2000 BMW E46 Problems
- Complaints
- 18filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 74,500miles, 16 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 BMW E46 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 2000 BMW E46. The part named most often is body and structure, with 8 complaints (44% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (5) and engine cooling (2). 16 of the complaints include a mileage, and 6% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 74,500 miles. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 4 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure8 44%
- Engine cooling2 11%
- Exterior lighting2 11%
- Electrical system1 5.6%
- Suspension1 5.6%
Example complaints
Body and structure: “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 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Vehicle was purchased brand new from dealer. Vehicle does not drive in reverse. Vehicle only has 4yr 50,000 miles warranty. The car has around 53,000 miles. They will not cover the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10037019, filed 2003-09, 52,890 milesEngine cooling: “2000 Bmw 328ci stalls every now and then and when I restart it I feel a power loss. Comes and goes. Very pesky problem, makes you feel scared you might get stranded.”
NHTSA complaint #10064280, filed 2004-03Exterior lighting: “Right front turn signal assembly fell off during normal operation of vehicle. Turn signal assembly held in place inside the fender by only one thin plastic finger. The finger snapped off the turn signal housing, allowing the entire turn signal assembly to fall off the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10016799, filed 2003-04, 50,074 milesMileage when problems were reported
6% of the 16 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 65,000 and 88,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2000 BMW E46 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 4 on record; the latest 4 are shown.
- 10245363Nov 13, 2023Equipment. When using the Key Reader to retrieve information from the customerâÃÂÃÂs key, the data is not updated or current.
- 10200242Jun 1, 2021Equipment, Exterior lighting. Moisture is visible on the inside of one or both headlights
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Exterior lighting. Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10033130Dec 1, 2009Fuel system. Bmw vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it is necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet…
Other model years of the BMW E46
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 18 | 74,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 6 | 180,376 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 BMW E46 have?
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 2000 BMW E46 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 BMW E46 is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 8 complaints (44% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 5.
Has the 2000 BMW E46 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 BMW E46 reported?
Among the 16 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 74,500 miles and the middle half falls between 65,000 and 88,000 miles; 6% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.