MYRModel Year Report

2003 BMW E46

○ Not enough data
2003 BMW E46
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:47.342Z

Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
1

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 6 complaints 1996: 1 complaint 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 18 complaints 2000 2001: 0 complaints 2002: 2 complaints 2003: 1 complaint 2003 1 2004: 4 complaints 2005: 0 complaints
1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1993 1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 6 complaints 1995 1996: 1 complaint 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 18 complaints 2000 2001: 0 complaints 2001 2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2003 1 2004: 4 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2005
1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1993 1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 6 complaints 1995 1996: 1 complaint 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 18 complaints 2000 2001: 0 complaints 2001 2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2003 1 2004: 4 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2005

2003: 1 complaint

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 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Exterior lighting

1 of 1 total report mentions: exterior lighting.

Show complaint excerpts

Please let this notice serve as a formal petition for an investigation of a safety-related design defect. The rear tail light bulbs aren't working on the driver's side.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-09-25

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2009-08-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-12-22 Rear lamp illumination
  3. I
    2009-12-18Engineering analysisClosed 2011-09-28 Rear Lamp Illumination

Buy-smart checklist

2003 BMW E46 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Exterior lighting: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2003 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 2003 BMW E46?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 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.