1993 BMW E46
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1993
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1993: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 3 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 6 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 18 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seats
2 of 3 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving and all of a sudden my seat started to catch fire. I panicked. I hopped out and had to suffocate the fire out by closing the windows.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-06-13
Also filed under Electrical system
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*- the contact smells gas coming from her engine on her 1993 525I. The contact states that when she cranks her vehicle on she can smell the gas. The smell gets worse when it's cold outside.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-12-18
Electrical system
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2006-05-10Exterior lighting06E040000 Certain e speed racing combination lamps sold as replacement equipment for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors…
Remedy: E speed racing will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began May 10, 2006. Owners may contact e speed racing 909-923-3636.
Buy-smart checklist
1993 BMW E46 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seats: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E040000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 1993 BMW E46 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1993 BMW E46?
- The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1993 BMW E46 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.