2003 BMW 3 Series Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 32%of 73 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 BMW 3 Series, 32% of the 73 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brake lights on both sides gets stuck on once the pedal is pressed. This produces no error codes. I was told it could be the brake pedal pressure sensor switch. I changed this and it did nothing. This is very dangerous to other drivers because they are not sure if the car is braking as the light is always on and will burn out the bulbs and melt the housing if constantly on. This can be reproduced either while parked or in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #11220395, filed 2019-06, 117,000 miles“Zkw bi xenon headlights reflectors burn out over time. The bowls are shot and they were black, burned to a crisp. They were made out of a plastic material with a chrome coating, instead of a metal reflector. This should be a recall for Bmw. They got the tail light which works fine in my car, I need my headlights to see!”
NHTSA complaint #10439284, filed 2011-12, 111,000 miles“My tail lights and turn signals work for a while then quite working. The exact same symptoms as recall #11v438000 for the same type, model and year as my car, but Bmw says my vehicle is not included.”
NHTSA complaint #10485181, filed 2012-11, 115,650 miles“The Bmw e46 (3 SERIES Bmw) that was made from 1999 to 2006. In some cases during these years they used a lighting manufacturer zkw for their xenon headlights. Unfortunately these lights have a common failure issue commonly referred to as a burnt reflector on the internet and on Bmw forums. This is a non-consumer replaceable part. When this part fails it causes the vehicle to not have effective headlights. I personally have had times where my field of vision could not see items on the road due to the dim lights. …”
NHTSA complaint #10442114, filed 2012-01, 80,000 miles“Zkw xenon headlight reflector bowl is burned resulting in very dim light output. I am often afraid of driving at night because I feel it is a danger to my safety.”
NHTSA complaint #10444460, filed 2012-01, 50,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10044032Apr 1, 2012Bmw: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012.
- 10040057Aug 1, 2011Bmw: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. E60/e92. *rm updated 9/30/11.
- 10035224Oct 1, 2010Bmw vehicle: rear bulb failure. The bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster. Diagnosis shows a fault for the rear lamp. The bulb out can be displayed for 2 possible…
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10025983Jun 1, 2008Bmw: headlamp moisture: fault diagnostics. Water or condensation in one or both headlamps. Models 5 series, 6 series, 7 series, x5, x6, 1 series, and 3 series. Model years…
- 10025585May 1, 2008Rear bulb failure. Model e92 (3 series coupe) vehicles produced up to january 21, 2008 are affected. The bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster.
- 10020856Feb 1, 2007Poor connection at rear lamp connector. Bmw. Model e46. *kb model e46 (3 series). Update 8/8/2008.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 7% |
| 2009 | 5 | 9% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 7 | 6% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 16% |
| 2004 | 42 | 55% |
| 2003 | 23 | 32% |
| 2002 | 3 | 12% |
| 2001 | 8 | 22% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 3 Series
21 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology