MYRModel Year Report

1994 BMW E46

○ Not enough data
1994 BMW E46
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:23:33.378Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW E46 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1994 highlighted. 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 6 complaints 1996: 1 complaints 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaints 2000: 18 complaints 2000 2001: 0 complaints 2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 1 complaints 2004: 4 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2005
1994: 3 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19902
19910
19920
19933
19943
19956
19961
19974
19980
19991
200018
20010
20022
20031
20044
20050

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.

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, 20070901

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 of 3 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.

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, 20071017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.

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, 20070126

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20060510 — exterior lighting

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 FAIL

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.

Campaign 06E040000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1994 BMW E46 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E040000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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:automatic transmission, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.