2003 BMW 3 Series - Problems, Statistics, and Analysis

🔎 Common problems of the 2003 BMW 3 Series

93 problems have been reported for the 2003 BMW 3 Series. The following chart shows the 18 most common problems for 2003 BMW 3 Series. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's exterior lighting with 25 problems. The second most common problem is related to the vehicle's air bags (21 problems).

Table 1. Common problems of the 2003 BMW 3 Series

Problem Category	Number of Problems
Exterior Lighting	25
Air Bag	21
Electrical System	12
Structure	5
Suspension	5
Engine And Engine Cooling	4
Power Train	4
Tire	3
Latches/locks/linkage	2
Visibility	2
Gasoline Fuel System	2
Service Brakes	2
Wheel	1
Child Seat	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Equipment	1
Other Fuel System	1
Air Brake	1

📈 Problem Occurrence Trend

The following chart shows the number of problems reported during each of the service years since the debut of the 2003 BMW 3 Series in 2003.

Table 2. Problem Occurrence Trend

Service Year	Number of Problems
2022	0
2021	0
2020	0
2019	0
2018	3
2017	1
2016	5
2015	7
2014	14
2013	7
2012	11
2011	8
2010	13
2009	11
2008	2
2007	0
2006	2
2005	3
2004	4
2003	2

📊 Compare the 2003 BMW 3 Series with Other Model Years

When making the decision between buying a new or used BMW 3 Series, the following table can be used to compare the 2003 BMW 3 Series with the BMW 3 Series from other model years. Note that the number of problems reported for the 2003 3 Series is 93 while the average number of problems reported for the 17 model years of the BMW 3 Series is 66.

Table 3. Compare the 2003 BMW 3 Series with other model years

Model Year	Number of Problems
2013 3 Series	32
2012 3 Series	12
2010 3 Series	41
2009 3 Series	76
2008 3 Series	91
2007 3 Series	179
2006 3 Series	274
2005 3 Series	29
2004 3 Series	93
2003 3 Series	93
2002 3 Series	39
2001 3 Series	49
2000 3 Series	109
1999 3 Series	6
1998 3 Series	4
1997 3 Series	6
1996 3 Series	3

Switch Model Year:

★ Safety Ratings of 3 Series Cars

☘ 3 Series Service Bulletins

⚑ 3 Series Safety Recalls

☤ 3 Series Defect Investigations