2003 BMW M3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2003 BMW M3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2003 BMW M3. Newest first.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
On certain passenger vehicles, the window lifting anti-pinching device might not function properly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Occupants could be pinched by a window that IS being closed.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the electronic control unit for the window lifting anti-pinching device. owner notification began may 27, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Owner complaints
54 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
On May 01, 2026, at approximately 0230 while traveling on hwy. I75 I heard a loud pop towards the rear for the vehicle as the car started to slide. I pulled over to the right side of the road nearly hitting another vehicle. I exited my vehicle and noticed the right rear passenger tire tread had…
On May 01, 2026, at approximately 0230 while traveling on hwy. I75 I heard a loud pop towards the rear for the vehicle as the car started to slide. I pulled over to the right side of the road nearly hitting another vehicle. I exited my vehicle and noticed the right rear passenger tire tread had separated from the side wall completely. It should be noted there was no warning before the tire failed. I then contacted Continental Tires who advised a take them to Discount Tires for inspection. The service center confirmed the tire tread had separated from the sidewall. The tire has not been inspected by anyone else, but I do have numerous pictures.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2003 BMW M3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
I was driving on the freeway, then all of a sudden my drivers side air bags deployed.
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW M3. The contact stated that the electrical system shorted out and all the electrical devices failed to work. The vehicle decelerated without warning and the engine went into limp mode and lost power. All the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW M3. The contact stated that the electrical system shorted out and all the electrical devices failed to work. The vehicle decelerated without warning and the engine went into limp mode and lost power. All the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that a new battery was needed and a part on the fuse box needed to be replaced. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000. The vin was unknown.
- Power train
Msg pump failure
- Power train
Smg hydraulic pump: I was driving on the highway at 65 mph in the #1 lane and my car all of a sudden dropped out of gear and my car started to coast losing speed very fast, I looked at my speedometer and it was 45 mph. cars were honking and high beaming me but I was helpless and was trying to…
Smg hydraulic pump: I was driving on the highway at 65 mph in the #1 lane and my car all of a sudden dropped out of gear and my car started to coast losing speed very fast, I looked at my speedometer and it was 45 mph. cars were honking and high beaming me but I was helpless and was trying to move to the right with my hazard lights on. all of a sudden the car kicked back into gear, I was able to accelerate and exit the highway. I went to research the problem and found out it IS a very common scary problem these cars have. there are thousands of complaints on this subject. very scary situation, I am glad my kids or wife was not driving the car at the time. I hope BMW steps up to the plate and proactively takes care of this before tragedy strikes.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Rear subframe support IS separating from the body where it mounts to. Cracks around the subframe bolts can be seen. Pinchweld around rear fender IS seperating.
- Power train · Suspension · Unknown or other
Rear subframe structural damage per class action lawsuit bacca v. BMW of north america, llc, case no. [Xxx]. I brought my vehicle for maintenace repairs and inspection at a private repair shop and notified me that there IS evidence of rear subframe damage during their inspection. BMW did not…
Rear subframe structural damage per class action lawsuit bacca v. BMW of north america, llc, case no. [Xxx]. I brought my vehicle for maintenace repairs and inspection at a private repair shop and notified me that there IS evidence of rear subframe damage during their inspection. BMW did not notify me of this very typical issue of their BMW 3 series models 1999-2006. this IS not a typical issue in automotive manufacturing and should be continued to be address by BMW north america due to the compromise of safety to the owners and the public of these vehicles. I have attached a pdf of the class action lawsuit letter regarding the structural issues of the automobile. This obviously was not addressed by BMW properly and should be continued to be addressed as the issues are still relevant up to now. This still raises a safety issue since these models are still being sold today. I've also attached a current photo of my vehicle that shows the evidence of structural damage under the rear subframe of the vehicle. I would greatly appreciate you help in getting this issue resolved with BMW of north america as so prevent further damage and prevent any major accident from happening. thank you! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).'*jb
- Air bags
Takata recall. nothing has happened yet to my 2003 BMW M3, but reading about the takata recall and what the airbags are capable IS scaring me to death. My 5 year nephew loves riding around town in his uncle's "race car". Even though I rarely go faster than the speed limit, you would never know…
Takata recall. nothing has happened yet to my 2003 BMW M3, but reading about the takata recall and what the airbags are capable IS scaring me to death. My 5 year nephew loves riding around town in his uncle's "race car". Even though I rarely go faster than the speed limit, you would never know by the look on his face as the air washes across his face. it has been garage kept since I have owned it and have only put 5K miles on it in this 4 years I have owned it. The fact that something like this could go wrong despite my meticulous care taken of the car IS really causing me panic. Should I quit driving the car and leave it in the garage asap until things get figured out? Please inform me on what I should do.
- Air bags
Takata recall - this IS a 2003 car I used to lease. BMW still has me as the lessee of this vehicle which was turned in to BMW in 2006. Someone driving this vehicle will not get this recall because of poor record keeping. This IS not the only incidence. I have other leased bmw's that still had me as the lessee. Please investigate. Thank you.
- Air bags
Driving vehicle at highway speed ran over small/minor pothole resulting in passenger side curtain/head airbag to deploy. no passenger was in the vehicle at the time. No weighted object was in the passenger front seat from vehicle start to time of incident. Moved vehicle to side of road to inspect.…
Driving vehicle at highway speed ran over small/minor pothole resulting in passenger side curtain/head airbag to deploy. no passenger was in the vehicle at the time. No weighted object was in the passenger front seat from vehicle start to time of incident. Moved vehicle to side of road to inspect. no tire damage. No body damage. No evidence of ride height change (to suggest suspension compromise). I was ironically on the way to the dealership for recall work and they did a cursory inspection while the vehicle was on the rack. no obvious damage was identified. car was mechanically sound after incident on the way to dealership and home ~30 miles driven. No rattles. No drifting. No change in handling. concerned that this may be a phantom deployment or maladjusted sensor / srs software issue. this IS similar to other incidents reported on various online discussions for this body style (E46). BMW na has been contacted for further investigation. I am awaiting a reply from them (estimated in a few days per their representative).
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 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.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW M3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) in july of 2015. 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…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW M3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) in july of 2015. 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 aware of the issue. The manufacturer informed the contact that another notification would be sent when the parts became available. The manufacturer stated that based on the location, the high humidity locations were their priority. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 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 stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 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 stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. .....Updated 08/11/16 *bf the consumer stated the issue was resolved. Updated 08/17/16.*jb
- Air bags
Takata recall I received a letter from BMW notifying me of the recall in july 2015. it IS may 2, 2016 and my dealer (BMW of silver spring, md) and BMW of north america llc still do not have the part(s) to implement the recall. this IS unacceptable if nhtsa IS allowing BMW to continue to…
Takata recall I received a letter from BMW notifying me of the recall in july 2015. it IS may 2, 2016 and my dealer (BMW of silver spring, md) and BMW of north america llc still do not have the part(s) to implement the recall. this IS unacceptable if nhtsa IS allowing BMW to continue to manufacture and sell cars in north america with inflators that should be installed in cars already in service. it seems that money IS the issue rather than parts supply for cars in service.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW M3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 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. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Windows were closed. there had been a light rain. temperature was about 90 degrees f. doors were unlocked. upon shutting the ignition key off in a parking lot, both doors locked automatically and immediately. lock button on console was not pushed. both doors would not open, by use of the…
Windows were closed. there had been a light rain. temperature was about 90 degrees f. doors were unlocked. upon shutting the ignition key off in a parking lot, both doors locked automatically and immediately. lock button on console was not pushed. both doors would not open, by use of the buttons on the keys or by the console button. two different keys were tried. the door handles moved, but would not open the doors. I don't believe the outside door handles would have opened the doors either because the doors were "locked" . the inside temperature of the car began to rise rapidly so the engine was started to provide air conditioning. restarting the engine several times did not change the condition of the locked doors. after 10 to 12 minutes I decided to lower the driver's side window and use the key in the door lock on the exterior of the car. this finally unlocked both doors. this could have been deadly if there was an engine fire and I had pull over the car and shut the key off. the doors may lock. a disabled or weak person may not have the strength to break the glass or climb out the window if they panic. I am very scared to use the car at this point...even to drive it to get repaired.
- Air bags
I was in a serious automobile accident involving a 2003 BMW M3. I sustained serious facial trauma that resulted in the loss of vision in my left eye. I had facial stitches as well after the accident. I believe that debris was discharged from the passenger side airbag. 2 surgeries were required…
I was in a serious automobile accident involving a 2003 BMW M3. I sustained serious facial trauma that resulted in the loss of vision in my left eye. I had facial stitches as well after the accident. I believe that debris was discharged from the passenger side airbag. 2 surgeries were required after the accident to repair damages with no vision restored in my left eye. It was a frontal impact with a solid object. *tr
- Power train
While turning at a slow speed left or right the differential begins to make grinding and clunking noise. Inspection II service has already been performed in which the diff fluid IS replaced. However, if turning a hard right or hard left the rear tire begins to vibrate and feels like its running over a bump. *tr
- Engine
P133 code has come up after driving 100 miles. I took the car to a local mechanic in which he replaced all oxygen sensors. A few weeks later the code came back up. I took the car back to the mechanic in which he said it has to do with a faulty ecm. This has caused me to fail smog test unless I erase the code. The ecm has already been reflashed by BMW back in 2012. *tr
- Exterior lighting
Xenon headlights my xenon headlights only work intermittently and when they do work they just barely light the roadway. This could cause a vehicle crash without warning. I went to the BMW dealer and they told me that this malfunction could only be repaired at my cost and that the xenon lights had…
Xenon headlights my xenon headlights only work intermittently and when they do work they just barely light the roadway. This could cause a vehicle crash without warning. I went to the BMW dealer and they told me that this malfunction could only be repaired at my cost and that the xenon lights had simply worn out. This IS obviously a design flaw. rear turn signal lghts, brake lights I also have had problems with the driver's side rear turn signal and brake light. Over time, resistance in the electrical contacts may cause one or more rear lamp functions (tail light, brake light, and/or turn-signal), within the vehicle's body panel, to stop working. The intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions. This can result in a vehicle crash from the rear.
- Air bags · Exterior lighting · Seat belts
My car was in a collision where the driver of car 1 was making a turn into the main street , she turned too wide and could not complete the turn and decided to back up..she slammed into my car ,damage was left front bumper ,broken parking light, damage left front fender , xenon headlight…
My car was in a collision where the driver of car 1 was making a turn into the main street , she turned too wide and could not complete the turn and decided to back up..she slammed into my car ,damage was left front bumper ,broken parking light, damage left front fender , xenon headlight module,(causes the left head light to turn of sometimes) and the air bag light came on , diagnosis found drivers seat belt tensioner fault ,since there was the impact on the drivers side. The driver of car 1 was cited for he incident and also for driving on a learners permit alone. State farm only covered the body repair and declined the repair of the air bag and the head light. I am concerned about the safety of any one inside this car if there was any reason for the deployment of the air bag and it did not deploy at the time. My car was in perfect condition before this accident. I would like to have my car repaired and feel safe driving. *Tr
- Engine · Power train · Vehicle speed control
While driving on a relatively hot day (92 degrees f), my vehicle's smg (sequential manual gearbox) malfunction indicator light turned on and I began having problems with the vehicle randomly dropping out of gear into neutral or "0" for 6-15 seconds at a time. When out of gear, there was a complete…
While driving on a relatively hot day (92 degrees f), my vehicle's smg (sequential manual gearbox) malfunction indicator light turned on and I began having problems with the vehicle randomly dropping out of gear into neutral or "0" for 6-15 seconds at a time. When out of gear, there was a complete loss of power. On one instance of dropping out of gear, I was turning right at around 10-15 mph when I found I could not accelerate and an oncoming vehicle almost ran into me. Since the first occurrence of this, this type of "stalling" has happened much more frequently when the ambient temperature reaches above 90 degrees, and now I cannot drive longer than 30 minutes without the smg mil turning on and gears start dropping. I'm concerned that this may happen at higher speeds and leave me stranded on a highway or even in stop-and-go traffic, where it seems to occur very frequently. I've researched many forums for this and have found this to be a common issue with other M3 smg owners. There IS some indication from other owners that the issue might be linked to a hydraulic temperature sensor located on the main smg hydraulic pump but I have not found any information from BMW detailing a repair for this type of issue. The only option seems to be a full replacement of the hydraulic pump, which has already been done on my vehicle once before for a similar issue. This type of replacement costs almost $4000 as quoted by the dealer. I think BMW should get serious about this issue and conduct an investigation on potential campaign remedies. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
I currently own a 2003 BMW M3 coupe, manual transmission. The car has never been raced or taken to the track and has seen mostly city driving. All suspension components are stock or oem replacement parts. Upon inspection of the car, a trained technician found hairline fractures starting from the…
I currently own a 2003 BMW M3 coupe, manual transmission. The car has never been raced or taken to the track and has seen mostly city driving. All suspension components are stock or oem replacement parts. Upon inspection of the car, a trained technician found hairline fractures starting from the spot welds on the rear suspension subframe mounting points rendering the vehicle stationary until expensive reinforcing plates can be welded into the trunk. If a car company makes street-legal race cars and markets them to the public in that way it seems like a design flaw such as this would be repaired by the company. Again, this car was never raced or tracked and IS experiencing the start of a catastrophic structural failure because it was driven on normal roads. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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.
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.
- 10244237Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-
- 10225126Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
- 10194296Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.
- 10184591SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven roadway.
- 10160287TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10160244TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10154816In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs.
- 10153726Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
- 10150160State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due To an Invalid VIN Number. The customer of an affected vehicle may fail to pass an I/M test due to a non-compliant 17digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Motor Electronic). The VIN read out and displayed on the state test printout does not match the actual VIN of the vehicle. If the DME was reprogrammed using the previously available BMW service equipment (e.g., Progman, GT1), it is possible that only the last 7 digits of the VIN were entered into the DME, and positions 4 through10 may only contain default characters. For example: The state I/M tester or OBD scan tool may read out WBAAA00000A123456 instead of the correct full 17-digit VIN, WBAZZ03492A123456.
- 10149558For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata passenger?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
- 10149557For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata driver?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
- 10148179Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles. INFORMATION 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form. These surface hairline cracks are usually spread over the entire brake disc friction area, and have no negative influence on the durability or braking performance. The rotors should not be replaced only for their appearance reasons. When performing routine service on the brake system (pad replacement due to wear), the brake discs should be replaced if surface cracks are found to be greater than 13 mm, or if the brake disc thickness is below the minimum thickness. Always replace brake discs in pairs (per axle). Install new brake pads when replacing discs. By doing this, the service life of the friction pad surface is increased, and an even material loss is ensured. 2. Vibrations and/or steering wheel torsional vibrations during braking are caused by applying the brakes on discs with minimal to heavy corrosion. These vibrations are most noticeable when braking from high speeds with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F), and will diminish with normal everyday operation. Parts replacement is not required. 3. After high brake loads, running noises can be heard when applying the brakes, and may also be heard to a limited extent after the brakes are released. (See the note in the Owner's Manual). These noises are reduced during normal everyday operation, due to further erosion of the brake pad friction lining. Visible surface cracks or craterlike recesses on the brake pad surface are caused by a minor difference in the material of the pad lining, which will decrease with further operation and should not be replaced due to their appearance.
- 10148100Special Technical Campaign. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has urged vehicle manufacturers to conduct an investigation into air bags which may not deploy correctly. BMW is cooperating with this request. Takata is a supplier of air bags to several automotive manufacturers. They have informed NHTSA of a small number of cases of improperly deploying air bags in a few specific areas of the US. None of the reported cases involve any BMW vehicles. No determination has been made by BMW and Takata that a safety issue exists.This program involves the driver and front passenger air bag system. Specifically, the air bag system may have been manufactured with an inflator that was not produced to specification. After long-term exposure in high absolute humidity environments, in a crash in which air bag system deployment occurs, the air bag system housing may rupture. To assist Takata with their determination, BMW will be collecting air bags from a limited number of customer vehicles. Once the affected vehicle population has been determined, owners of affected vehicles will be notified by letter to visit their authorized BMW center to have their air bag(s) replaced. Additional information will be provided at that time. A press release from NHTSA on this topic is expected to be issued on Monday, June 23, 2014.
- 10147242Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 04 14 dated December 2014. Designates changes to the bulletin. INFORMATION 1.Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form. These surface hairline cracks are usually spread over the entire brake disc friction area, and have no negative influence on the durability or braking performance. The rotors should not be replaced only for their appearance reasons.When performing routine service on the brake system (pad replacement due to wear), the brake discs should be replaced if surface cracks are found to be greater than 13 mm, or if the brake disc thickness is below the minimum thickness. Always replace brake discs in pairs (per axle). Install new brake pads when replacing discs. By doing this, the service life of the friction pad surface is increased, and an even material loss is ensured. 2. Vibrations and/or steering wheel torsional vibrations during braking are caused by applying the brakes on discs with minimal to heavy corrosion. These vibrations are most noticeable when braking from high speeds with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F), and will diminish with normal everyday operation. Parts replacement is not required. 3.After high brake loads, running noises can be heard when applying the brakes, and may also be heard to a limited extent after the brakes are released. (See the note in the Owner's Manual). These noises are reduced during normal everyday operation, due to further erosion of the brake pad friction lining. Visible surface cracks or craterlike recesses on the brake pad surface are caused by a minor difference in the material of the pad lining, which will decrease with further operation and should not be replaced due to their appearance.
- 10145331Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles:
- 10057534BMW: running noises heard when brakes are applied, with high brake loads; through wheel opening, visible cracks can be seen in brake discs and steering wheel torsional vibrates when applying brakes.
- 10040853BMW: a grinding noise IS coming from the differential during slow cornering. When turning a slip/stick effect IS created on the lining and steel discs incorporated in the differential clutch causes a grinding noise.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 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.
- 10032574BMW: voluntary emissions recall 08e-a03; M3 s54-dme reprogramming for catalyst conversion diagnosis. The dme programming, as originally installed, may cause the obd diagnostic to erroneously evaluate the efficiency of the catalytic converters.
- 10030850BMW: thermostat housing inspection. The retaining springs of the thermostat housing quick release couplings for the coolant hoses may not be locked correctly. This situation may result in a coolant leak. Models affected are M3 sedan (E90), coupe (92), and convertible (393). No model years listed.
- 10029304BMW: as originally installed, the dme programming may cause the obd diagnostic to erroneously evaluate the efficiency of the catalytic converters. Model E46 (M3) coupe and convertibles.
- 10012783Bremi ignition coil replacement on S54 engine. This service bulletin supersedes si120803 dated may 2004.
- 10002142Service action to install parking aid wire when the passenger's exterior mirror will not tilt down when reverse gear IS selected.
Every BMW M3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.