2003 BMW 3 Series
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 489 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 21 3 Series model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 17 involved a crash and 21 involved a fire. 26 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
90 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 6, 2011
THE PASSENGER DOORS FAIL TO OPEN WITH THE INTERNAL DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON. THIS IS DUE TO FAILURE OF DOOR UNLOCK RELAYS IN THE GM5 MODULE. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE IF A FAILURE OF THE UNLOCK RELAY HAPPENS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK PASSENGER DOORS IN AN EMERGENCY TO RETRIEVE PASSENGERS. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 18, 2011
MY CAR WILL NOT UNLOCK RELIABLY VIA THE REMOTE CONTROL OR THE CENTER UNLOCK/LOCK BUTTON. I CAN'T GET INTO THE CAR WHEN THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS. THE GENERAL MODULE(GM5) IS GOING BAD AND THE CAR WILL ONLY UNLOCK WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A NORMAL ISSUE WITH MY 2003 BMW 330I. HOPEFULLY BMW WILL FILE A RECALL ON THIS ITEM SO I DON'T HAVE TO PAY THE $790 THE DEALERSHIP CHARGES FOR THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *KB
Electrical system, Jun 8, 2011
GROUND WIRE ON REAR LIGHT WIRING HARNESS HAS BURNT THROUGH DAMAGING PLUG AND SOCKET. POTENTIAL FOR FIRE. UPDATED 09/07/11 *BF *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Feb 21, 2011
WHILE TRAVELLING ON ROUTE 50 IN MARYLAND AT 55MPH ENGINE CUT OUT COMPLETELY. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART IT. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE IT WITHOUT AT LEAST $1100 WORTH OF WORK (THEY THINK ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM). AFTER $1100 THEY STATE IT WOULD BE AN EASY $200 FIX OR A SUBSTANTIAL $6-8000 FIX. I WILL BE BRINGING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR SECOND OPINION. I WAS FORTUNATE I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC AND COULD PULL OVER SAFELY.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Feb 15, 2011
I BOUGHT MY 2003 BMW 325I NEW. SHORTLY AFTER THE SALE I NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVERS XENON LIGHT WOULD GO OUT. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE LIGHT BACK ON, IS TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS WORKS ABOUT 80 PERCENT OF THE TIME. ANOTHER ISSUE I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING IS A FALSE INDICATION THAT MY TAILLIGHTS ARE OUT. THIS IS VERY SPORRATIC AND ANNOYING. A THIRD ISSUE I AM EXPERIENCING IS VERY DANGEROUS RELATING TO MY DRIVERS SEATBELT. THE SEATBELT MAY SEAM LOCKED, BUT IF YOU PULL WITH A BIT OF FORCE, THE SEATBELT WILL COME OUT OF THE LOCKED POSITION.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 31, 2010
GOT A WARNING FROM POLICE ABOUT DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE LIGHT BEING OUT. TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP TO BE REPAIRED. BULB REPLACED. IN LESS THAN 12 HOURS THE LIGHTS WERE OUT AGAIN. TOOK IT BACK TO REPAIR SHOP THEY PULLED THE LIGHT PANEL OUT LIGHTS CAME ON. I DROVE OFF AND THE INSIDE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT IF THE LIGHT WENT OUT AGAIN IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND THE PANEL WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 8, 2010
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. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 2, 2010
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325CI THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSES: 1. POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIOINING 2. I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE 3. BRAKING TAKES EXCESSIVELY LONG WITH ENGINE OFF 4. DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 12, 2010
OUR 2003 BMW 325I HAS HAD REPEATED STALLING EVENTS OCCURRING AT INCREASING FREQUENCY. WHILE IDLING AT STOP LIGHTS OR AT HIGHWAY SPEED WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD (EML, HAZARD AND BRAKE) LIGHT AND THE ENGINE LOSES POWER, AND RPM'S DROP. AFTER THE FIRST OCCURRENCE, THE BMW WAS TAKEN TO ADVANTAGE MIDTOWN BMW IN HOUSTON, TX FOR DIAGNOSIS/REPAIR. BMW REPLACED THE THROTTLE CONTROLLER WHICH THEY SAID WAS DEFECTIVE. 1-2 MONTHS LATER THE PROBLEM BEGAN OCCURRING AGAIN WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. THE CAR STALLED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH THE SAME WARNING LIGHTS/SYMPTOMS. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ADVANTAGE BMW AND LEFT FOR SEVERAL DAYS. INITIALLY THE SERVICE STAFF AT ADVANTAGE BMW TOLD US THAT THE COMPUTER HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, AFTER DISCUSSIONS WITH THE BMW CORPORATE OFFICE, ADVANTAGE BMW DID NOT REPLACE THE COMPUTER INSTEAD STATING THE THAT THE PROBLEM MAY BE DUE TO LOW VOLTAGE IN THE SYSTEM. I ASKED THEM WHAT WOULD CAUSE THIS SINCE I DID NOT WANT TO DRIVE THE CAR WHEN IT INTERMITTENTLY COULD STALL. ADVANTAGE KEPT THE CAR A FEW MORE DAYS AND THEN RETURNED IT TO US WITH THE EXPLANATION THAT THE LOW VOLTAGE WAS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT CHARGE ON THE BATTERY. I WAS ADVISED TO PURCHASE A FLOAT CHARGER. SINCE THEN THE CAR HAS BEEN KEPT FULLY CHARGED VIA A CTEK FLOAT CHARGER. HOWEVER LAST WEEKEND THE ENGINE STALLED REPEATEDLY WHILE MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 10 AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THIS FORCED ME TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND DRIVE WITH REDUCED POWER. AFTER STOPPING THE CAR AND RESTARTING, THE ENGINE RESET AND FUNCTIONED AGAIN FOR A WHILE. SINCE THIS TIME THE PROBLEM HAS REPEATED ITSELF 5 TIMES IN 1 WEEK. I FEEL THAT BMW RETURNING THE CAR TO ME IN THE CONDITION WHERE INTERMITTENT STALLING IS OCCURRING IS UNSAFE - I STATED THIS TO ADVANTAGE BMW WHEN I HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE DURING THE SECOND INSTANCE OF THESE PROBLEMS. I HAVE SERVICE SCHEDULED AGAIN AT ADVANTAGE BMW FOR AUGUST 14, 2010. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Equipment, Jul 17, 2010
I PURCHASED MY BMW 325I IN AUGUST OF 2006. SINCE THAT PURCHASE I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN IT APPROXIMATELY 9-12 MONTHS COLLECTIVELY. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED WITH 37500 MILES AND NOW HAS 70,000 MILES. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH CAUSES THE LIGHTS TO TURN OFF AND ON WHEN THEY FEEL LIKE IT. THIS CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR THE PAST 9 MONTHS BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE HAD IT TO NUMEROUS BMW DEALERSHIPS, THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. ALL THE ISSUES SEEM TO BE ELECTRICAL IN NATURE AND ARE VERY HARD TO ACCURATELY DIAGNOSE. THE BOTTOM LINE IS I AM CHARGED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPAIR THE CAR BUT CAR IS STILL NOT SAFE. THE REAR LIGHTS HAVE BURNED OUT AND THE RIGHT FRONT LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF AT WILL. THE LAST INCIDENT OCCURRED IN DEC 2009 WHEN THE CAR LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE (THE ONLY TIME ALL OF THE LIGHTS WORKED.) HOWEVER, WHEN YOU TURN THE CAR ON, THE LIGHTS WENT OFF AGAIN. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE SHOP WHERE IT REMAINED UNTIL JANUARY 2010. I WAS CHARGED $2700 AND STILL CAN'T GET THIS BEAST INSPECTED. THIS HAS GONE BEYOND THE POINT OF LUDICROUS. I AM COMPLETELY DISGUSTED WITH THE "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE". IN ESSENCE I AM PAYING 650 DOLLARS A MONTH FOR NOTHING. THE LAST MECHANIC THAT LOOKED AT THE CAR RECOMMENDED THAT WE SHOULD REPLACE THE FRONT LIGHTING SYSTEM BECAUSE THE CURRENT SYSTEM THAT IS FAULTY IS NOT MEANT TO BE REPLACED, SO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. IN THEORY THE LIGHTS SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR. THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH MY CAR AND TO REPLACE THE XENON LIGHTS WITH THE MORE COMMON HALOGEN LIGHTS IT WILL COST AN ESTIMATED 2,000 DOLLARS. THIS IS NOT FEASIBLE WITH A CAR PAYMENT AND UNTIL THE CAR IS PAID OFF IN 2012. IT WILL SIT IN THE DRIVEWAY, A WASTE OF A PERFECT CAR, MY RETIREMENT CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 5, 2010
WE OWN A BMW 325I SERIES 2003 SEDAN. WHILE MY DAUGHTER STARTED THE CAR SHE NOTED THE LEFT HEADLIGHT WENT OUT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR. SHE WAS ONLY AROUND 4 BLOCKS AWAY SO PROCEEDED TO DRIVE HOME AND DURING THE DRIVE SHE EXPERIENCED HER BRAKES GRABBING AND STEERING DIFFICULTIES. ALL THE DASHBOARD INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON. WE TOOK THE CAR THAT NIGHT TO BMW TO DROP OFF FOR EVALUATION. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THE XENON HEADLIGHT FAILED AND TOOK AT THE STEERING SYSTEM PANEL AND HAD TO BE ALL REWIRED. HE SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. I AM CONCERNED THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN IN THE WIRING OF THE XENON HEADLIGHT TO EFFECT A STEERING PANEL WHEN THE HEADLIGHT GOES OUT. THE EFFECT ON THE STEERING PANEL IS IMMEDIATE AND GIVES NO TIME TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT WITHOUT FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THE COST TO REPAIR WAS 1800.00. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING. 2 MONTHS LATER THE BLINKER HEADLIGHT NEXT TO THE XENON HEADLIGHT FELL COMPLETELY OUT OF THE CAR HELD BY A WIRE WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE BMW 325I SERIES HEADLIGHTS THAT TO ME IS A GREAT SAFETY CONCERN FOR THOSE DRIVING. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR FOLLOW UP TO THE MAKE AND MODEL. I WOULD BE GLAD TO PROVIDE MY NAME FOR YOU TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THE SERVICE RECORDS ON THESE EVENTS FROM OUR BMW DEALERSHIP. THANK YOU. *TR
Electrical system, May 22, 2010
FAULTY PIN CONNECTORS IN REAR BRAKELIGHT ASSEMBLIES, CAUSING PREMATURE FAILURE OF BRAKE LIGHTING HARNESS, VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 26, 2010
3/26/2010 - OLNEY, MD - 2003 325XI RIGHT AND LEFT REAR LIGHT ASSEMBLY SYSTEM FAILING AT TIMES, (TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT WORKS INTERMITTENLY). BMW ACKNOWLEDGED "GROUND" PROBLEM IN ASSEMLY IN TBS:630306, FEBRUARY 1 2007 LOCAL DEALER IN SILVER SPRING MD, TISHER BMW CORRECT THE PROBLEM ONLY ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND COMPLETELY IGNORE MULTIPPLE OFFICE VISIT FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON BOTH SIDES AND REFUSE TO CORRECT PROBLEM ON THE LEFT ASSEMBLY. AT THE SAME TIME BMW CORPORATE OFFICE CUSTOMER SUPORT REFUSED TO OFFER OUT OF WARRANTY FREE REPAIR OR TO INITIATE RECALL ON PREVIOSLY ACKNOWLEDGED "GROUND" PROBLEM. I BELIVE THIS ISSUE IS THE SAFTY HAZARD BECAUSE THE "GROUND" RED WIRE IS BURNING IN THE CONNECTOR OF TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. ALSO PEOPLE AND OTHER DRIVERS CAN'T SEE WHEN YOU "BRAKING"
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 9, 2010
GM5 LOCKING MODULE FOR 2003 BMW E46. ALL FOUR LOCK WOULD NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK ON THE REMOTE OR SWITCH INSIDE THE CAR. I HAD TO EITHER WAIT IN THE HEAT OR COLD OUTSIDE WHILE WAITING FOR THE LOCKING SYSTEM TO RESPOND. IF THERE ARE CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND YOU CANNOT GET TO IN TIME BECAUSE OF THE LOCK/UNLOCK ISSUE, IT CAN BE FATAL FOR OTHERS. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 1, 2010, fire
BMW 325I REAR BLINKERS SHORTED OUT CAUSING ELECTRICAL WIRES TO BURN. WHILE DRIVING MY BMW A WARNING LIGHT ON MY CONSOLE TURNED ON INDICATING THE LEFT REAR BRAKE/BLINKER LIGHT(S) WENT OUT WHILE AT THE SAME TIME I SMELLED WIRING BURNING. I STOPPED THE CAR AND ALL MY LIGHTS SEEMED OK, SO I PRESUMED IT WAS A FAULTY SENSOR. A SHORT WHILE LATER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY I PULLED INTO THE LEFT LANE AND REALLY PISSED THE DRIVER OFF BEHIND ME AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. AT THIS MOMENT I NOTICED MY LEFT BLINKER WAS MAKING A FAST NOISE AS THOUGH THE LEFT BLINKER BULB(S) WAS OUT. I PULLED OVER A SECOND TIME TO CHECK MY BLINKERS, FEARING I WOULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, AND ALL MY FLASHERS, BRAKE LIGHTS AND BLINKERS WERE WORKING FINE. THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE CONSOLE WENT ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. I PURCHASED A NEW BULB HOPING THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM, BUT EVERYTHING SEEMED OK AND FUNCTIONAL. WHEN I RETURNED FROM MY TRIP, I WAS TOLD BY TWO EUROPEAN AUTO SHOPS AND THE SERVICE MANAGER OF A BMW DEALERSHIP THAT BMW IS AWARE OF A GROUND PROBLEM WITH THE REAR LIGHT CLUSTER. WHEN I UNSNAPPED THE PLASTIC CONNECTION FROM THE REAR LIGHT CLUSTER, THE METAL PRONGS AND PLASTIC WERE MELTED AWAY. THE HEAT APPARENTLY WAS SO HOT, THE SOLID METAL PRONGS 1/4" LONG COMPLETELY MELTED INCLUDING THE PLASTIC CASING. A BMW DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEE TOLD ME THAT THIS ISSUE IS COMMON WHEN DRIVING IN THE CITY WHEN ONE IS USING THE BRAKES AND BLINKERS INCESSANTLY, PARTICULARLY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. "THE GROUNDING WIRE ISN'T HEAVY ENOUGH TO WITHSTAND THE DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY REQUIRED BY THE BRAKE AND BLINKER LIGHTS SIMULTANEOUSLY". THIS IS A KNOWN BMW DEFECT AND THIS CAN EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, AS IN MY CASE, NOT TO MENTION A LOT OF DRIVERS REALLY PISSED OFF WHEN I CUT IN FRONT OF THEM THINKING MY BLINKERS ARE WORKING. THIS IS AN ISSUE BMW SHOULD REPAIR! *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 17, 2009
REAR LIGHTING SYSTEM, TO INCLUDE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT, ON MY 2003 BMW 325I WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. BMW ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT IN SYSTEM IN SI B 63 03 06, DATED FEBRUARY 2007 BUT TO DATE HAS REFUSED TO INITIATE A RECALL TO FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT. THE NATURE OF THE DEFECT CAUSES THE LAMP HOUSING TERMINALS TO BURN AND BURNS THE SURROUNDING PLASTIC HOUSING. THIS CAN BE A FIRE HAZARD PARTICULARLY OF THERE IS FLAMMABLE MATERIAL IN THE TRUNK. OBVIOUSLY THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY IS AN OBVIOUS HAZARD. THE REPAIR COSTS APPROX $600 FOR BOTH SIDES. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 15, 2009
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. *JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 24, 2009
RIGHT REAR LIGHTING SYSTEM, TO INCLUDE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT, ON MY 2003 BMW 325I WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. BMW ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT IN SYSTEM IN SI B 63 03 06, DATED FEBRUARY 2007 BUT TO DATE HAS REFUSED TO INITIATE A RECALL TO FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 2, 2009
MY DASHBOARD PANEL SHOWED A WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THAT THE TAIL LIGHT WAS HAVING AN ISSUE. I WAS TOLD BY A SERVICE CENTER THAT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY MAY GET HOT ENOUGH TO MELT THE PLASTIC IN THE HOUSING AND IT WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE WIRE HARNESS HAD MELTED AND THE POWER SUPPLY WIRE FOR ONE OF THE LIGHTS HAD MELTED THE PLASTIC AND THE WIRE HAD COME FREE. ONCE FREE, IT ARCED TO THE CONNECTOR PIN ON THE BULB HOLDER ASSEMBLY AND DEGRADED THAT PIN UNTIL THE CONNECTION WAS LOST. ALL PLASTIC PIECES IN CONTACT WITH THE PARTS ARE MELTED AND BURNED. I CONTACTED THE BMW SERVICE CENTER AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT A RECALL ISSUE AND I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THESE PARTS. PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE OF THE PARTS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Jan 26, 2009
BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTION DUE TO CORROSION OF WIRES WITHIN THE HOUSING OF THE BRAKE LIGHT. BMW CORPORATE IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT HAS YET TO RECALL IT. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Jan 21, 2008, crash
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2003 BMW 325I IN DECEMBER 2007. TODAY (JANUARY 21, 2008), MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR TO WORK AND PARKED SAID VEHICLE IN HER REQUIRED PARKING SPACE. THAN ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER A LOCAL POLICE OFFICER CAME IN AND INFORMED HER THAT THE BMW STARTED BY ITSELF AND CRASHED INTO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS IN FIRST GEAR AND SOME HOW STARTED WITH NO ONE IN THE CAR. THIS VEHICLE CAME WITH A REMOTE START FEATURE WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE KEY. THE KEYS WERE ON THE DESK AND MY WIFE WAS NOT IN THE SAME BUILDING THERE THE KEYS WERE. MY WIFE WAS ACTUALLY IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WORKING ON THEIR COMPUTER. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT HOOD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Equipment, Sep 11, 2007
FOUR TIMES SINCE I BUY A 2003 BMW 325I , I HAVE TO GET THE AUTO TO GUARANTEE SERVICE FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE STRUCT FRONT BUSHING, NOW , AFTER REPLACE THEM AT 32,000 MILES ABOUT FOUR MONTH AGO, MY CAR AT 37,000 MILES REQUEST A NEW BUSHINGS. THEY SAID ME THAT BMW WAS NO LONGER REPLACE THEM BY GUARANTEE BECAUSE OF THE ROAD CONDITIONS IN PUERTO RICO. WHEN I BUY THE CAR I PAID FOR A GUARANTEE AND I THINK THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT A CAR LIKE THIS , THE ULTIMATE DRIVE MACHINE REQUIRE EVERY FOUR MONTH TO REPLACE THAT PARTS. THEY SHOULD INSTALL A GOOD REINFORCED GENUINE PARTS AND NOT A REMANUFACTURED. I ALWAYS TRY TO AVOID THE HOLES, BUT I ASK WHEN IT'S RAINING IT START A RED LIGHT THAT INDICATED " PLEASE AVOID THIS HOLE" . *TR THE DEALER STATED REPLACED LENS AND COVER DISC FOR BOTH HEADLIGHTS, NOISES COMING FROM BOTH REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS, REPLACING ALTERNATOR DRIVE BELT TENSIONER, TENSIONER AND PULLEYS, AND REMOVING AND INSTALLING LEFT OR RIGHT RUBBER STRIP. UPDATED 10/24/07 *TR
Electrical system, Aug 13, 2007
THERE IS A SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM ON MANY BMW E46 MODELS (NEWER CARS). THE TAIL LIGHT HARNESS ON BOTH SIDES HAS WHAT SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY, INCOMPLETE, OR INSECURE GROUNDING WIRE AND THE RESULT IS THAT THE WIRE OVERHEATS AND CORRODES, AND IN SOME CASES ARCS, WHICH CAN IGNITE A FIRE. THE PROBLEM IS OFTEN IDENTIFIED BY INTERMITTENT OR PERSISTENT FAILURE OF THE REAR LIGHTS ON THE CAR AND/OR UNNECESSARY REAR LIGHT WARNINGS ON THE DASH. I HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS TO SUPPORT THIS CASE AND HAVE DONE FURTHER RESEARCH TO FIND COUNTLESS SIMILAR CASES. THE DAMAGE IS MOST OFTEN CHARACTERIZED BY CHARRED DISCOLORATION OF THE BROWN (GROUND) INSULATOR AND MELTING OF THE SURROUNDING PLASTICS WHICH RESULTS IN THE METAL CONNECTORS BECOMING LOOSE. THE REPAIR OF THE PROBLEM WOULD MOST LIKELY CONSIST OF AN UPGRADED REPLACEMENT OF THE WIRING HARNESS. FURTHER WORK INTO THE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MAY BE NECESSARY DEPENDING ON THE CAUSE OF THE FAULTY GROUND. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 27, 2007, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FOR BOTH TAIL LIGHTS HAVE SHORTENED OUT AND MELTED. SHE IS CONCERNED THAT THIS FAILURE COULD CAUSE HER VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE AMONG THE 2001-2003 MODELS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 57,200.
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2006
LTR FM (MA) CONCERNED ABOUT THE STALLING TENDENCES IN MODEL YEARS 2001-2004 BMW 325I AND 323I PASSENGER CARS. *TS THE STALLING PROBLEM WAS ELEMINATED BY INSTALLING AN UPDATE RELEASED ABOUT JULY 2004 BY BMW AG HEADQUARTERS IN MUNICH. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY DOWNLOADED THE UPDATE FROM THE BMW-SIEMENS WEBSITE IN THE U.K. AND INSTALLED IT IN THE CONSUMER'S BMW. SINCE THE SOFTWARE HAS BEEN UPDATED THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY STALLED TWICE SINCE UPDATED, ONCE WHEN IN THE WRONG GEAR, AND ONCE WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS SET. *NM