2003 BMW 5 Series Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 7%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the engine of the 2003 BMW 5 Series, 7% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 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.
“I was driving appx 40mph while on a local road slightly uphill, engine shut off without warning, lost power steering and brake assist. Luckily no cars around me so I was able to barely roll over to the roadside. Car would not start again, was towed to dealership. Replaced ecu for a total cost of $2k.”
NHTSA complaint #10568719, filed 2014-03, 100,000 milesEngine: 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 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 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