1994 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 1994
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1994: 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.
Power train
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
I was recently driving a 1994 BMW 740I with approximately 110,000 miles on it, it had been taken care of very well, and unexpectedly the transmission will "Rest" In a neutral state when it is put into drive or reverse.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-09-01
Exterior lighting
1 of 3 total reports mentions: exterior lighting, most commonly citing switch.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 BMW E46. The contact has not yet received a recall letter for his vehicle. He moved, which may be the reason why he has not received it in the mail.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-10-17
Electrical system
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing control module.
Show complaint excerpts
I was trapped inside my BMW because of a faulty double-locking anti-theft system. It was quite traumatic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-01-26
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
1994 BMW E46 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 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 1994 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 1994 BMW E46?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1994 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.