2003 BMW 3 SERIES Engine Problems
2 NHTSA complaints on file
Engine Issues in the 2003 BMW 3 SERIES
2 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 BMW 3 SERIES. Of these, 0 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.
2
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Engine Complaints
2003 BMW 325I LOW FUEL STALL
THE BMW E46 3-SERIES (1999-2006) SUFFERS FROM A DESIGN FLAW IN THE COOLING SYSTEM. PLASTIC PARTS IN THE COOLING SYSTEM FAIL AS SOON AS 4 YEARS AND 80,000 MILES FROM MANUFACTURE DATE, OFTEN FAILING CATASTROPHICALLY AND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. CONTINUED DRIVING OF THE CAR IN THIS SITUATION LEADS TO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE AND LOSS OF POWER (INCLUDING POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES), POTENTIALLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT IF IT HAPPENS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TYPICAL FAILED PARTS INCLUDE THE COOLANT EXPANSION TANK, RADIATOR END TANKS, AND WATER PUMP IMPELLERS OR BEARINGS. (BMW CAME UP WITH AN IMPROVED WATER PUMP DESIGN AROUND 2004 THAT IS MORE RELIABLE.) CARS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS ALSO SUFFER FAILURES OF THE MECHANICAL FAN CLUTCH AND THE TRANSMISSION COOLING THERMOSTAT. FAILURE OF THE FAN CLUTCH (FOUND ONLY ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CARS) CAN CAUSE THE FAN BLADES TO BREAK OFF AND DAMAGE THE RADIATOR, SERPENTINE BELT, AND WATER...
Other 2003 BMW 3 SERIES Problem Areas
Air Bags
20 complaints
Exterior Lighting
19 complaints
Electrical System
11 complaints
Latcheslockslinkages
4 complaints
Structurebody
4 complaints
Suspension
4 complaints
Exterior Lightingheadlights
3 complaints
Tires
3 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
2 complaints
Power Train
2 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
2 complaints
Visibility
2 complaints
Air Bagsfrontal
1 complaint
Child Seatlatch Connectorclip
1 complaint
Electrical Systemwiring
1 complaint
Electronic Stability Controlautomatic Asc
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasoline
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
1 complaint
Fuelpropulsion System
1 complaint
Service Brakes
1 complaint
Service Brakes Airantilockcontrol Unitmodule
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulic
1 complaint
Structurebodydoor
1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Control
1 complaint
Wheels
1 complaint