There are no safety recalls for the 2003 BMW E36, but owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 BMW E36 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Tires | 2 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Air Bags | 1 | |
| Seat Belts | 1 | |
| Wheels | 1 | |
| Seats | 1 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Tires › Sidewall — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
- Steering › Column — 1
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
- Seat Belts › Front — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter — 1
- Electrical System › Wiring — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 63,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 BMW E36 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · at 77,000 miles · reported Jan 21, 2008
I recently purchased a 2003 bmw 325i in december 2007. Today (January 21, 2008), my wife drove the car to work and parked said vehicle in her required parking space. Than about two hours later a local police officer came in and informed her that the bmw started by itself and crashed into the police department. The vehicle was in first gear and some how started with no one in the car. This vehicle came with a remote start feature which is located on the key. The keys were on the desk and my wife was not in the same building there the keys were. My wife was actually in the police department…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 37,500 miles · reported Nov 13, 2007
Double vanos system on several models of bmw from 1999 to 2006, have defective vanos systems. The e39 double vanos (Variable valve timing unit) has a malfunction problem. This double vanos can be found on 6-cyl engines m52tu, m54, and m56, found in several model cars, e39, e46, etc, years 99-03. The malfunction symptoms are almost all subtle and mostly go unnoticed. They include lower gas mileage, lower performance, degraded emissions control, and possibly others. The m52tu engine (99-00) has one further malfunction symptom which is far from subtle. It occurs on cold weather cold engine starts…
Seats · at 56,030 miles · reported Oct 22, 2007
2003 bmw 525i with 56k miles. Driver seat heater was turned on while the engine was warming up and few seconds later, one spot on the seat started smoking and burning a whole. The engine and heater was turned off immediately which prevented the fire from spreading. Notified bmw north america and dealer agreed with full seat replacement.
Wheels · at 63,000 miles · reported Aug 20, 2007
The contact owns a 2003 bmw s10 (Na). The contact purchased aftermarket chrome rims online. While driving 75 MPH, the rims separated from the tires and shattered into several pieces. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it currently remains. The VIN and engine size were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 63,000.
Electrical System · at 73,000 miles · reported Aug 13, 2007
There is a serious electrical problem on many bmw e46 models (Newer cars). The tail light harness on both sides has what seems to be a faulty, incomplete, or insecure grounding wire and the result is that the wire overheats and corrodes, and in some cases arcs, which can ignite a fire. The problem is often identified by intermittent or persistent failure of the rear lights on the car and/or unnecessary rear light warnings on the dash. I have photographs to support this case and have done further research to find countless similar cases. The damage is most often characterized by charred…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 BMW E36 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 BMW E36 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 BMW E36?
Owners report power train problems most often (3 reports), followed by tires (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 63,000 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.