2003 BMW M3 power train problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2003 BMW M3 — 26% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Smg hydraulic pump: I was driving on the highway at 65 mph in the #1 lane and my car all of a sudden dropped out of gear and my car started to coast losing speed very fast, I looked at my speedometer and it was 45 mph. Cars were honking and high beaming me but I was helpless and was trying to move…”
filed Apr 30, 2019
“Rear subframe structural damage per class action lawsuit bacca v. Bmw of north america, llc, case no. [xxx]. I brought my vehicle for maintenace repairs and inspection at a private repair shop and notified me that there is evidence of rear subframe damage during their inspection. Bmw did not notify…”
filed Oct 6, 2017
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other M3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 M3 | 4 | 13% |
| 2009 M3 | 24 | 53% |
| 2008 M3 | 37 | 45% |
| 2004 M3 | 6 | 19% |
| 2002 M3 | 8 | 20% |
| 1997 M3 | 1 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 BMW M3
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.