The vehicle dossier US · 2003

2003 BMW
Z4Problems & recalls

414 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Steering appears in 342 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 414 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Steering342 reports
Air bags31 reports
Other components27 reports
Electrical system13 reports
Engine12 reports
Body & structure8 reports
Transmission & drivetrain7 reports
Fuel system6 reports
Suspension4 reports
Brakes2 reports
Visibility2 reports
See original component labels
STEERING326
AIR BAGS27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES3
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM3
STEERING:COLUMN3
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL3
EQUIPMENT3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
SUSPENSION3
SEAT BELTS3
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS2
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
VISIBILITY2
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER,BRACKET1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT1
TIRES1
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP1
STRUCTURE1
POWER TRAIN1
SERVICE BRAKES1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
ENGINE1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Jun 14, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

42,000 miles is the median among 355 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 24,000–68,250 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

4 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

May 24, 2004 Safety recallAIR BAGSCampaign 04V247000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, INCOMPATIBLE ELECTRONIC AIR BAG SYSTEM PROCESSORS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM PROCESSORS. THE RECALL BEGAN JUNE 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Read campaign 04V247000 at NHTSA
Apr 12, 2004 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPCampaign 04V182000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, A VAPOR LOCK IN THE FUEL PUMP COULD OCCUR CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MINUTES.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE ELECTRICAL LINE POWERING THE FUEL PUMP IN ORDER TO PREVENT AN OCCURRENCE OF VAPOR LOCK. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Read campaign 04V182000 at NHTSA
Jun 9, 2003 Safety recallTIRESCampaign 03V214000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18" TIRES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE TIRE HAS BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE MOUNTING PROCESS TO THE RIM.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL UNSEAT THE TIRE FROM ITS RIM, INSPECT FOR ANY DAMAGE, AND THEN RESEAT THE TIRE TO ITS RIM. IF INSPECTION REVEALS THAT A FRONT TIRE HAS INCURRED DAMAGE DURING THE MOUNTING PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Read campaign 03V214000 at NHTSA
Feb 4, 2003 Safety recallSEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLYCampaign 03V032000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CONNECTION OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE TO THE STEEL ROPE OF THE TENSIONER DOES NOT MEET BMW SPECIFICATIONS. IN SEVERE FRONTAL CRASHES, THIS CONNECTION CAN DETACH.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT TENSIONER AND BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THESE PARTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Read campaign 03V032000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

45 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jan 16, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB510819The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.NHTSA ID 10249437

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10249437 at NHTSA
Sep 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB662419Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.NHTSA ID 10225126

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10225126 at NHTSA
Apr 1, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB340414Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less th…NHTSA ID 10194296

Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.

Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC · STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10194296 at NHTSA
Apr 1, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB110208Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time …NHTSA ID 10175267

Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10175267 at NHTSA
Jul 10, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions513608"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the…NHTSA ID 10162404

"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Follow the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. In Information Search, select the "Function Structure"" tab. Select Body, Mirror, Door mirror, Driver's or passenger side, Exterior Mirror Malfunction, and then press "Start Search". Select test plan ""AM5102_00010".

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10162404 at NHTSA
Jun 1, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB650709NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:NHTSA ID 10145306

NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:

Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10145306 at NHTSA
May 1, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB650709NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:NHTSA ID 10143564

NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:

Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10143564 at NHTSA
Jan 1, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB650709Whistling Noise Coming from the Center Vent - A/C is Off . A very high pitched whistling or beeping noise is heard coming from the center vents. The flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve at certain temperature differe…NHTSA ID 10151023

Whistling Noise Coming from the Center Vent - A/C is Off . A very high pitched whistling or beeping noise is heard coming from the center vents. The flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve at certain temperature differentials.

Components: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10151023 at NHTSA
May 1, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB360215Valve Stem Replacement with Wheel Electronics. INFORMATION The valve stems are single-use only, and must be replaced every time the wheel electronics are replaced. If you loosen the nut (1), you must replace the valve stem. Fai…NHTSA ID 10147136

Valve Stem Replacement with Wheel Electronics. INFORMATION The valve stems are single-use only, and must be replaced every time the wheel electronics are replaced. If you loosen the nut (1), you must replace the valve stem. Failure to replace the valve stem will lead to a pressure leak. The proper repair procedure can be found in REP 3611533. Not applicable. [ Copyright (c)2015 BMW of North America, Inc. ] Page 1 of 3 Page 1 of 1 https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/232...6/4/2015 https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/232...6/4/2015 Page 1 of 3 https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/232...6/4/2015

Components: TIRES:VALVE · WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10147136 at NHTSA
Sep 1, 2014 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions010914"?SI B01 09 14 September 2014 WarrantiesWarranties This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 09 14 dated August 2014. Please read this Service Information bulletin in its entirety, the content has been completely upda…NHTSA ID 10148018

"?SI B01 09 14 September 2014 WarrantiesWarranties This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 09 14 dated August 2014. Please read this Service Information bulletin in its entirety, the content has been completely updated. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Front Passenger Air Bag Seat Occupancy Sensor (OC3) Mat: Limited Warranty Extension to 15 years Without Mileage Limitation. INFORMATION BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") is extending the limited warranty for the Supplemental Restraint System's (SRS) front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor (OC3) mat on certain model BMW vehicles to: 15 years without mileage limitation as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date. This ""component-specific"" limited warranty extension applies to defects in materials and workmanship. This bulletin is notice of a ""limited warranty extension."" This is NOT a notice of a Recall or Service Action. No immediate repair is required unless the BMW vehicle is currently experiencing this problem. This extended limited warranty coverage does not apply to vehicles affected by the following Recall Campaign: Recall 13V-564: E90, E91 Front Passenger Air Bag Seat Occupancy Sensor MatRecall 13V-564: E60, E61,E65, E66 Front Passenger Air Bag Seat Occupancy Sensor MatSI B65 08 14Recall Campaign 13V-564: Replace Front Passenger Air Bag Seat Occupancy Sensor (E60, E61, E65, E66)Recall 13V-564: E65,E66 Front Passenger Air Bag Seat Occupancy Sensor Mat (E65, E66)Recall 13V-564: Front Passenger Air Bag Seat Occupancy Sensor Mat for Sport Seat (E60, E61, E65, E66)Recall 13V-564: E53 Repair Front Passenger Air Bag Seat Occupancy Sensor MatThe extended limited warranty coverage also does not apply to: ??Vehicles with other seat options, and ??E60 (M5) vehicles Note: Please refer to SI B65 75 06 for the limited warranty extension information that applies to previous models. Customer Notification Letter - VIN and Component-specific Warranty Extension Even tho

Components: AIR BAGS · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10148018 at NHTSA
Jul 1, 2014 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions610314Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15°F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is …NHTSA ID 10148120

Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15°F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on the instrument cluster and the control information display. Under these conditions, the vehicle starts. Various power management faults can be stored: * 213901 - Power management: Reduction or shutdown of individual electrical consumer * 8040BD - Reset or deactivation of Terminal 30F * 8040B9 - De-activation of terminal 30B: Top start capability limit reached * 8020E8 - Reset or deactivation of terminal 30F * 800E89 - FRM: start capability limit reached with lights active during stationary mode * 93076B - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached * 93076A - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer active * 93076C - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer or legal loads active * 930769 - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached Note: When the outside temperatures drop below 46°F, the charging system is switch to full charge. CAUSE * The check control message (ID 229) is caused by a heavily discharged battery. * The check control message is triggered when the current state of charge (SoC) of the battery approaches the minimum SoC that is required to start the vehicle (start capability limit). * In low outside ambient temperatures, the start capability limit of the vehicle is higher. Therefore it takes more energy from the battery to start a cold engine. * Without the early warning of the check control message, the current state of charge would drop below the start capability limit and the vehicle would not start. * The vehicle's intelligent power management system actively takes measures to increase the charge of the battery, such as increasing idle speed and reducing or shut

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10148120 at NHTSA
Apr 1, 2014 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions610314Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is d…NHTSA ID 10148273

Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on the instrument cluster and the control information display. Under these conditions, the vehicle starts. Various power management faults can be stored: * 213901 - Power management: Reduction or shutdown of individual electrical consumer * 8040BD - Reset or deactivation of Terminal 30F * 8040B9 - De-activation of terminal 30B: Top start capability limit reached * 8020E8 - Reset or deactivation of terminal 30F * 800E89 - FRM: start capability limit reached with lights active during stationary mode * 93076B - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached * 93076A - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer active * 93076C - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer or legal loads active * 930769 - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached Note: When the outside temperatures drop below 46F, the charging system is switch to full charge. CAUSE * The check control message (ID 229) is caused by a heavily discharged battery. * The check control message is triggered when the current state of charge (SoC) of the battery approaches the minimum SoC that is required to start the vehicle (start capability limit). * In low outside ambient temperatures, the start capability limit of the vehicle is higher. Therefore it takes more energy from the battery to start a cold engine. * Without the early warning of the check control message, the current state of charge would drop below the start capability limit and the vehicle would not start. * The vehicle's intelligent power management system actively takes measures to increase the charge of the battery, such as increasing idle speed and reducing or shutting

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10148273 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Jun 28, 2010 ClosedSticky SteeringPE10020

ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.See the attached report for additional information.In addition, during this investigation, ODI became aware of allegations of failure or loss of electric power-assisted steering on the subject vehicles.As a result, ODI is separately reviewing this issue to determine whether additional agency action is needed.

Recorded closure: Jun 28, 2011

Find investigation PE10020

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