2003 BMW 5 Series Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 7%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 BMW 5 Series, 7% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 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.
“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the…
- 10032779Nov 1, 2012Bmw vehicle: the service engine soon (mil) lamp is illuminated and a power reduction is clearly perceptible. This situation may occur after driving for some time with the engine…
- 10031684Aug 1, 2011Bmw: complaints that the engine management system has entered the engine failsafe mode and that the turbocharger boost is reduced. E82, e88, e90, e92, e93, e60, e61, and e71. All…
- 10040852Jul 1, 2011Bmw: the service engine soon light is on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10037010Jul 1, 2010Bmw: six different models equipped with the m54 engine could have valve covers break in cold weather and ruin the engine. This is due to moisture accumulation.
- 10029444Apr 1, 2010Bmw: vehicle has a check control message self leveling suspension failed/malfunctioning displayed. At least one of the following fault codes is stored and is currently present in…
- 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.
- 10029025Mar 1, 2009Bmw: small number of vehicles experience problems ranging from leaking oil filler caps, leaking or broken valve covers, to complete engine failure in extremely cold climate…
- 10025584Apr 1, 2008N54 rattle noise from turbocharger area. Models e90, e92 and e93 (3 series) 335i and 335xi; e60 and e61 (5 series) 535i and 535xi, all with n54 engine from the start of…
- 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…
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 5 Series
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
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 28, 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