2003 BMW M3 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 7%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,040miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the visibility of the 2003 BMW M3, 7% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,040 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Took my Bmw M3 to don jacobs Bmw in lexington, ky. There had been a recall for a software update. After they finished, I took my car home, noticed an unusual liquid bubble in my rearview mirror. Contacted the dealership and Bmw north america may 26. They state no relation. Searching the internet on Bmw M3 forums, there are at least 2 other people who have had the same issues happen immediately after this software recall. Hundreds others after the car was outside on a hot day. …”
NHTSA complaint #10272365, filed 2009-05, 69,500 miles“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“The contact owns a 2003 Bmw M3. For approximately a week and a half, the contact has noticed that the rearview mirror was discolored. He wanted the dealer to inspect the vehicle for free, but they would not cover the replacement cost for the mirror. The failure mileage was 43,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10274172, filed 2009-06, 43,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Bmw M3. The contact stated that the rearview mirror contained a liquid used to tint the glass. The liquid leaked out and burned the center console and the mirror. She was informed by the dealer that the liquid was a toxic chemical that contained mercury. The manufacturer offered a discount, but would not repair the vehicle for free. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage was approximately 29,300 and failure mileage was approximately 29,080.”
NHTSA complaint #10273265, filed 2009-06, 29,080 milesRelated recalls
- 03V160000Apr 29, 2003On certain passenger vehicles, the window lifting anti-pinching device might not function properly.Covers: BMW M3 2003, 325I 2003, 330I 2003 +1 more
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
Other parts of the 2003 BMW M3
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsElectrical system
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