2004 BMW M3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2004 BMW M3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2004 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.
Owner complaints
31 complaints2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Electrical system
Below is a partial email to a BMW Dealer that replaced an airbag 2 1/2 years ago per a recall. The airbag light, convertible top light were both illuminated when I left the dealer. I have sent emails and contacted BMW USA. A friend scanned the car with a Snap-On scanner that showed that the light…
Below is a partial email to a BMW Dealer that replaced an airbag 2 1/2 years ago per a recall. The airbag light, convertible top light were both illuminated when I left the dealer. I have sent emails and contacted BMW USA. A friend scanned the car with a Snap-On scanner that showed that the light has been illuminated because of the air bag that they replaced. They continue to avoid the issue and they made my car unsafe and allowed me to leave with it. What can be done to resolve this issue? From: [XXX] <[XXX]> Sent: Friday, May 10, 2024 10:06 AM To: '[XXX]' <[XXX]> Subject: Issues with service during an airbag replacement Good morning [XXX], I took my 2004 M3 to BMW of Fort Lauderdale in November 2023 for a passenger-airbag replacement. The airbag light on the dash was illuminated when I received the car. I notified the service manager who stated that the light was not on when he initially got in the car after my arrival. The car was returned to the garage to determine the issue. The car was returned 30 – 45 minutes later and the airbag light continued to illuminate. The service manage told me that the driver’s side airbag which was replaced at a different dealership was causing the issue. I got in the car and notice that an oil pressure and voltage gauge that I installed after rebuilding the engine were not working. Therefore, I notified the service manager of the issue. He asked another manager to talk to me. I asked how they replaced the airbag so I would know where to start troubleshooting the cause. He told me that they were NOT in the fuse box because they removed the airbag from the top of the dash. The airbag light has been constantly illuminated since the airbag was replaced at BMW of Fort Lauderdale. I attached an image that shows two passenger side airbag errors that were displayed on a Snap-on scanner on May 8, 2024. This was caused by work done at BMW of Fort Lauderdale. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Structure › Body
Passenger side rear sub-frame crack observed . Vehicle has never been in any accident or collision. It's a commonly know problem about BMW 3 series made between 1999 to 2006 that happens naturally without cause due to manufacture issue, so I decided to look under my car to look for any cracks as…
Passenger side rear sub-frame crack observed . Vehicle has never been in any accident or collision. It's a commonly know problem about BMW 3 series made between 1999 to 2006 that happens naturally without cause due to manufacture issue, so I decided to look under my car to look for any cracks as described. I identified at least one crack. After calling BMW USA for assitance, I was instructed to bring the car to have it inspected and confirmed by the BMW dealership in Ontario, CA. Dispite me telling them the location of the crack, they concluded there is no crack and nothing needed to be done. Not satified with their inspection, I went to get a second opinion from an independent machanic/ body shop and they confirmed that there is indeed a crack and took clear pictures to show that. If left untreated, these subframe cracks will spread and the rear of the car can fall off along with the rear axel and rear wheels leading to accidents. The cost of fixing such manufacture issure is also costly, $2500 to over $10000 from the estimates I collected.
- Exterior lighting
Wiring problem with factory headlights. This issue causes headlights to flicker and eventually turn off. It happens while the vehicle IS in motion and sitting still.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 BMW M3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Takata recall -- it's been 2 years since the recall was issued, but the manufacturer / dealership do not seem to be able to get the parts to repair my car. This essentially renders my car unsafe, and in many ways, unusable. I still have not heard about a date by when the parts will be available / repair will be done.
- Air bags
Takada recall: notified by BMW july 2015 driver-side air bag module defective. in may 2016, BMW advised they did not know when air bag would befixed. since then another person has died. concerned about safety and length of time waiting for fix.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW M3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW M3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part needed to perform the repair was unavailable. The contact was placed on a waiting list. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW M3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part needed to perform the repair was unavailable. The contact was placed on a waiting list. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The vin was unavailalbe. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW M3. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) however, the part…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW M3. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Vin tool confirmed parts not available......updated 02/11/16 *bf *tr
- Air bags
No accident. just waiting since september 2014 to have my passenger side airbag replaced. I can't drive the car with a passenger because the airbag IS affected by a recall and the BMW dealers don't have the parts to replace it. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 BMW M3 convertible. the contact received a notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags). However, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure. the vin was not available.
- Tires · Wheels › Rim
I was driving my car on lake shore drive and I hit a pot hole near lawrence ave. I ended up getting flat on both of my right tires. It possibly bent my rim, suspension issues, and tire have been flat. *tr
- Power train
Faulty smg pump possibly caused by a culmination of other failing parts in smg system. Car IS rendered inoperable in potentially hazardous driving situations that would otherwise be circumvented by a system more capable of warning the owner of an impending failure. The remedy the majority of…
Faulty smg pump possibly caused by a culmination of other failing parts in smg system. Car IS rendered inoperable in potentially hazardous driving situations that would otherwise be circumvented by a system more capable of warning the owner of an impending failure. The remedy the majority of dealerships are using are replacement of the entire smg system, which costs up to $7,000.00. As hideous as this sounds, there more than likely IS a very small factor or part that IS causing the entire system to fail. BMW needs to address this immediately. *tr
- Engine
One of the vanos exhaust hub tab broke and damaged the oil pump disc. I had to replace the vanos exhaust hub and oil pump disc. *js
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
Vehicle drops out of gear randomly. As I was taking a left turn, the vehicle dropped into 0 gear and on coming traffic almost ran into me head on. I had no way of moving the car due to transmission being shifted into neutral. this IS due to a defective temperature sensor on the smg pump. BMW ignores the issue.
- Exterior lighting
The rear lamps in my body panel that house the brake lamp, turn signal, and tail lamp stopped working and needed to be fully replaced. my car IS a low mileage vehicle. This same issue was the subject of nhtsa #11v438000. however, this recall did not include the M3, just all of the other 3 series…
The rear lamps in my body panel that house the brake lamp, turn signal, and tail lamp stopped working and needed to be fully replaced. my car IS a low mileage vehicle. This same issue was the subject of nhtsa #11v438000. however, this recall did not include the M3, just all of the other 3 series bmws. please investigate. this IS a safety issue and a costly repair for me. this IS the reference found on your website and my issues are identical to this summary: nhtsa campaign number: 11v438000 rear lamps in body panel summary: BMW IS recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325I, 325xi, 330I, and 330xi vehicles manufactured from september 1, 2001, through march 1, 2005. Over time, resistance in the electrical contacts may cause one or more rear lamp functions (tail light, brake light, and/or turn-signal), within the vehicle's body panel, to stop working. thank you for looking into this. *tr
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
This IS the second time this happened to my car the smg (sequential manual gear) light comes on and then my service engine light comes on as well every time in that order , also my car shifts itself into neutral all on its own and I can,t control the acceleration on the highway or anywhere else so…
This IS the second time this happened to my car the smg (sequential manual gear) light comes on and then my service engine light comes on as well every time in that order , also my car shifts itself into neutral all on its own and I can,t control the acceleration on the highway or anywhere else so the car begins top slow down, many people have addressed this issue to BMW n.a. And nothing and it only happens during hot weather, and BMW ran a diagnostic on my car and they gave me multiple things that can cause it so they expect me to pay for all of them even if they are not all the culprits. This IS a very dangerous issue especially on the highway and I have kids so it makes me even more worried that something might happen because of this and bmw's negligence to the issue. *tr
- Structure · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
I inspected the trunk floorpan and noticed buckling, cracking of the trunk floor and welded seams coming apart. the rear subframe mounts were cracked on both sides. the rear subframe IS ripping itself out of the car and I'm very lucky I found this while the car was at rest and not driving at…
I inspected the trunk floorpan and noticed buckling, cracking of the trunk floor and welded seams coming apart. the rear subframe mounts were cracked on both sides. the rear subframe IS ripping itself out of the car and I'm very lucky I found this while the car was at rest and not driving at speed. BMW knows this IS faulty engineering but somehow their lawyers fangled a way to only cover the repairs for the E46 cars for 1 year (2010), everyone else IS screwed. these cars should be outlawed, or at least a giant sign should have to be placed in the windshield explaining this problem to potential buyers and they should be forced to sign a waiver if they are dumb enough to buy it anyways. I bought the car 2 months ago under the impression M3S had re-enforcement in this area above and beyond the regular E46, I was wrong to the tune of 3500.00 repair bill (and I got off light). what a mess, that little baby chassis can't even handle 333hp without ripping itself apart. my buick gn makes 550hp and the frame holds together just fine. *tr
- Visibility/wiper
Got into my car in the afternoon and noticed the rear view mirror was distorted. after inspecting, realized that the liquid had separated behind mirror. had to run an errand. started driving and then heard a loud "pop" noise. looked at mirror and the liquid was very visible moving behind glass.…
Got into my car in the afternoon and noticed the rear view mirror was distorted. after inspecting, realized that the liquid had separated behind mirror. had to run an errand. started driving and then heard a loud "pop" noise. looked at mirror and the liquid was very visible moving behind glass. got to my destination and noticed fluid all over seat and center console. immediately wiped up and it had already damaged center console in several places. got it off seat before it damaged the leather. had to wrap towel around mirror to catch the rest of the fluid leaking out of the bottom. this fluid was extremely caustic and did damage to console in less than a minute. I'm glad I was in car when it happened, I am sure the damage from the fluid would of been a lot worse! *tr
- Power train
Automatic transmission smg hydraulic pump failed. *tr
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Had my car inspected by a mechanic and he noticed a tear in the subframe near the rear drivers side. tunes out this IS a known problem for E46 bmws. BMW will only cover 50% of the repairs and has admitted that this IS a defect in their design. it's now a safety issue as the car IS out of alignment and the floor has dropped, rubbing on the rear axle. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Before I start explaining, I should mention that the car has been meticulously maintained with majority of the parts being genuine BMW. The chassis has 110,xxx miles at the moment, and the engine has 78,xxx miles. The engine had a failure in 2006 due to a rod bearing failure (recalled from BMW)…
Before I start explaining, I should mention that the car has been meticulously maintained with majority of the parts being genuine BMW. The chassis has 110,xxx miles at the moment, and the engine has 78,xxx miles. The engine had a failure in 2006 due to a rod bearing failure (recalled from BMW), and a remanufactured engine has been installed by BMW technicians at a BMW dealership service center in virginia. recently my 2004 BMW M3 had a failure inside the engine that could have been very dangerous. On halloween night 2011, as I was leaving the gas station, I hear a very faint rattling noise up in the engine bay. I was contemplating rather I should take the car to the local dealership, or fix it myself. But prior to this, I've read many unsatisfying experiences people had at their local BMW dealerships. I worried that since this was a major problem that could be life threatening, I decided to do the work myself. I removed the valve cover, and noticed the exhaust side hub on of the BMW double vanos has failed. A mechanism designed to improve torque and fuel consumption. The hub had one of the 2 tabs completely broken off. Luckily the broken tab was still stuck inside the oil pump. If instead the broken piece came out of its location, and moved around in a engine this could cause a catastrophic failure. Ranging anywhere from approx $15,000 remanufactured engine replacement to possibly a high speed collision if the car was in motion during the failure. With a damaged engine, it IS difficult to follow the minimum speed limit of 40 mph on the local freeway. The total replacement parts in my situation costs well over $3000 using BMW parts. Unfortunately, even with the current replacement parts from BMW, the problem would not be fixed since the currently new parts have just as much chance of failing as the old. *js
- Power train › Manual transmission
The smg transmission in a 2004 BMW M3 will randomly shift into neutral disabling the vehicle on hot days without warning. occurs on any day where temperatures exceed 95 degrees. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
TL* the contact owns a 2004 BMW M3 convertible. The contact stated that the vehicle would slip out of gear while driving at any speed. The contact stated that because the vehicle had a smg transmission, the failure would not allow the contact to accelerate and he would have to shut the vehicle off…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 BMW M3 convertible. The contact stated that the vehicle would slip out of gear while driving at any speed. The contact stated that because the vehicle had a smg transmission, the failure would not allow the contact to accelerate and he would have to shut the vehicle off and restart to allow the gear to re-engage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer yet he was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage and current mileage was 40,000.
- Visibility
Rearview mirror leaked electrochromic fluid all over console and seats, badly damaging them. Will need to replace mirror and damaged parts. *Tr
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
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.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 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.
- 10182619Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.
- 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.
- 10052012BMW: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This IS causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
- 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.
Every BMW M3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.