2003 BMW M3 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 9%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,310miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 BMW M3, 9% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,310 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.
“Failed rear view mirror where a liquid inside forms a bubble making the mirror totally unusable. This is a problem experienced by most with similar vehicles and Bmw na has refused to own up and address the problem. The liquid that spills causes irreparable damage to the parts that it spills on and is also toxic.”
NHTSA complaint #10446084, filed 2012-02, 29,000 miles“Rear subframe support is separating from the body where it mounts to. Cracks around the subframe bolts can be seen. Pinchweld around rear fender is seperating.”
NHTSA complaint #11143340, filed 2018-10, 180,000 miles“I currently own a 2003 Bmw M3 coupe, manual transmission. The car has never been raced or taken to the track and has seen mostly city driving. All suspension components are stock or oem replacement parts. Upon inspection of the car, a trained technician found hairline fractures starting from the spot welds on the rear suspension subframe mounting points rendering the vehicle stationary until expensive reinforcing plates can be welded into the trunk. …”
NHTSA complaint #10453234, filed 2012-03, 96,861 miles“Windows were closed. There had been a light rain. Temperature was about 90 degrees f. Doors were unlocked. Upon shutting the ignition key off in a parking lot, both doors locked automatically and immediately. Lock button on console was not pushed. Both doors would not open, by use of the buttons on the keys or by the console button. Two different keys were tried. The door handles moved, but would not open the doors. I don't believe the outside door handles would have opened the doors either because the doors were locked . …”
NHTSA complaint #10745533, filed 2015-08, 81,310 milesBody and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 20% |
| 2011 | 2 | 6% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 10% |
| 2003 | 5 | 9% |
| 2002 | 4 | 10% |
| 2001 | 4 | 29% |
| 1999 | 1 | 9% |
| 1998 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2003 BMW M3
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 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