SHOP. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS GAS IN THE TANK, THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY.

NHTSA complaint #10345104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 46,578 miles Ohmaha, NE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAD MELTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY REPLACED SINCE BOTH LIGHTS FAILED. TSB ACTION NUMBER 10025585 WAS RELATED TO THE TAIL LIGHT FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING A RECALL AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO FURTHER ESCALATION PROCESS TO FOLLOW REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL RELATED TO THE TAIL LIGHTS SINCE A FIRE COULD POTENTIALLY OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,578. UPDATED 10/20/10 *BF UPDATED 10/21/10*JB THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT DUE TO RECALL 11V438000 BEING ISSUED. UPDATED 05/17/12

NHTSA complaint #10344935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 46,578 miles Ohmaha, NE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAD MELTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY REPLACED SINCE BOTH LIGHTS FAILED. TSB ACTION NUMBER 10025585 WAS RELATED TO THE TAIL LIGHT FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING A RECALL AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO FURTHER ESCALATION PROCESS TO FOLLOW REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL RELATED TO THE TAIL LIGHTS SINCE A FIRE COULD POTENTIALLY OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,578. UPDATED 10/20/10 *BF UPDATED 10/21/10*JB THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT DUE TO RECALL 11V438000 BEING ISSUED. UPDATED 05/17/12

NHTSA complaint #10344935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Smyrna, GA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

I WAS THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF A BMW 325I THAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. AGE - 2003, MILES 60,000. IT'S UNACCEPTABLE THAT A CAR WITH SO LOW MILES, HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND DRIVEN GENTLY HAS EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. AFTER SEARCHING ON THE WEB, I FIND THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH BMW'S. WHY HAS NOTHING BEEN DONE? HOW CAN BMW SAY THIS IS NOT THEIR ISSUE WHEN CLEARLY THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR CARS. I'M SPENDING AN ADDITIONAL 6,000 ON THIS CAR. I RECENTLY PURCHASED A BRAND NEW BMW AND SOLD THE 325 TO A CLOSE FRIEND. I REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AS I COULD NOT EXPECT THEM TO PAY FOR IT. PRIOR TO THE SALE, THE CAR CHECKED OUT WITH BMW. LITTLE DID I KNOW 2 WKS LATER IT WOULD HAVE THIS PROBLEM WHICH APPEARS TO BE A STANDARD PROBLEM WITH BMW. I REGRET THAT I BOUGHT A NEW ONE.

NHTSA complaint #10290442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bridgeport, CT

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

FORMAL PETITION FOR SAFETY DEFECT INVESTIGATION, AFTER REPLACING THE TAIL LIGHT BULBS IN ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE THEY CONTINUED TO BURN OUT, AFTER TAKING THE BULB HOUSING COVER OFF, I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND THE BROWN WIRE IN THE UNIT HAD MELTED THE ENTIRE CONNECTION. I WAS TOLD BY MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP THIS IS A KNOWN FLAW AS THE GROUND WIRE IS NOT ADEQUATE TO HANDLE THE POWER COMING THROUGH, THIS ISSUE HAS CAUSED ME TO ALMOST BE REAR-ENDED 4 TIMES WHEN THE LIGHT SUDDENLY WILL STOP WORKING BMW USA WHOM I CONTACTED IS AWARE OF THIS MALFUNCTION, AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *TR UPDATED 04/27/09.

NHTSA complaint #10265399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bridgeport, CT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

FORMAL PETITION FOR SAFETY DEFECT INVESTIGATION, AFTER REPLACING THE TAIL LIGHT BULBS IN ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE THEY CONTINUED TO BURN OUT, AFTER TAKING THE BULB HOUSING COVER OFF, I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND THE BROWN WIRE IN THE UNIT HAD MELTED THE ENTIRE CONNECTION. I WAS TOLD BY MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP THIS IS A KNOWN FLAW AS THE GROUND WIRE IS NOT ADEQUATE TO HANDLE THE POWER COMING THROUGH, THIS ISSUE HAS CAUSED ME TO ALMOST BE REAR-ENDED 4 TIMES WHEN THE LIGHT SUDDENLY WILL STOP WORKING BMW USA WHOM I CONTACTED IS AWARE OF THIS MALFUNCTION, AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *TR UPDATED 04/27/09.

NHTSA complaint #10265399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Airmont, NY

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2003 BMW 325XI SUDDEN ACCELERATION. CAR ACCELERATES SUDDENLY WHEN BRAKES APPLIED TO PARK OR APPROACHING LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. NO ACCIDENTS, BUT IT IS SO DANGEROUS THAT IT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. ENGINE RAVES TO 4000 - 6000RPM, VERY HARD TO HOLD THE BRAKES. SO FAR I HAVE ONLY GOTTEN A MOVING VIOLATION TICKET FOR NOT STOPPING AT THE STOP SIGN, WHILE RETURNING FROM THE THIRD BMW SERVICE INSPECTION AND BEING TOLD THAT THE CAR IS IN PERFECT CONDITION. BMW CAN NOT OBSERVE THE PROBLEM AND THEREFORE DOES NOT WANT TO FIX IT. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS KIND OF PROBLEM AND PERHAPS I AM HITTING THE WRONG PEDAL. I HAVE WITNESSES THAT WERE IN A CAR WITH ME THAT THIS IS NOT THE CASE. IT ALSO HAPPENED WHILE MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR. BY RESEARCHING IT ON MY OWN I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 325I AND 325CI SERIES OF THE SAME YEAR THAT IS MINE. BECAUSE MY CAR IS 325XI SERVICE WOULD NOT EVEN TRY TO APPLY THE RECOMMENDED REMEDY. THE SERVICE IS TRYING, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT IT'S AGAINST THE BMW POLICY TO PROCEED WITHOUT EXPERIENCING THE ACTUAL PROBLEM TALKED TO BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE FOUR TIMES, VERY POLITE, BUT NO ACTION SO FAR.

NHTSA complaint #10247418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1,000 miles Highlands Ranch, CO

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ERRATIC IDLE. . . WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, CAR IN NEUTRAL, THE RPMS REV IN SPIKES FROM 500 TO 1500, UP AND DOWN, UP AND DOWN. THE CAR NEVER RESETS TO A CONSTANT IDLE. CAR HAS BEEN IN SHOP 8 - 9 TIMES OVER 18 DAYS TOTAL. NO SOLUTION. TECH TOLD ME BMW KNOW OF PROBLEM BUT HAS NO PLANS TO FIND A FIX.

NHTSA complaint #10152638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1,000 miles Highlands Ranch, CO

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

ERRATIC IDLE. . . WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, CAR IN NEUTRAL, THE RPMS REV IN SPIKES FROM 500 TO 1500, UP AND DOWN, UP AND DOWN. THE CAR NEVER RESETS TO A CONSTANT IDLE. CAR HAS BEEN IN SHOP 8 - 9 TIMES OVER 18 DAYS TOTAL. NO SOLUTION. TECH TOLD ME BMW KNOW OF PROBLEM BUT HAS NO PLANS TO FIND A FIX.

NHTSA complaint #10152638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mobile, AL

TIRES

I PURCHASED COOPER TIRES LAST SUMMER AND DO NOT HAVE 10,000 MILES ON THEM AND THEY ARE STARTING TO FALL APART. I HAD TO REPLACE ONE BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS DAMAGE BECAUSE OF A POT HOLE. NOW I HAVE ANOTHER ONE THAT HAS A KNOT IN IT AND I AM TOLD THAT IT IS DUE TO A STRESS FRACTURE IN THE TIRE CAUSE BY A POTHOLE.. IT SEEMS LIKE I AM BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF BECAUSE I AM A WOMAN AND BLONDE. TWO YEARS AGO MY DAUGHTER HAD TO HAVE ALL 4 OF HER TIRES REPLACED THAT WERE COOPER BECAUSE SHE WAS TOLD THAT THE RADIAL HAD FLAT SIDES.

NHTSA complaint #10141803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 21,560 miles Madison, AL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

PASSENGER SIDE XENON HEADLIGHT OPERATES INTERMITTENTLY. CAR HAD TO GO TO DEALER FOR REPAIR BUT PARTS NOT IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE TO FIX. FOR SAFETY I HAVE RESTRICTED VEHICLE TO DAYTIME DRIVING ONLY BECAUSE I CANNOT DEPEND ON THE HEADLIGHTS TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED.

NHTSA complaint #10102724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.