2003 BMW 3 Series: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 BMW 3 Series: 0 recalls, 73 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Exterior lights (23): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2), warning light on (2).
- Airbags (21): the most common themes are deploys unexpectedly / inflator (3), warning light on (2).
- Electrical (12): the most common themes are door / lock issues (8), fire / smoke (2).
- Body & structure (5): the most common themes are door / lock issues (4).
The 2003 BMW 3 Series has 73 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 21 3 Series model years for complaints (1.8× the average 3 Series year). Complaints peaked in 2011 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 77,217 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (26 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (77 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 BMW 3 Series.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2003 BMW 3 Series. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2003 BMW 3 Series problems?
Owners have filed 73 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (23), airbags (21), electrical (12).
What gas mileage does the 2003 BMW 3 Series get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 15 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 BMW 3 Series repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.