NHTSA attached 3 advisories to recalls on this vehicle. Advisories apply to specific production runs — check your VIN with the manufacturer or at nhtsa.gov/recalls before driving it.
Most common 2004 BMW M3 problems
9 of the 31 complaints (29%) are about the airbags.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags · airbags
9
0
0
0
Visibility
4
0
0
1
Power Train · transmission
4
0
0
0
Structure › Body · body and frame
2
0
0
0
Exterior Lighting · headlights
2
0
0
0
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior
1
0
0
0
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices
1
0
0
0
Visibility/Wiper · wipers
1
0
0
0
Tires
1
0
0
1
Structure · body and frame
1
0
0
0
3 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V018000Do not drive
Filed Jan 15, 2020292,948 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed Jun 11, 2018574,007 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module15V318000Do not drive
Filed May 28, 2015419,235 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jun 22, 2026MD
Below is a partial email to a BMW Dealer that replaced an airbag 2 1/2 years ago per a recall. The airbag light, convertible top light were both illuminated when I left the dealer. I have sent emails and contacted BMW USA. A friend scanned the car with a Snap-On scanner that showed that the light has been illuminated because of the air bag that they replaced. They continue to avoid the issue and they made my car unsafe and allowed me to leave with it. What can be done to resolve this issue? From: [XXX] <[XXX]> Sent: Friday, May 10, 2024 10:06 AM To: '[XXX]' <[XXX]> Subject: Issues with service during an airbag replacement Good morning [XXX], I took my 2004 M3 to BMW of Fort Lauderdale in November 2023 for a passenger-airbag replacement. The airbag light on the dash was illuminated when I received the car. I notified the service manager who stated that the light was not on when he initially got in the car after my arrival. The car was returned to the garage to determine the issue. The car was returned 30 – 45 minutes later and the airbag light continued to illuminate. The service manage told me that the driver’s side airbag which was replaced at a different dealership was causing the issue. I got in the car and notice that an oil pressure and voltage gauge that I installed after rebuilding the engine were not working. Therefore, I notified the service manager of the issue. He asked another manager to talk to me. I asked how they replaced the airbag so I would know where to sta
Structure › Body
Filed Mar 23, 2022CA
Passenger side rear sub-frame crack observed . Vehicle has never been in any accident or collision. It's a commonly know problem about BMW 3 series made between 1999 to 2006 that happens naturally without cause due to manufacture issue, so I decided to look under my car to look for any cracks as described. I identified at least one crack. After calling BMW USA for assitance, I was instructed to bring the car to have it inspected and confirmed by the BMW dealership in Ontario, CA. Dispite me telling them the location of the crack, they concluded there is no crack and nothing needed to be done. Not satified with their inspection, I went to get a second opinion from an independent machanic/ body shop and they confirmed that there is indeed a crack and took clear pictures to show that. If left untreated, these subframe cracks will spread and the rear of the car can fall off along with the rear axel and rear wheels leading to accidents. The cost of fixing such manufacture issure is also costly, $2500 to over $10000 from the estimates I collected.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 19, 2019100,000 milesOR
WIRING PROBLEM WITH FACTORY HEADLIGHTS. THIS ISSUE CAUSES HEADLIGHTS TO FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY TURN OFF. IT HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND SITTING STILL.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 9, 2016NY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 29, 2016WA
TAKATA RECALL -- IT'S BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE THE RECALL WAS ISSUED, BUT THE MANUFACTURER / DEALERSHIP DO NOT SEEM TO BE ABLE TO GET THE PARTS TO REPAIR MY CAR. THIS ESSENTIALLY RENDERS MY CAR UNSAFE, AND IN MANY WAYS, UNUSABLE. I STILL HAVE NOT HEARD ABOUT A DATE BY WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE / REPAIR WILL BE DONE.
Air Bags
Filed May 13, 201691,000 milesCA
TAKADA RECALL: NOTIFIED BY BMW JULY 2015 DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE DEFECTIVE. IN MAY 2016, BMW ADVISED THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN AIR BAG WOULD BEFIXED. SINCE THEN ANOTHER PERSON HAS DIED. CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY AND LENGTH OF TIME WAITING FOR FIX.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 8, 2016WA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 7, 2016OR
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS PLACED ON A WAITING LIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILALBE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 8, 2015NY
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMED PARTS NOT AVAILABLE......UPDATED 02/11/16 *BF *TR
Air Bags
Filed Apr 6, 2015CT
NO ACCIDENT. JUST WAITING SINCE SEPTEMBER 2014 TO HAVE MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG REPLACED. I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR WITH A PASSENGER BECAUSE THE AIRBAG IS AFFECTED BY A RECALL AND THE BMW DEALERS DON'T HAVE THE PARTS TO REPLACE IT. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Nov 5, 2014FL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Tires1 injured
Filed Jun 25, 201460,800 milesIL
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON LAKE SHORE DRIVE AND I HIT A POT HOLE NEAR LAWRENCE AVE. I ENDED UP GETTING FLAT ON BOTH OF MY RIGHT TIRES. IT POSSIBLY BENT MY RIM, SUSPENSION ISSUES, AND TIRE HAVE BEEN FLAT. *TR
Power Train
Filed Apr 20, 2014110,201 milesCA
FAULTY SMG PUMP POSSIBLY CAUSED BY A CULMINATION OF OTHER FAILING PARTS IN SMG SYSTEM. CAR IS RENDERED INOPERABLE IN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS DRIVING SITUATIONS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE CIRCUMVENTED BY A SYSTEM MORE CAPABLE OF WARNING THE OWNER OF AN IMPENDING FAILURE. THE REMEDY THE MAJORITY OF DEALERSHIPS ARE USING ARE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE SMG SYSTEM, WHICH COSTS UP TO $7,000.00. AS HIDEOUS AS THIS SOUNDS, THERE MORE THAN LIKELY IS A VERY SMALL FACTOR OR PART THAT IS CAUSING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM TO FAIL. BMW NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Engine
Filed Apr 11, 2014102,786 milesCA
ONE OF THE VANOS EXHAUST HUB TAB BROKE AND DAMAGED THE OIL PUMP DISC. I HAD TO REPLACE THE VANOS EXHAUST HUB AND OIL PUMP DISC. *JS
Power Train
Filed Sep 6, 201365,000 milesAZ
VEHICLE DROPS OUT OF GEAR RANDOMLY. AS I WAS TAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE DROPPED INTO 0 GEAR AND ON COMING TRAFFIC ALMOST RAN INTO ME HEAD ON. I HAD NO WAY OF MOVING THE CAR DUE TO TRANSMISSION BEING SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE TEMPERATURE SENSOR ON THE SMG PUMP. BMW IGNORES THE ISSUE.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 14, 201331,000 milesPA
THE REAR LAMPS IN MY BODY PANEL THAT HOUSE THE BRAKE LAMP, TURN SIGNAL, AND TAIL LAMP STOPPED WORKING AND NEEDED TO BE FULLY REPLACED. MY CAR IS A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE. THIS SAME ISSUE WAS THE SUBJECT OF NHTSA #11V438000. HOWEVER, THIS RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THE M3, JUST ALL OF THE OTHER 3 SERIES BMWS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A COSTLY REPAIR FOR ME. THIS IS THE REFERENCE FOUND ON YOUR WEBSITE AND MY ISSUES ARE IDENTICAL TO THIS SUMMARY: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 REAR LAMPS IN BODY PANEL SUMMARY: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND/OR TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS. *TR
Power Train
Filed Jul 2, 201354,462 milesMA
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO MY CAR THE SMG (SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEAR) LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AS WELL EVERY TIME IN THAT ORDER , ALSO MY CAR SHIFTS ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL ALL ON ITS OWN AND I CAN,T CONTROL THE ACCELERATION ON THE HIGHWAY OR ANYWHERE ELSE SO THE CAR BEGINS TOP SLOW DOWN, MANY PEOPLE HAVE ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE TO BMW N.A. AND NOTHING AND IT ONLY HAPPENS DURING HOT WEATHER, AND BMW RAN A DIAGNOSTIC ON MY CAR AND THEY GAVE ME MULTIPLE THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE IT SO THEY EXPECT ME TO PAY FOR ALL OF THEM EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT ALL THE CULPRITS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND I HAVE KIDS SO IT MAKES ME EVEN MORE WORRIED THAT SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN BECAUSE OF THIS AND BMW'S NEGLIGENCE TO THE ISSUE. *TR
Structure
Filed Jun 25, 2013128,000 milesVA
I INSPECTED THE TRUNK FLOORPAN AND NOTICED BUCKLING, CRACKING OF THE TRUNK FLOOR AND WELDED SEAMS COMING APART. THE REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS WERE CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES. THE REAR SUBFRAME IS RIPPING ITSELF OUT OF THE CAR AND I'M VERY LUCKY I FOUND THIS WHILE THE CAR WAS AT REST AND NOT DRIVING AT SPEED. BMW KNOWS THIS IS FAULTY ENGINEERING BUT SOMEHOW THEIR LAWYERS FANGLED A WAY TO ONLY COVER THE REPAIRS FOR THE E46 CARS FOR 1 YEAR (2010), EVERYONE ELSE IS SCREWED. THESE CARS SHOULD BE OUTLAWED, OR AT LEAST A GIANT SIGN SHOULD HAVE TO BE PLACED IN THE WINDSHIELD EXPLAINING THIS PROBLEM TO POTENTIAL BUYERS AND THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO SIGN A WAIVER IF THEY ARE DUMB ENOUGH TO BUY IT ANYWAYS. I BOUGHT THE CAR 2 MONTHS AGO UNDER THE IMPRESSION M3S HAD RE-ENFORCEMENT IN THIS AREA ABOVE AND BEYOND THE REGULAR E46, I WAS WRONG TO THE TUNE OF 3500.00 REPAIR BILL (AND I GOT OFF LIGHT). WHAT A MESS, THAT LITTLE BABY CHASSIS CAN'T EVEN HANDLE 333HP WITHOUT RIPPING ITSELF APART. MY BUICK GN MAKES 550HP AND THE FRAME HOLDS TOGETHER JUST FINE. *TR
Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 21, 201383,488 milesMD
GOT INTO MY CAR IN THE AFTERNOON AND NOTICED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS DISTORTED. AFTER INSPECTING, REALIZED THAT THE LIQUID HAD SEPARATED BEHIND MIRROR. HAD TO RUN AN ERRAND. STARTED DRIVING AND THEN HEARD A LOUD "POP" NOISE. LOOKED AT MIRROR AND THE LIQUID WAS VERY VISIBLE MOVING BEHIND GLASS. GOT TO MY DESTINATION AND NOTICED FLUID ALL OVER SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE. IMMEDIATELY WIPED UP AND IT HAD ALREADY DAMAGED CENTER CONSOLE IN SEVERAL PLACES. GOT IT OFF SEAT BEFORE IT DAMAGED THE LEATHER. HAD TO WRAP TOWEL AROUND MIRROR TO CATCH THE REST OF THE FLUID LEAKING OUT OF THE BOTTOM. THIS FLUID WAS EXTREMELY CAUSTIC AND DID DAMAGE TO CONSOLE IN LESS THAN A MINUTE. I'M GLAD I WAS IN CAR WHEN IT HAPPENED, I AM SURE THE DAMAGE FROM THE FLUID WOULD OF BEEN A LOT WORSE! *TR
HAD MY CAR INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC AND HE NOTICED A TEAR IN THE SUBFRAME NEAR THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE. TUNES OUT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR E46 BMWS. BMW WILL ONLY COVER 50% OF THE REPAIRS AND HAS ADMITTED THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN THEIR DESIGN. IT'S NOW A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE CAR IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND THE FLOOR HAS DROPPED, RUBBING ON THE REAR AXLE. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 19, 2012110,000 milesAL
BEFORE I START EXPLAINING, I SHOULD MENTION THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED WITH MAJORITY OF THE PARTS BEING GENUINE BMW. THE CHASSIS HAS 110,XXX MILES AT THE MOMENT, AND THE ENGINE HAS 78,XXX MILES. THE ENGINE HAD A FAILURE IN 2006 DUE TO A ROD BEARING FAILURE (RECALLED FROM BMW), AND A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE HAS BEEN INSTALLED BY BMW TECHNICIANS AT A BMW DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER IN VIRGINIA. RECENTLY MY 2004 BMW M3 HAD A FAILURE INSIDE THE ENGINE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT 2011, AS I WAS LEAVING THE GAS STATION, I HEAR A VERY FAINT RATTLING NOISE UP IN THE ENGINE BAY. I WAS CONTEMPLATING RATHER I SHOULD TAKE THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, OR FIX IT MYSELF. BUT PRIOR TO THIS, I'VE READ MANY UNSATISFYING EXPERIENCES PEOPLE HAD AT THEIR LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIPS. I WORRIED THAT SINCE THIS WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM THAT COULD BE LIFE THREATENING, I DECIDED TO DO THE WORK MYSELF. I REMOVED THE VALVE COVER, AND NOTICED THE EXHAUST SIDE HUB ON OF THE BMW DOUBLE VANOS HAS FAILED. A MECHANISM DESIGNED TO IMPROVE TORQUE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION. THE HUB HAD ONE OF THE 2 TABS COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF. LUCKILY THE BROKEN TAB WAS STILL STUCK INSIDE THE OIL PUMP. IF INSTEAD THE BROKEN PIECE CAME OUT OF ITS LOCATION, AND MOVED AROUND IN A ENGINE THIS COULD CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. RANGING ANYWHERE FROM APPROX $15,000 REMANUFACTURED ENGINE REPLACEMENT TO POSSIBLY A HIGH SPEED COLLISION IF THE CAR WAS IN MOTION DURING THE FAILURE. WITH A DAMAGED ENGINE, IT I
Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Aug 31, 201195,000 milesNY
THE SMG TRANSMISSION IN A 2004 BMW M3 WILL RANDOMLY SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL DISABLING THE VEHICLE ON HOT DAYS WITHOUT WARNING. OCCURS ON ANY DAY WHERE TEMPERATURES EXCEED 95 DEGREES. *TR
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 2, 201140,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIP OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD A SMG TRANSMISSION, THE FAILURE WOULD NOT ALLOW THE CONTACT TO ACCELERATE AND HE WOULD HAVE TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART TO ALLOW THE GEAR TO RE-ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER YET HE WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Visibility
Filed Dec 10, 201095,000 milesIL
REARVIEW MIRROR LEAKED ELECTROCHROMIC FLUID ALL OVER CONSOLE AND SEATS, BADLY DAMAGING THEM. WILL NEED TO REPLACE MIRROR AND DAMAGED PARTS. *TR
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices
Filed Aug 5, 201043,400 milesCA
REARVIEW MIRROR LEAKED ELECTROCHROMIC FLUID ALL OVER CONSOLE AND SEATS, BADLY DAMAGING THEM. WILL NEED TO REPLACE MIRROR AND DAMAGED PARTS. *TR
Visibility1 injured
Filed Jul 25, 201060,000 milesNC
HADN'T DRIVEN THE CAR IN 2 WEEKS, WAS OUT OF TOWN. DROVE IT TO WORK ON MONDAY AND MONDAY EVENING OR TUESDAY MORNING NOTICED WHAT LOOKED LIKE A BUBBLE AT THE TOP OF MY REAR VIEW MIRROR. BY TUESDAY NOON, THE BUBBLE WAS IN THE CENTER OF THE MIRROR AND WHEN I CAME OUT TO THE CAR AT ABOUT 5:30 THAT AFTERNOON, THERE WAS A LIQUID SUBSTANCE ON MY CENTER CONSOLE THAT LEAKED OUT FROM THE MIRROR. IT WAS IN THE MID-90S MONDAY & TUESDAY. THE LIQUID WAS CAUSTIC AS IT ATE THE PAINT AND MELTED INTO THE PLASTIC CONSOLE. I WIPED IT OFF WITH A NAPKIN AS BEST I COULD, BUT IT WAS EMBEDDED IN THE PLASTIC. ON THE DRIVE HOME FELT LIGHT HEADED AND EXPERIENCED STOMACH PAIN / DIARRHEA AND A SORE THROAT FROM WED NIGHT ONWARDS. STILL EXPERIENCING SOME OF THESE SYMPTOMS TODAY (SAT), THOUGH I STOPPED DRIVING THE CAR THURSDAY EVENING AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THIS AND SEEING OTHERS ACURA & BMW OWNERS HAD EXPERIENCED SAME FAILURE AND SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. THE LOCAL DEALER INDICATED THAT THEY HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE (THAT WAS THURSDAY NIGHT). MIRROR IS STILL IN CAR AS I'M STILL WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THE DEALER IF THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE THE MIRROR AND DAMAGED CONSOLE. *TR
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior
Filed Jun 25, 201025,340 milesCA
2004 BMW M3 AUTO DIMMING REARVIEW MIRROR, MIRROR LEAKED CAUSTIC/CORROSIVE UNKNOWN LIQUID ONTO PASSENGER SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE, LIQUID WAS SO CORROSIVE IT DAMAGED LEATHER SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE, BUBBLING PAINT AND EATING AWAY AT LEATHER SEAT. APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO ALOT OF BMW M3'S AND NO RECALL NOTICE HAS BEEN ISSUED BY BMW. IT APPEARS ALL OVER THE BMW FORUMS. I AM JUST GLAD NO ONE WAS IN CAR WHEN IT LEAKED OR SOMEONE'S SKIN COULD OF BEEN BURNED LIKE IT DID THE LEATHER AND CENTER CONSOLE. IT ONLY HAPPENED ONCE, NO MORE LIQUID IN REARVIEW MIRROR. *TR
Visibility
Filed Jun 12, 201094,000 milesDE
LIQUID LEAKING FROM REAR VIEW MIRROR, POSSIBLY CORROSIVE AS CENTER DOME AROUND SHIFTER KNOB BEGAN TO PEEL FROM CONTACT WITH LIQUID. REAR VIEW MIRROR NO LONGER FULLY FUNCTIONAL; BLURRY, DISTORTED VIEW. *TR
Visibility
Filed Feb 23, 200955,000 milesCA
REAR VIEW MIRROR LEAKS CAUSTIC FLUID, AND TURNS BLACK, UNABLE TO BE USED. DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT REPLACE THE FAULTY UNIT. DOCUMENTATION OF COMMON OCCURRENCE: HTTP://WWW.M3FORUM.NET/M3FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=167927&HIGHLIGHT=MIRROR+LEAK ACID HAS BEEN REPORTED TO CAUSE SKIN INJURIES. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 23, 200837,000 milesMA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW M3. WHILE DRIVING 65-70 MPH, THE CALIPERS LOCKED SUDDENLY. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND WAITED FOR THE CALIPERS TO COOL DOWN IN ORDER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. CURRENTLY, THE DEALER IS REPLACING THE CALIPERS, ROTORS, AND BRAKE PADS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 37,000.
NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jan 15, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.