BMW E46 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 24 consumer complaints across the 2 model years of the BMW E46 (1995–2000) that have at least 5 complaints. 2000 has the most, with 18. Across all years, the part named most often is body and structure (8 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All E46 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 18 | 74,500 | 0 | 4 | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 6 | 180,376 | 0 | 2 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Body and structure8 33%
- Transmission and drivetrain5 21%
- Engine cooling4 17%
- Exterior lighting2 8.3%
- Electrical system2 8.3%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)1 4.2%
- Tires1 4.2%
- Suspension1 4.2%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2000: “At approximate 73,000 miles I noticed a squeaking noise coming from my car, I took it to my mechanic and he found cracks in the subframe around the left rear bushing. I have researched this and it is a common occurrence with this car and model. I have taken it to the dealership and they so far are saying it is not covered under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10163758, filed 2006-07, 73,000 miles1995: “The delamination of the security glass on my Bmw 750il. This has become a safety issue with other owners as well. My side and rear windows have become so cloudy that they look like magnifying glass. I literally have to let my windows down when approaching traffic to ensure my path is clear.”
NHTSA complaint #10183959, filed 2007-03, 105,000 milesOther BMW models
3,165 complaintsBMW 328I
2,576 complaintsBMW X3
2,016 complaintsBMW 325I
1,377 complaintsBMW Z4
1,271 complaintsBMW 3 Series
832 complaintsBMW 528I
830 complaintsBMW 330I
813 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology