2003 BMW 5 Series Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 27%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 107,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 BMW 5 Series, 27% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 107,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Intermittent engine shut-down. Engine shuts off while vehicle is in motion at any speed. Engine failsafe warning light comes on. Vehicle must be stopped, key turned off and re-started. This is a serious safety issue that Bmw is aware of and has issued a related TSB. $2000 plus repair bill for a new engine wiring harness . Bmw should be recalling these vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10358224, filed 2010-09, 90,000 miles“Car shut down while driving appx 35mph without warning, nearly crash due to loss of steering assist and instrument. Dealer replaced both dme and battery which was suspicious since two unrelated component failed at same time? Extremely dangerous when it happened in traffic, endangering both my passengers and other drivers nearby. Recall to the dme and battery should be issued. Repair cost $2500.”
NHTSA complaint #10453159, filed 2012-03, 108,000 miles“While driving, the car suddenly shut down and lost all power. Had to pull over to the side of the road quickly to avoid an accident; had this been at high speed, the situation might have been worse. Subsequently when trying to start, the car shows a myriad of warning lights and faults. A fuse for the main computer (dme) had blown, due to a wiring short between the electronic thermostat and the main computer. Replacing the fuse is not a permanent fix, as it blows shortly after each time the car is started, rendering the car undriveable. …”
NHTSA complaint #10446867, filed 2012-02, 107,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or…
- 10051519Dec 1, 2012Bmw: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle is prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013
- 10032650Oct 1, 2009Bmw: service engine soon lamp illuminated-fc 23f4 map thermostat. In some vehicles have insufficient heat. E90, e91 (3 series), e60, e61 (5 series) 3/06 and e83 (x3 series) 9/08.
- 10029257Apr 1, 2009Bmw: all instrument dials are inoperative and the illumination of the information display in the instrument cluster is very bright.
- 10032781Feb 1, 2008Bmw vehicle: driveability complaints due to cooling fan relay failure. The customer may complain of intermittent driveability problems, described as-engine is lacking power when…
- 10032780Feb 1, 2008Bmw vehicle: service engine soon light illuminated: s85-various vanos related faults stored. (e60 (5series), e63 & e64 (6series). No model years listed.
- 10025571Jan 1, 2008Instrument cluster: failure of displays/functions. Model e60, e61 (5 series) and e63, e64 (6 series).
- 10032987Dec 1, 2007Bmw: instrument cluster-failure of displays/functions. Total or partial failure of displays or functions in the instrument cluster. The displays or functions start working again…
- 10012788Oct 1, 2005Loss of power while decelerating and turning or coming to a stop. *eh bmw 5 series, 6 series, 7 series produced between 09/03 to 8/04.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 6 | 7% |
| 2010 | 1 | 17% |
| 2009 | 2 | 25% |
| 2008 | 16 | 15% |
| 2007 | 3 | 23% |
| 2006 | 19 | 22% |
| 2005 | 4 | 19% |
| 2004 | 9 | 14% |
| 2003 | 4 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 5 Series
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 BMW 5 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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