2002 BMW 3 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › BMW › 3 Series › 2002
These records cover every 2002 BMW 3 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
26 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
The steering wheel resists turning back to the left after a right turn. the problem IS getting worse. it IS my daily driver and every week the resistance IS harder to overcome. it IS getting very concerning about the safety aspects of this problem.
- Air bags
2002 BMW 3 series. Consumer writes in regards to airbag safety recall. *Ld the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired and requested information about any addtional recalls. *Js
- Suspension · Unknown or other · Wheels
Michelin pilot sport a/s plus tires 275/30/19 on BMW M3 had blow out on freeway at normal speeds of 65 mph. Could hear rubber whipping the road just prior to the abruptly bursting. Had tires inspected and technician found excessive cracking near the tread and center wear-bar had pitting in the…
Michelin pilot sport a/s plus tires 275/30/19 on BMW M3 had blow out on freeway at normal speeds of 65 mph. Could hear rubber whipping the road just prior to the abruptly bursting. Had tires inspected and technician found excessive cracking near the tread and center wear-bar had pitting in the rubber (15,622 miles). Car IS seldom driven and always garaged (climate controlled). Tire store had seen identical issues in the past with same tire. Did not want to replace with same tires that potentially have the same issue. Lost warranty credits to purchase another brand for family safety. these tires are not safe and need to be reviewed for material and engineering design. Particular vehicle does not hold a spare. Endangerment from potential injury and being stranded in an isolated area.
- Electrical system
I opened the passenger door in the morning after the car had been parked overnight. I had a hockey bag with approximately 25 lbs of equipment sitting on the passenger seat which I removed from the car and closed the door. I forgot something and went back to the car, about 40 seconds later, and…
I opened the passenger door in the morning after the car had been parked overnight. I had a hockey bag with approximately 25 lbs of equipment sitting on the passenger seat which I removed from the car and closed the door. I forgot something and went back to the car, about 40 seconds later, and saw a cloud of white smoke at the ceiling and I opened the door. the car had a strong smell of burning plastic/electronics. whatever was burning stopped and there was no visible flame. I checked all the electrical switches and all the equipment seemed to work fine and no fuses were blown. the burning seemed to come from the passenger seat heater as there was evidence of the seat cover having smooth marks on the surface (instead of the normal pebble surface) where it might have melted. I'm not sure if the seats are real leather or simulated.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
While driving in the rain, the MK60 abs/dsc unit failed leaving me without stability control and antilock brakes. Very unsafe.
- Air bags
Takata recall, I have a 6 month old baby, I just got this car and the airbag light was on at idle and won't go away. I know the first and only owner. I know that it's been on for a while now. I am extremely concerned for the safety of my son. This must be adressed..
- Air bags
"Takata recall"-we are the second owners of a BMW 325I series, 2002 and have not received any information about a defective takata airbag recall.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 3 series. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed to perform the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. updated 02/23/16*lj updated 02/23/16.*jb
- Unknown or other
The car stalls when you accelerate from a stop and you are making a left or right hand turn. This has happened several times over the years and happens without warning. Today it stalled in a parking lot but the last few times it has stalled in an intersection creating a potentially very dangerous situation. We have taken the car to the dealership several times but they can't seem to find the problem.
- Air bags
The BMW dealership in san francisco keeps cancelling my appointments for my airbags to be replaced. I have been waiting since june. they cannot offer any assistance to helping me get my airbags replaced. *tr
- Electrical system
Using key fob to unlock doors, sometimes only driver door unlocks. sometimes no doors unlock/lock. Interior master lock switch sometimes works sometimes does not. replaced switch twice. Been in car and unable to unlock any doors to get out of vehicle using electric systems and even manual ie.…
Using key fob to unlock doors, sometimes only driver door unlocks. sometimes no doors unlock/lock. Interior master lock switch sometimes works sometimes does not. replaced switch twice. Been in car and unable to unlock any doors to get out of vehicle using electric systems and even manual ie. Door handles. in a non stressful situation, got out by rolling down window and inserting key in driver door to unlock. for panic situations bought a window shatter tool to break windows to get out. *tr
- Air bags · Wheels
Was driving on a cloverleaf ramp in baton rouge, la. (Hwy 61 & florida blvd.) when passenger side air bag deployed causing me to veer to the right. I then hit a drain on the curbing and blew out both right side tires and bent rims. Outside temp was 90* with no rain. ( not sure of exact vehicle mileage b/c car IS in shop) I can get pictures if needed. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
This IS not as much a complaint as a request for help. Since march of 2013 I have replaced 5 throttle bodies and 3 gas pedal sensors, all oem parts. The problem that happened again today: driving at normal highway speed [55/60] the eml, traction control and brake warning lights all went on. Pulled…
This IS not as much a complaint as a request for help. Since march of 2013 I have replaced 5 throttle bodies and 3 gas pedal sensors, all oem parts. The problem that happened again today: driving at normal highway speed [55/60] the eml, traction control and brake warning lights all went on. Pulled over and turned off. Restarted, now "service engine, eml, traction control and brake lights" were on. Turned off, restarted, same lighting situation, very rough idle and car would not drive, as it was struggling for fuel. Unplugged the "mass air flow sensor": car started, displayed no warning lights, drove fine about 8 miles to repair shop. Code read shows, "throttle position sensor", replaced..same problem within minutes of driving. A little internet research on E46 finds this an all to common problem with no solution. Thanks in advance. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc)
I listed the wrong date on complaint # 10546920, the date should be 8/10/2013 not 2011. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc)
I was driving along and 3 dash lights came on indicating a problem. I checked and the lights meant the stability control wasn't working (first time this ever happened). took the car to BMW and was told one of two computers wasn't making this safety feature work. cost of one was $1700.00 but they…
I was driving along and 3 dash lights came on indicating a problem. I checked and the lights meant the stability control wasn't working (first time this ever happened). took the car to BMW and was told one of two computers wasn't making this safety feature work. cost of one was $1700.00 but they could not guarantee it would be the problem and I might need to then have a new 2ND computer at $3400.00. or a total of $5100.00, I purchased the car new and the car has been driven gently. since this IS a safety feature that they advertised and was one of my reasons for buying the car, I feel this auto and auto feature should be considered for a recall so it can be fixed either free or at a reasonable cost. Thank you for reading my suggestion. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
The report IS in response to not being included in a recall of the rear taillight assembly. Some vehicles seem to be excluded for no reason from the recall and replacement of faulty wiring. nhtsa campaign ID # 11v438000. *tr
- Electrical system
The red positive wire terminal overheated and potential fire hazard. The problem would kill the battery and car would not start. Shop said due to the location (the trunk) of the battery their was not enough ground. The shop fixed the problem by grounding the engine. *tr
- Seat belts
Driver side seat belt quit retracting. *tr
- Exterior lighting
Tail light, brake light and turn signal on passenger side of the vehicle has repeatedly failed. bulbs and wires have been changed repeatedly, however these changes have not solved the issue. far too many experiences where collisions have almost occurred due to the failed rear exterior lamps. *tr
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages
I have intermittent problems on hot days unlocking my car doors. my key button does not always open the door. I have to manually open the door. The real problem IS when I'm inside the car, the unlock button does not work, even when I manually pull on the door handles from inside the car, the…
I have intermittent problems on hot days unlocking my car doors. my key button does not always open the door. I have to manually open the door. The real problem IS when I'm inside the car, the unlock button does not work, even when I manually pull on the door handles from inside the car, the doors continues to be locked. this creates a very dangerous situation and a major safety hazard for all the passengers because the doors do not open. once the car IS cooler, they start to work again. I'm afraid that if I ever get into a car accident, nobody will be able to get out of the car. There IS no BMW recall for failed locks. Please help. [Xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Exterior lighting
For several years people such as myself with the BMW E46 ('99-'05 3 series) have complained of intermittently defective tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals. result: no action taken. the following web sites document a mere fraction of the problem, which IS likely to affect warm states…
For several years people such as myself with the BMW E46 ('99-'05 3 series) have complained of intermittently defective tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals. result: no action taken. the following web sites document a mere fraction of the problem, which IS likely to affect warm states more than cooler areas. in my case, in hot weather the entire taillight cluster will fail to illuminate--no turn signal, brake light or tail lights on one or both sides of the car. the reason: BMW used a grounding wire which was far too small to carry the current, thus resulting in melted wiring harness connectors on both tail lamp clusters. for details, please see the many photographs and text at these web sites: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=244598&highlight=taillight+wiring and http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=533309&highlight=melted+tail+light and http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?s=0fedaef77a3622f393734ba4b57add7c&t=512469&page=2 BMW has a service bulletin that includes a wiring modification: http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/bulletin_graphic_temp/b630306g.htm despite at least 4 visits to various BMW dealers while under my car's four year warranty, their solutions to this problem never lasted long. furthermore, no BMW dealer ever installed this special wiring kit from BMW. now that I'm out of warranty a local BMW dealer IS more than willing to charge me $600 to install this special wiring kit so that rear lights will consistently work. fmvss 108 IS pretty clear: federal law requires cars to have working lights. when there are systemic failures of a safety system such as brake lights, tail lights, turn signals, etc., and the manufacturer fails to step up and fix the problem with a voluntary recall, it then becomes time for the department of transportation to get involved. for details on fmvss 108, please refer to the various links here: http://fmvss108.tripod.com/ *tr
- Suspension › Front › Control arm
Premature wear of right front steering control arm. Arm was so worn at less than 30,000 miles that it needed replacement. Wear substantially affected steering response and vehicle control.*ak
- Equipment › Electrical · Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering · Structure
BMW 325 ci: I have experienced so many problems with my 325ci BMW, I bought the car in november, the car IS not even 1 year old and I have taken to service four times already. My car IS a 2002 and at this moment it has 10,660 miles. The car has a major computer problem. My ABS seems to be…
BMW 325 ci: I have experienced so many problems with my 325ci BMW, I bought the car in november, the car IS not even 1 year old and I have taken to service four times already. My car IS a 2002 and at this moment it has 10,660 miles. The car has a major computer problem. My ABS seems to be malfunctioning as well as my emergency brake, and to make matters worse the transmission has been reprogramed and pieces are coming off in the inside. I have taken the car to service the past three weeks for the the computer and the body. Lucky BMW does have great service and I havent had to pay for a single repair. But I would really like to file a lemon law on the car because I know the problems with the car will never stop.
- Power train · Unknown or other
I purchased this vehicle 2 weeks ago. one night while driving on the beltway about 70 mph the car started losing power. almost all the sensors were illuminated on the dash board. I barely made it over to the emergency lane. to make matters worst BMW roadside assistance stated they are not allowed to assist anyone on route 495. BMW would not allow me to return the vehicle, but it IS in the repair shop.
- Suspension
Rattling noise coming from my BMW convertible 325cic, by the passengerside. car has been in the 3 different authorized BMW dealerships for fix and plus a final attemped fix at another authorized BMW dealership where the car was bought from. total of more than 8 times in the dealer ship with one attemped from BMW field engineer and didn't fix the problem. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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…
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 failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492
- 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…
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 failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with consistently high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly, ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016, four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016, four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The PE is now closed/upgraded to an Engineering Evaluation (EA15-001) to include all manufacturersand vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's EA investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The recalls related to this PE are: 14V343, 14V344, 14V348, 14V351, 14V353, 14V655, 14V700, 14V701, 14V752, 14V763, 14V770, 14V773, 14V787, 14V802 and 14V817.The number of vehicles affected are an estimate since some vehicles may have both the driver and passenger side inflators recalled. The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492
- Rear Lamp Illumination
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and…
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
- 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…
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 to an ea to further investigate the issue.
- 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…
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 wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating BMW complaints and related warranty data.
- Inadvertent side-impact air bag deployme
The subject vehicle's air bag electronic control module contains programmable logic for deploying the side-impact air bags.bmw revised the module several times over the span of the model years 1999 through 2002 (identified as mrs2.ca, mrs2.bb, MRS3, MRS3+ and mrs4).although model year 1999.5 vehicles with version…
The subject vehicle's air bag electronic control module contains programmable logic for deploying the side-impact air bags.bmw revised the module several times over the span of the model years 1999 through 2002 (identified as mrs2.ca, mrs2.bb, MRS3, MRS3+ and mrs4).although model year 1999.5 vehicles with version mrs2.bb had 6.5% of the subject population, it accounted for 29% of the total reports received.the mrs2.bb exposure adjusted report rate was almost 4 times higher than other 3 series air bag module versions.in august 2002, BMW initiated a recall campaign for 20,500 model 323I and 328I vehicles with version mrs2.bb (nhtsa recall # 02v223000).in addition to experiencing a lower rate of non-crash deployments, most of the non-recalled vehicles also showed evidence of significant pothole/curb impact with some having additional undercarriage contact/scrape or suspension damage.see additional information
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10056098BMW: some airbags, driver and front passenger, are improperly deploying due to a possible inflator not produced to specifications. Model 2001-2006 E46 (3 series). Updated 9/4/14.
- 10051519BMW: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle IS prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013
- 10051459BMW: dsc warning light IS on. The warning lamps for dsc, ABS and brake warning illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure.
- 10051359BMW: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4B. Covered under the terms of the BMW new vehicle/sav limited warranty.
- 10044032BMW: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012.
- 10041411BMW: E92. The seat belt extender on the front drivers or passenger side failed to deliver the belt. The safety belt extender extends but the belt slips off. The hand on the extender fails. The safety belt IS twisted. The extender will not operate and makes noise while extending.
- 10040852BMW: the service engine soon light IS on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10040736BMW: various functions in the vehicle are not working including: instruments, door locks, wipers, and other electrical functions. There may also be warning lights on. K-can wiring in the vehicle shorted. Updated 10/5/11.
- 10040170BMW: a software error IS causing the the service engine soon light to come on. There will be stored trouble codes.
- 10040057BMW: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. E60/e92. Updated 9/30/11.
- 10040050BMW: the end of the seatbelt assistant breaks/falls off when retracting. The retaining tab IS not robust enough. E92.
- 10040049BMW: a software problem IS causing one or both of the seat belt assistants to not extend fully or may not extend at all. The position at which the assistant comes to rest varies. E92.
- 10040045BMW: a new technical support process has been created regarding transmission concerns.
- 10037079BMW: service engine soon light IS on. The vehicle lost power and the engine cranks with no start. Updated 5/19/15.
- 10037078BMW: the airbag warning lamp IS illuminated due to a software error.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10037010BMW: six different models equipped with the M54 engine could have valve covers break in cold weather and ruin the engine. This IS due to moisture accumulation.
- 10036985BMW: a service engine soon light comes on. The engine will only operate to 1500 rpms and lacks power. There IS a software application error.
- 10036984BMW: it IS now possible to perform a fuel quality detection test on vehicles with an N54 engine.
- 10036983BMW: service engine soon light IS on with diesel engines.
- 10036982BMW: there IS a rough engine idle and "service engine soon light" when driving downhill in high altitudes during cold weather. There may be six different fault codes.
- 10036981BMW: warning message on about low diesel exhaust fuel level and that the engine will not restart within 999 miles. The light comes on a few thousand miles earlier than a recommended oil change.
- 10036980BMW: a new technical process IS being used on many models to determine the root cause of double-clutch transmission problems.
- 10036979BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10035247BMW vehicle: front safety belt does not retract smoothly or jams. The upper part of the driver's or passenger's front safety belt does not roll up fully or rolls up slowly. The adjustment of the inertia reel IS incorrect at the fastening point. The belt IS touching the guide funnel. Models E90, E91 and E92. No model years listed.
- 10035224BMW vehicle: rear bulb failure. The bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster. Diagnosis shows a fault for the rear lamp. The bulb out can be displayed for 2 possible causes: poor fit between the bulb and bulb holder; bulb failure caused by vibration.
- 10033135BMW vehicles: rear axle carrier (sub frame) support proposed class action settlement. Under certain circumstances, a fracture in the steel body structure could form in the area around one of the rear axle carrier mounting points. As a result, a distinct clicking noise can be heard from the area of the rear axle carrier during certain driving conditions. Model E46 (3series). No model years listed.
- 10033131BMW vehicles: engine cranks but does not start; fuel level gauge displays a sufficient amount of fuel, although the fuel tank IS empty; fault code 2A1C (fuel level plausibility) IS stored in msv80. Right side fuel sending unit IS dislodged from its bracket due to incorrect assembly. No model years listed. Updated 4/29/11.
- 10033130BMW vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it IS necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet assembly) do not need to be replaced as well. In some cases, epc does not show that the repair kit IS available separately in the illustration, but it IS available in the parts description. All models. No model years listed.
- 10032989BMW: fuel level sensor repair procedure. The case where it IS necessary to replace the right side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing does not need to be replaced. No model years listed.
- 10032827BMW vehicles: dsc disabling function. Dsc off function has been implemented in M5 and M6 vehicles equipped with the optional 6 speed manual transmissions. No model years listed.
- 10032815BMW vehicle: noise from front axle/right side. A grinding or scraping noise may be heard while cornering at vehicle speeds up to 30 mph. The noise IS more pronounced while the vehicle IS in the warm up phase and may change intensity during left and right turns. The right side engine support IS making contact with the right side engine mount.
- 10032814BMW vehicle: s54-catalyst protection mode while the vehicle IS low on fuel. Complaints that the vehicle has no power during heavy acceleration. Fuel reserve light IS illuminated and the fuel level, when measured with the service tester, IS below 10 liters. With the fuel level low and under extreme driving conditions (heavy acceleration, cornering or racing), the fuel supply may be inadequate, causing an intermittent lean mixture to be recorded by all 4 oxygen sensors.
- 10032812BMW vehicle: m54/m56-mixture too lean-fault codes 2882/2883 are stored in the dme. Complaints that service engine soon light IS illuminated. The fault codes 2882/2883-fuel trim, mixture too lean are stored in the dme. Possible causes may include-incorrect air filter, unmetered air or a defective air mass meter.
- 10032809BMW vehicle: N54 turbocharger waste gate control noises and operation. After turning off engine, a slight rattle noise IS heard from the engine compartment. This noise IS similar to a mechanical typewriter. In addition, the complaints of a slight reduction of power similar to an increased turbo lag. The vacuum supply to the waste gates may be restricted or blocked. No model years listed.
- 10032779BMW vehicle: the service engine soon (mil) lamp IS illuminated and a power reduction IS clearly perceptible. This situation may occur after driving for some time with the engine already at full operating temperature. If the ignition IS cycled, the engine then usually performs normally. Updated 2/7/11. Updated on 06/09/2011. Updated 8/10/11. Updated 1/11/13.
- 10032650BMW: service engine soon lamp illuminated-fc 23F4 map thermostat. In some vehicles have insufficient heat. E90, E91 (3 series), E60, E61 (5 series) 3/06 and E83 (X3 series) 9/08.
- 10031684BMW: complaints that the engine management system has entered the engine failsafe mode and that the turbocharger boost IS reduced. E82, E88, E90, E92, E93, E60, E61, and E71. All models with nay engines. No model years listed. Updated 09/30/11.
- 10031644BMW: complaint that the n (neutral) symbol IS being displayed in the kombi and the message transmission in n, shift to p when engine IS turned off IS displayed in the cc when the vehicle decelerates to a stop. In realty, the transmission stays engaged in a first or second gear and does not shifts to neutral, as indicated by the instrument cluster display. No model years listed. E90, E92, E93 (3 series) 2002-2009.
Every BMW 3 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.