Owners have filed 38 complaints
about the 2004 BMW M3 with NHTSA between 2008 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 16 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 58
Against the median year of the BMW M3. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 41
7.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 12
7% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2004 BMW M3
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
923.7%
Median failure at 91,000 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
718.4%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
615.8%
Median failure at 68,750 miles
Body & Structure
410.5%
Median failure at 128,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
37.9%
Median failure at 102,786 miles
Lights
25.3%
Median failure at 65,500 miles
Wheels
12.6%
Median failure at 60,800 miles
Tires
12.6%
Median failure at 60,800 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
12.6%
Median failure at 65,000 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
12.6%
Median failure at 54,462 miles
Suspension
12.6%
Median failure at 95,000 miles
Brakes
12.6%
Median failure at 37,000 miles
Electrical System
12.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
517.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1035.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
725.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
621.4%
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 2008peak 3Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 BMW M3
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE09036Opened 7 Aug 2009Closed 22 Dec 2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING T...
DP09002Opened 8 Apr 2009Closed 6 Aug 2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRI...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 60,800 milesMorton Grove, IL1 injured
TIRES
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON LAKE SHORE DRIVE AND I HIT A POT HOLE NEAR LAWRENCE AVE. I ENDED UP GETTING FLAT ON BOTH OF MY RIGHT TIRES. IT POSSIBLY BENT MY RIM, SUSPENSION ISSUES, AND TIRE HAVE BEEN FLAT.
NHTSA complaint #10606001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,800 milesMorton Grove, IL1 injured
WHEELS:RIM
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON LAKE SHORE DRIVE AND I HIT A POT HOLE NEAR LAWRENCE AVE. I ENDED UP GETTING FLAT ON BOTH OF MY RIGHT TIRES. IT POSSIBLY BENT MY RIM, SUSPENSION ISSUES, AND TIRE HAVE BEEN FLAT.
NHTSA complaint #10606001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesRaleigh, NC1 injured
VISIBILITY
HADN'T DRIVEN THE CAR IN 2 WEEKS, WAS OUT OF TOWN. DROVE IT TO WORK ON MONDAY AND MONDAY EVENING OR TUESDAY MORNING NOTICED WHAT LOOKED LIKE A BUBBLE AT THE TOP OF MY REAR VIEW MIRROR. BY TUESDAY NOON, THE BUBBLE WAS IN THE CENTER OF THE MIRROR AND WHEN I CAME OUT TO THE CAR AT ABOUT 5:30 THAT AFTERNOON, THERE WAS A LIQUID SUBSTANCE ON MY CENTER CONSOLE THAT LEAKED OUT FROM THE MIRROR. IT WAS IN THE MID-90S MONDAY & TUESDAY. THE LIQUID WAS CAUSTIC AS IT ATE THE PAINT AND MELTED INTO THE PLASTIC CONSOLE. I WIPED IT OFF WITH A NAPKIN AS BEST I COULD, BUT IT WAS EMBEDDED IN THE PLASTIC. ON THE DRIVE HOME FELT LIGHT HEADED AND EXPERIENCED STOMACH PAIN / DIARRHEA AND A SORE THROAT FROM WED NIGHT ONWARDS. STILL EXPERIENCING SOME OF THESE SYMPTOMS TODAY (SAT), THOUGH I STOPPED DRIVING THE CAR THURSDAY EVENING AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THIS AND SEEING OTHERS ACURA & BMW OWNERS HAD EXPERIENCED SAME FAILURE AND SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. THE LOCAL DEALER INDICATED THAT THEY HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE (THAT WAS THURSDAY NIGHT). MIRROR IS STILL IN CAR AS I'M STILL WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THE DEALER IF THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE THE MIRROR AND DAMAGED CONSOLE.
NHTSA complaint #10345127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lonaconing, MD
AIR BAGS
Below is a partial email to a BMW Dealer that replaced an airbag 2 1/2 years ago per a recall. The airbag light, convertible top light were both illuminated when I left the dealer. I have sent emails and contacted BMW USA. A friend scanned the car with a Snap-On scanner that showed that the light has been illuminated because of the air bag that they replaced. They continue to avoid the issue and they made my car unsafe and allowed me to leave with it. What can be done to resolve this issue? From: [XXX] <[XXX]> Sent: Friday, May 10, 2024 10:06 AM To: '[XXX]' <[XXX]> Subject: Issues with service during an airbag replacement Good morning [XXX], I took my 2004 M3 to BMW of Fort Lauderdale in November 2023 for a passenger-airbag replacement. The airbag light on the dash was illuminated when I received the car. I notified the service manager who stated that the light was not on when he initially got in the car after my arrival. The car was returned to the garage to determine the issue. The car was returned 30 – 45 minutes later and the airbag light continued to illuminate. The service manage told me that the driver’s side airbag which was replaced at a different dealership was causing the issue. I got in the car and notice that an oil pressure and voltage gauge that I installed after rebuilding the engine were not working. Therefore, I notified the service manager of the issue. He asked another manager to talk to me. I asked how they replaced the airbag so I would know where to start troubleshooting the cause. He told me that they were NOT in the fuse box because they removed the airbag from the top of the dash. The airbag light has been constantly illuminated since the airbag was replaced at BMW of Fort Lauderdale. I attached an image that shows two passenger side airbag errors that were displayed on a Snap-on scanner on May 8, 2024. This was caused by work done at BMW of Fort Lauderdale. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11745653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lonaconing, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Below is a partial email to a BMW Dealer that replaced an airbag 2 1/2 years ago per a recall. The airbag light, convertible top light were both illuminated when I left the dealer. I have sent emails and contacted BMW USA. A friend scanned the car with a Snap-On scanner that showed that the light has been illuminated because of the air bag that they replaced. They continue to avoid the issue and they made my car unsafe and allowed me to leave with it. What can be done to resolve this issue? From: [XXX] <[XXX]> Sent: Friday, May 10, 2024 10:06 AM To: '[XXX]' <[XXX]> Subject: Issues with service during an airbag replacement Good morning [XXX], I took my 2004 M3 to BMW of Fort Lauderdale in November 2023 for a passenger-airbag replacement. The airbag light on the dash was illuminated when I received the car. I notified the service manager who stated that the light was not on when he initially got in the car after my arrival. The car was returned to the garage to determine the issue. The car was returned 30 – 45 minutes later and the airbag light continued to illuminate. The service manage told me that the driver’s side airbag which was replaced at a different dealership was causing the issue. I got in the car and notice that an oil pressure and voltage gauge that I installed after rebuilding the engine were not working. Therefore, I notified the service manager of the issue. He asked another manager to talk to me. I asked how they replaced the airbag so I would know where to start troubleshooting the cause. He told me that they were NOT in the fuse box because they removed the airbag from the top of the dash. The airbag light has been constantly illuminated since the airbag was replaced at BMW of Fort Lauderdale. I attached an image that shows two passenger side airbag errors that were displayed on a Snap-on scanner on May 8, 2024. This was caused by work done at BMW of Fort Lauderdale. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11745653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Passenger side rear sub-frame crack observed . Vehicle has never been in any accident or collision. It's a commonly know problem about BMW 3 series made between 1999 to 2006 that happens naturally without cause due to manufacture issue, so I decided to look under my car to look for any cracks as described. I identified at least one crack. After calling BMW USA for assitance, I was instructed to bring the car to have it inspected and confirmed by the BMW dealership in Ontario, CA. Dispite me telling them the location of the crack, they concluded there is no crack and nothing needed to be done. Not satified with their inspection, I went to get a second opinion from an independent machanic/ body shop and they confirmed that there is indeed a crack and took clear pictures to show that. If left untreated, these subframe cracks will spread and the rear of the car can fall off along with the rear axel and rear wheels leading to accidents. The cost of fixing such manufacture issure is also costly, $2500 to over $10000 from the estimates I collected.
NHTSA complaint #11457998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPortland, OR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WIRING PROBLEM WITH FACTORY HEADLIGHTS. THIS ISSUE CAUSES HEADLIGHTS TO FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY TURN OFF. IT HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND SITTING STILL.
NHTSA complaint #11197351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apalchin, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10904927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fall City, WA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL -- IT'S BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE THE RECALL WAS ISSUED, BUT THE MANUFACTURER / DEALERSHIP DO NOT SEEM TO BE ABLE TO GET THE PARTS TO REPAIR MY CAR. THIS ESSENTIALLY RENDERS MY CAR UNSAFE, AND IN MANY WAYS, UNUSABLE. I STILL HAVE NOT HEARD ABOUT A DATE BY WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE / REPAIR WILL BE DONE.
NHTSA complaint #10899259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesOrange, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKADA RECALL: NOTIFIED BY BMW JULY 2015 DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE DEFECTIVE. IN MAY 2016, BMW ADVISED THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN AIR BAG WOULD BEFIXED. SINCE THEN ANOTHER PERSON HAS DIED. CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY AND LENGTH OF TIME WAITING FOR FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10864851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Puyallup, WA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10845549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS PLACED ON A WAITING LIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILALBE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10840347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DIX Hills, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMED PARTS NOT AVAILABLE......UPDATED 02/11/16 *BF
NHTSA complaint #10809118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Branford, CT
AIR BAGS
NO ACCIDENT. JUST WAITING SINCE SEPTEMBER 2014 TO HAVE MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG REPLACED. I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR WITH A PASSENGER BECAUSE THE AIRBAG IS AFFECTED BY A RECALL AND THE BMW DEALERS DON'T HAVE THE PARTS TO REPLACE IT.
NHTSA complaint #10703842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10652773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,800 milesMorton Grove, IL1 injured
TIRES
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON LAKE SHORE DRIVE AND I HIT A POT HOLE NEAR LAWRENCE AVE. I ENDED UP GETTING FLAT ON BOTH OF MY RIGHT TIRES. IT POSSIBLY BENT MY RIM, SUSPENSION ISSUES, AND TIRE HAVE BEEN FLAT.
NHTSA complaint #10606001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,800 milesMorton Grove, IL1 injured
WHEELS:RIM
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON LAKE SHORE DRIVE AND I HIT A POT HOLE NEAR LAWRENCE AVE. I ENDED UP GETTING FLAT ON BOTH OF MY RIGHT TIRES. IT POSSIBLY BENT MY RIM, SUSPENSION ISSUES, AND TIRE HAVE BEEN FLAT.
NHTSA complaint #10606001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,201 milesLOS Angeles, CA
POWER TRAIN
FAULTY SMG PUMP POSSIBLY CAUSED BY A CULMINATION OF OTHER FAILING PARTS IN SMG SYSTEM. CAR IS RENDERED INOPERABLE IN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS DRIVING SITUATIONS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE CIRCUMVENTED BY A SYSTEM MORE CAPABLE OF WARNING THE OWNER OF AN IMPENDING FAILURE. THE REMEDY THE MAJORITY OF DEALERSHIPS ARE USING ARE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE SMG SYSTEM, WHICH COSTS UP TO $7,000.00. AS HIDEOUS AS THIS SOUNDS, THERE MORE THAN LIKELY IS A VERY SMALL FACTOR OR PART THAT IS CAUSING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM TO FAIL. BMW NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA complaint #10583717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,786 milesSimi Valley, CA
ENGINE
ONE OF THE VANOS EXHAUST HUB TAB BROKE AND DAMAGED THE OIL PUMP DISC. I HAD TO REPLACE THE VANOS EXHAUST HUB AND OIL PUMP DISC.
NHTSA complaint #10579266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesQueen Creek, AZ
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE DROPS OUT OF GEAR RANDOMLY. AS I WAS TAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE DROPPED INTO 0 GEAR AND ON COMING TRAFFIC ALMOST RAN INTO ME HEAD ON. I HAD NO WAY OF MOVING THE CAR DUE TO TRANSMISSION BEING SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TEMPERATURE SENSOR ON THE SMG PUMP. BMW IGNORES THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10542312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesQueen Creek, AZ
ENGINE
VEHICLE DROPS OUT OF GEAR RANDOMLY. AS I WAS TAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE DROPPED INTO 0 GEAR AND ON COMING TRAFFIC ALMOST RAN INTO ME HEAD ON. I HAD NO WAY OF MOVING THE CAR DUE TO TRANSMISSION BEING SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TEMPERATURE SENSOR ON THE SMG PUMP. BMW IGNORES THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10542312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesQueen Creek, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE DROPS OUT OF GEAR RANDOMLY. AS I WAS TAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE DROPPED INTO 0 GEAR AND ON COMING TRAFFIC ALMOST RAN INTO ME HEAD ON. I HAD NO WAY OF MOVING THE CAR DUE TO TRANSMISSION BEING SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TEMPERATURE SENSOR ON THE SMG PUMP. BMW IGNORES THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10542312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 milesCenter Valley, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE REAR LAMPS IN MY BODY PANEL THAT HOUSE THE BRAKE LAMP, TURN SIGNAL, AND TAIL LAMP STOPPED WORKING AND NEEDED TO BE FULLY REPLACED. MY CAR IS A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE. THIS SAME ISSUE WAS THE SUBJECT OF NHTSA #11V438000. HOWEVER, THIS RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THE M3, JUST ALL OF THE OTHER 3 SERIES BMWS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A COSTLY REPAIR FOR ME. THIS IS THE REFERENCE FOUND ON YOUR WEBSITE AND MY ISSUES ARE IDENTICAL TO THIS SUMMARY: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 REAR LAMPS IN BODY PANEL SUMMARY: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND/OR TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10535258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,462 milesHolyoke, MA
POWER TRAIN
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO MY CAR THE SMG (SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEAR) LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AS WELL EVERY TIME IN THAT ORDER , ALSO MY CAR SHIFTS ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL ALL ON ITS OWN AND I CAN,T CONTROL THE ACCELERATION ON THE HIGHWAY OR ANYWHERE ELSE SO THE CAR BEGINS TOP SLOW DOWN, MANY PEOPLE HAVE ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE TO BMW N.A. AND NOTHING AND IT ONLY HAPPENS DURING HOT WEATHER, AND BMW RAN A DIAGNOSTIC ON MY CAR AND THEY GAVE ME MULTIPLE THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE IT SO THEY EXPECT ME TO PAY FOR ALL OF THEM EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT ALL THE CULPRITS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND I HAVE KIDS SO IT MAKES ME EVEN MORE WORRIED THAT SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN BECAUSE OF THIS AND BMW'S NEGLIGENCE TO THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10522847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,462 milesHolyoke, MA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO MY CAR THE SMG (SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEAR) LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AS WELL EVERY TIME IN THAT ORDER , ALSO MY CAR SHIFTS ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL ALL ON ITS OWN AND I CAN,T CONTROL THE ACCELERATION ON THE HIGHWAY OR ANYWHERE ELSE SO THE CAR BEGINS TOP SLOW DOWN, MANY PEOPLE HAVE ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE TO BMW N.A. AND NOTHING AND IT ONLY HAPPENS DURING HOT WEATHER, AND BMW RAN A DIAGNOSTIC ON MY CAR AND THEY GAVE ME MULTIPLE THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE IT SO THEY EXPECT ME TO PAY FOR ALL OF THEM EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT ALL THE CULPRITS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND I HAVE KIDS SO IT MAKES ME EVEN MORE WORRIED THAT SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN BECAUSE OF THIS AND BMW'S NEGLIGENCE TO THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10522847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesHerndon, VA
STRUCTURE
I INSPECTED THE TRUNK FLOORPAN AND NOTICED BUCKLING, CRACKING OF THE TRUNK FLOOR AND WELDED SEAMS COMING APART. THE REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS WERE CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES. THE REAR SUBFRAME IS RIPPING ITSELF OUT OF THE CAR AND I'M VERY LUCKY I FOUND THIS WHILE THE CAR WAS AT REST AND NOT DRIVING AT SPEED. BMW KNOWS THIS IS FAULTY ENGINEERING BUT SOMEHOW THEIR LAWYERS FANGLED A WAY TO ONLY COVER THE REPAIRS FOR THE E46 CARS FOR 1 YEAR (2010), EVERYONE ELSE IS SCREWED. THESE CARS SHOULD BE OUTLAWED, OR AT LEAST A GIANT SIGN SHOULD HAVE TO BE PLACED IN THE WINDSHIELD EXPLAINING THIS PROBLEM TO POTENTIAL BUYERS AND THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO SIGN A WAIVER IF THEY ARE DUMB ENOUGH TO BUY IT ANYWAYS. I BOUGHT THE CAR 2 MONTHS AGO UNDER THE IMPRESSION M3S HAD RE-ENFORCEMENT IN THIS AREA ABOVE AND BEYOND THE REGULAR E46, I WAS WRONG TO THE TUNE OF 3500.00 REPAIR BILL (AND I GOT OFF LIGHT). WHAT A MESS, THAT LITTLE BABY CHASSIS CAN'T EVEN HANDLE 333HP WITHOUT RIPPING ITSELF APART. MY BUICK GN MAKES 550HP AND THE FRAME HOLDS TOGETHER JUST FINE.
NHTSA complaint #10521755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesHerndon, VA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
I INSPECTED THE TRUNK FLOORPAN AND NOTICED BUCKLING, CRACKING OF THE TRUNK FLOOR AND WELDED SEAMS COMING APART. THE REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS WERE CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES. THE REAR SUBFRAME IS RIPPING ITSELF OUT OF THE CAR AND I'M VERY LUCKY I FOUND THIS WHILE THE CAR WAS AT REST AND NOT DRIVING AT SPEED. BMW KNOWS THIS IS FAULTY ENGINEERING BUT SOMEHOW THEIR LAWYERS FANGLED A WAY TO ONLY COVER THE REPAIRS FOR THE E46 CARS FOR 1 YEAR (2010), EVERYONE ELSE IS SCREWED. THESE CARS SHOULD BE OUTLAWED, OR AT LEAST A GIANT SIGN SHOULD HAVE TO BE PLACED IN THE WINDSHIELD EXPLAINING THIS PROBLEM TO POTENTIAL BUYERS AND THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO SIGN A WAIVER IF THEY ARE DUMB ENOUGH TO BUY IT ANYWAYS. I BOUGHT THE CAR 2 MONTHS AGO UNDER THE IMPRESSION M3S HAD RE-ENFORCEMENT IN THIS AREA ABOVE AND BEYOND THE REGULAR E46, I WAS WRONG TO THE TUNE OF 3500.00 REPAIR BILL (AND I GOT OFF LIGHT). WHAT A MESS, THAT LITTLE BABY CHASSIS CAN'T EVEN HANDLE 333HP WITHOUT RIPPING ITSELF APART. MY BUICK GN MAKES 550HP AND THE FRAME HOLDS TOGETHER JUST FINE.
NHTSA complaint #10521755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,488 milesSparks, MD
VISIBILITY/WIPER
GOT INTO MY CAR IN THE AFTERNOON AND NOTICED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS DISTORTED. AFTER INSPECTING, REALIZED THAT THE LIQUID HAD SEPARATED BEHIND MIRROR. HAD TO RUN AN ERRAND. STARTED DRIVING AND THEN HEARD A LOUD "POP" NOISE. LOOKED AT MIRROR AND THE LIQUID WAS VERY VISIBLE MOVING BEHIND GLASS. GOT TO MY DESTINATION AND NOTICED FLUID ALL OVER SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE. IMMEDIATELY WIPED UP AND IT HAD ALREADY DAMAGED CENTER CONSOLE IN SEVERAL PLACES. GOT IT OFF SEAT BEFORE IT DAMAGED THE LEATHER. HAD TO WRAP TOWEL AROUND MIRROR TO CATCH THE REST OF THE FLUID LEAKING OUT OF THE BOTTOM. THIS FLUID WAS EXTREMELY CAUSTIC AND DID DAMAGE TO CONSOLE IN LESS THAN A MINUTE. I'M GLAD I WAS IN CAR WHEN IT HAPPENED, I AM SURE THE DAMAGE FROM THE FLUID WOULD OF BEEN A LOT WORSE!
NHTSA complaint #10513011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.