2003 BMW 3 Series Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 73 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,634miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 BMW 3 Series, 5% of the 73 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,634 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Originar request car gone for repair: main issue; leak of anti-free, pump issue. Hose replacement. 2012 - package results no included in our original requests. Suspension problem: tech found both rear coil springs broken. Note by car's owner: we when ahead and replaced both, although around 90% of my drive is in highways and my frequent passenger is only a 3 year old boy. Repair cost: us$400.00 --------------------------------------- 2015- car brought over the dealership for computer programming as service was not available anywhere. …”
NHTSA complaint #10676843, filed 2015-01, 177,000 miles“Rear springs were reported and replaced with Bmw parts. At 112,172 miles (04/23/2013) they were reported broken again, but not replaced yet. Reported to Bmw of north america,llc on 05/14/2013 who filed the report and denied any assistance.”
NHTSA complaint #10514059, filed 2013-05, 74,268 miles“Bmw did not properly design the rear floor of the car body where it supports the rear subframe. As a result under normal driving, many of the Bmw e46 3-series cars (325, 323, 330, in the I, ci, or cic trims, example 325ci or 330i) suffer from torn sheet metal where the rear subframe attaches to the body. This eventually causes a major safety hazard as the rear subframe and associated suspension can separately entirely from the vehicle resulting in a loss of control and severe crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10577907, filed 2014-04“Both rear springs of my Bmw 2003 325i were cracked & replaced feb. 23, 2009. They now both are broken again. Any type warranty on the parts ? Ridiculous !!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10446014, filed 2012-01Related service bulletins
- 10033135Oct 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: rear axle carrier (sub frame) support proposed class action settlement. Under certain circumstances, a fracture in the steel body structure could form in the area…
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 3 Series
23 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
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 30, 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