IllustrationTRANSMISSION WILL DROP OUT OF GEAR AND SHUT CAR DOWN, WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION DURING NORMAL USE. VEHICLE WILL ONLY WORK WHEN COLD, MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF BADLY DESIGNED SMG TEMP SENSOR AND NEGLIGENTLY DESIGNED COMPUTER LOGIC THAT SHIFTS TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL AND SHUTS CAR DOWN.
2003 BMW 3 Series
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2003 BMW 3 Series do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 23.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 3 Series years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
10–25K
125–50K
950–75K
875–100K
11100–150K
4150K+
34 reports with mileage · 17 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports0 fire reports3 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
10 reportsPASSENGER DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. ALL PASSENGERS COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR. PULLING ON THE DOOR HANDLES DID NOT OPEN OR UNLOCK THE DOORS. INTERIOR UNLOCK BUTTONS DID NOT WORK. UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB DID NOT WORK. THIS IS VERY COMMON ISSUE AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. 4 PASSENGERS HAD TO CRAWL OUT THE DRIVER DOOR. *TR
TRAVELING SOUTH ON 75,DRIVER DOOR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. APPLIED BRAKES AND RAN OFF SIDE OFF ROAD TO KEEP FROM HAVING A CAR REAR END ME AND THEN RIGHT TIRE BLEW OUT DUE TO DROP OFF. CAR SHUT DOWN BY ITSELF. AIR BAGS DID NOT COMPLETELY DEPLOY. OVER HEAD STRAP HIT HEAD AND NECK AREA CAUSING SORENESS AND HEADACHE. DOOR AIR BAG…
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TRAVELING SOUTH ON 75,DRIVER DOOR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. APPLIED BRAKES AND RAN OFF SIDE OFF ROAD TO KEEP FROM HAVING A CAR REAR END ME AND THEN RIGHT TIRE BLEW OUT DUE TO DROP OFF. CAR SHUT DOWN BY ITSELF. AIR BAGS DID NOT COMPLETELY DEPLOY. OVER HEAD STRAP HIT HEAD AND NECK AREA CAUSING SORENESS AND HEADACHE. DOOR AIR BAG CAUSED FRAGMENTS TO HIT HAND AND TORE OFF SKIN.I THOUGHT CAR WAS ON FIRE DUE TO SMOKE SMELL OF WIRES BURNING,REMOVED STRAP OFF NECK AND GOT OUT OF CAR. IF TRAFFIC HAD BEEN HEAVY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR WRECK. IF I HAD BEEN ON 2 LANE HIGHWAY I WOULD HAVE HIT HEAD ON ANOTHER VEHICLE. MONDAY CALLED BMW AND THEY SAID SOMEONE WOULD CALL ME BACK. I CALLED EVERY DAY FOR A WEEK AND WAS TOLD TO LEAVE MSG WITH CASE MGR WHICH I DID. 10 DAYS LATER CASE MGR CALLED AND SAID BAGS ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO FULLY DEFLATE AND SHE WOULD HAVE CAR TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER FOR ENGINEER TO LOOK AT AND ONCE THEY HAVE CAR IT COULD BE ANOTHER 2-3 WEEKS BEFORE HE LOOKS AT CAR AND NOT TO EXPECT ANY REPAIRS. SHE ALSO SAID SHE DOES NOT FIND ANY RECALLS FOR THIS CAR. I TOLD HER I FOUND INFO ON INTERNET.NOW I AM OUT OF CAR AND WAITING ON BMW TO LOOK INTO. BMW CASE #[XXX]. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V172000. + USA TODAY MAY 7,2013. + SUIT CLAIMS AIR BAGS DEFECTIVE (HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/BMW.HTML). + LOS ANGLES TIMES-BMW RECALL AIR BAGS THAT COULD SPRAY SHRAPNEL DEC 16,2013. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
THE GENERAL MODULE 5 (GM5) IS ELECTRONIC HARDWARE THAT AMONGST OTHER FUNCTIONS PRIMARILY CONTROLS THE LOCKING AND UNLOCKING OF THE BMW E46'S. THIS MODULE HAS DECIDED TO STOP WORKING IN MY VEHICLE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE FROM ANY OF THE POSSIBLE OPTIONS (KEY FOB BUTTON, CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON, OR DOOR DOUBLE LO…
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THE GENERAL MODULE 5 (GM5) IS ELECTRONIC HARDWARE THAT AMONGST OTHER FUNCTIONS PRIMARILY CONTROLS THE LOCKING AND UNLOCKING OF THE BMW E46'S. THIS MODULE HAS DECIDED TO STOP WORKING IN MY VEHICLE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE FROM ANY OF THE POSSIBLE OPTIONS (KEY FOB BUTTON, CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON, OR DOOR DOUBLE LOCKING HANDLE). THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT THE PASSENGERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO QUICKLY ESCAPE THE VEHICLE DUE TO INABILITY OF THE DOORS TO UNLOCK. AFTER THOROUGH RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE, YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BY THE MANUFACTURER TO ADDRESS THIS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS FLAW. THERE IS NO WAY TO MANUALLY OVERRIDE THE GM5 TO UNLOCK THE DOORS SO WITHOUT IT PASSENGERS ARE ESSENTIALLY TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. THE MODULE ALSO CONTROLS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, POWER WINDOWS, AND TRUNK RELEASE. HAVING THESE FEATURES INOPERABLE ON TOP OF THE INABILITY TO UNLOCK FOR ANY GIVEN AMOUNT OF TIME IS UNACCEPTABLE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER AS A RECALL AND REPLACEMENT. *TR
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, EITHER WITH THE INSIDE DOOR LATCH OR THE OUTSIDE LATCH. THE LOCK PLUNGER GOES UP AND DOWN NORMALLY WITH EITHER THE KEY, THE KEY REMOTE, OR THE INSIDE DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON, BUT IN NO CASE CAN EITHER DOOR LATCH OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. ALL OTHER DOORS OPERATE NORMALLY. THIS MAKES ENTERI…
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DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, EITHER WITH THE INSIDE DOOR LATCH OR THE OUTSIDE LATCH. THE LOCK PLUNGER GOES UP AND DOWN NORMALLY WITH EITHER THE KEY, THE KEY REMOTE, OR THE INSIDE DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON, BUT IN NO CASE CAN EITHER DOOR LATCH OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. ALL OTHER DOORS OPERATE NORMALLY. THIS MAKES ENTERING OR EXITING THE CAR DIFFICULT, NECESSITATING EITHER CLIMBING IN/OUT THROUGH THE WINDOW OR BY CLIMBING ACROSS THE CONSOLE FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT. IF THERE WERE AN EMERGENCY, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY. NO EVENT APPEARED TO CAUSE THIS TO HAPPEN. I ENTERED THE VEHICLE, DROVE IT, EXITED THE VEHICLE A FEW TIMES DURING THE MORNING BEFORE DRIVING, PARKING, STOPPING THE VEHICLE, AND THEN HAVING THE DOOR STICK SHUT. *TR
I WAS LOCKED IN MY CAR FOR 1 HOUR. MY KEY FOB WOULD NOT UNLOCK MY DOORS, SO I MANUALLY OPENED THE DOOR, STARTED THE CAR, CLOSED THE DOOR, AND TRIED TO WARM UP THE CAR (IT IS WINTER IN CHICAGO AND MY WINDOWS WERE ALSO FROZEN SHUT). I THEN PRESSED THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON TWICE IN AN ATTEMPT TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AND AT THAT POINT I LE…
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I WAS LOCKED IN MY CAR FOR 1 HOUR. MY KEY FOB WOULD NOT UNLOCK MY DOORS, SO I MANUALLY OPENED THE DOOR, STARTED THE CAR, CLOSED THE DOOR, AND TRIED TO WARM UP THE CAR (IT IS WINTER IN CHICAGO AND MY WINDOWS WERE ALSO FROZEN SHUT). I THEN PRESSED THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON TWICE IN AN ATTEMPT TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AND AT THAT POINT I LEARNED I WAS LOCKED IN MY CAR. I TRIED DRIVING THE CAR A BLOCK TO SEE IF THE LOCKS WOULD RESET AND NOTHING WORKED (NEITHER THE DOOR LEVERS, KEY FOB OR LOCK BUTTON). I CALLED A DEALER AND THEY SUGGESTED I DRIVE IT TO THE SERVICE CENTER. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE SERVICE CENTER AN HOUR LATER, MY WINDOW WAS NO LONGER FROZEN SO I HANDED THE KEY TO THE AGENT AND ALTHOUGH THE MANUAL DOOR HANDLES AND UNLOCK BUTTON WOULD NOT WORK, THE KEY FOB WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE AGENT AGREED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDED TO BE INSPECTED. I DROVE THE CAR HOME. TWO DAYS LATER I TRIED TO START THE CAR AND THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. WE JUMPED IT AND I DROVE THE CAR TO A DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED AND PROGRAMMED THE GENERAL MODULE BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. THEY SAID THAT IT HAD CAUSED THE PROBLEM WITH THE DOORS AND DRAINED THE BATTERY. THE BMW REPRESENTATIVES DO NOT SEEM SURPRISED BY THE PROBLEM, BUT I WAS QUITE FRIGHTENED BY THE FACT THAT I HAD TO DRIVE MY CAR WHILE LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *TR
THE PROJECTOR BOWLS ON THE ZKW HEADLIGHTS WERE BURNT OUT DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. I SEE LOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. DRIVING IN NIGHT IS REALLY DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS. *TT
DOORS FAIL TO UNLOCK, EITHER USING THE KEYFOB, THE INSIDE BUTTON OR MANUALLY BY PULLING THE DOOR HANDLE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS OCCUPANTS ARE TRAPPED INSIDE. NO METHOD OF OPENING THE DOOR WORK. THIS APPEARS TO BE INTERMITTENT AND EVENTUALLY THE DOORS UNLOCK MECHANISM STARTS WORKING AGAIN. THE GM5 MODULE SEEMS AT F…
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DOORS FAIL TO UNLOCK, EITHER USING THE KEYFOB, THE INSIDE BUTTON OR MANUALLY BY PULLING THE DOOR HANDLE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS OCCUPANTS ARE TRAPPED INSIDE. NO METHOD OF OPENING THE DOOR WORK. THIS APPEARS TO BE INTERMITTENT AND EVENTUALLY THE DOORS UNLOCK MECHANISM STARTS WORKING AGAIN. THE GM5 MODULE SEEMS AT FAULT. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. *TR
PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND BOTH REAR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN. ALL THREE DOORS REMAINED LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE OPEN FROM INSIDE BY USING THE MECHANICAL HANDLES. NEITHER THE REMOTE KEY NOR THE REGULAR KEY WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. *TR
IN 2010 THE SUNROOF WENT BAD I TALKED TO A BMW DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEM, IN AUGUST OF 2011 I NOTICED THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS AND BLINKERS WERE NOT WORKING PROPER,NOR WAS MY HORN,AND THE DRIVERS WINDOW REGULATORS ARE BINDING UP, ALSO A BRAKE HOSE FROM MY BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE ENGINE IS COLLAPSED IN TWO SPOT…
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IN 2010 THE SUNROOF WENT BAD I TALKED TO A BMW DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEM, IN AUGUST OF 2011 I NOTICED THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS AND BLINKERS WERE NOT WORKING PROPER,NOR WAS MY HORN,AND THE DRIVERS WINDOW REGULATORS ARE BINDING UP, ALSO A BRAKE HOSE FROM MY BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE ENGINE IS COLLAPSED IN TWO SPOTS. ??*TR
Official recalls
0No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3EA09019 · Rear Lamp Illumination
Opened Dec 18, 2009 · Closed Sep 28, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Exterior Lighting
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
PE09036 · Rear Lamp Illumination
Opened Aug 7, 2009 · Closed Dec 22, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Exterior Lighting
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.
DP09002 · Rear Lamp Illumination
Opened Apr 8, 2009 · Closed Aug 6, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.
Exterior Lighting
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.