2003 BMW M3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 4%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 BMW M3, 4% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,300 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.
“While driving 60 MPH vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart vehicle. It was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to a blow out. Mechanic replaced it. However, the problem recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10087533, filed 2004-08, 7,300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10032574Oct 1, 2009Bmw: voluntary emissions recall 08e-a03; m3 s54-dme reprogramming for catalyst conversion diagnosis. The dme programming, as originally installed, may cause the obd diagnostic to…
- 10030850Aug 1, 2009Bmw: thermostat housing inspection. The retaining springs of the thermostat housing quick release couplings for the coolant hoses may not be locked correctly. This situation may…
- 10029304Apr 1, 2009Bmw: as originally installed, the dme programming may cause the obd diagnostic to erroneously evaluate the efficiency of the catalytic converters. Model e46 (m3) coupe and…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 7% |
| 2005 | 3 | 25% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 4% |
| 2002 | 12 | 30% |
| 2001 | 3 | 21% |
| 1999 | 1 | 9% |
| 1998 | 1 | 7% |
| 1997 | 3 | 16% |
| 1995 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2003 BMW M3
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 BMW M3
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology