2003 BMW E36Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 2003 BMW E36, most often about the power train. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 21, 2008. Updated daily.
Where the 2003 BMW E36 has problems
13 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 1 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2003 BMW E36 recalls and how many were fixed
No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.
2003 vs. every other E36 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the E36 median. How we score
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
What E36 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
MY 2003 BMW 330I HAS 85K MILES AND IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. RECENTLY, HOWEVER, A "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED A PROBLEM AND INFORMED ME THAT I NEEDED A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER BECAUSE THE GASKET WAS LEAKING, HOWEVER, THE CAR WAS DRIVING JUST FINE. THEY TOLD ME THAT IF I…
PLEASE REFER TO FR DOC 04-10644. MY PROBLEM CONCERNS THIS EXACT ISSUE WITH MY 2003 BMW X5, IE, DELAYED PARK TO DRIVE ENGAGEMENT ON COLD START. ON 11-11-06 I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVE (I LIVE ON A CORNER LOT) AND IMMEDIATELY AM AT A STOP SIGN. I PULLED OUT, BUT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT FULLY ENGAGE…
Own a 2003 E36?
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