Bmw E46 problems
The fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars is designated under the model code E46, which was produced by the German automaker BMW from 1997 to 2006, and was the successor to the E36 3 Series which ceased production in 2000. First introduced in November 1997, the E46 was available in sedan, coupé, convertible, station wagon and hatchback body styles. The latter has been marketed as the 3 Series Compact.
The M3 performance model was introduced in June 2000 with a 2-door coupé body style, followed by the convertible counterpart in April 2001. The M3 is powered by the BMW S54 straight-six engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission.
The E46 line-up was phased out starting from late 2004, following the introduction of the E90 3 Series sedans. However, the E46 coupé and convertible body styles remained in production until August 2006.
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Bmw E46 model years
Common Bmw E46 problems
Based on complaints from BMW E46 owners, common problems with this car include:
- Weak Rear Shock Mount:
- The rear shock mount in the BMW E46 is another area of concern. Reinforcing the rear shock mounts is essential, especially when considering the weight of the car and the potential hazards of unloading the suspension. Upgraded parts are available to strengthen the rear shock mounts, ensuring better stability and safety.
- Tail Light Failure:
- Tail light failure is a common issue in BMW E46 cars. This problem can be caused by various factors, including electrical issues or faulty components. Ensuring proper maintenance and timely replacement of any malfunctioning tail lights can help prevent safety hazards on the road.
- Crankcase Vent Valve Issues:
- The crankcase vent valve in the BMW E46 can experience failures and clogging, leading to oil leaks and potential engine problems. Detecting and addressing issues with the crankcase vent valve early on is crucial to prevent further damage to the engine and maintain optimal performance.
- Subframe Weakness:
- The subframe in the BMW E46 is susceptible to weakening over time, especially due to the transfer of power to the back wheels and torque through the driveshaft. This can result in subframe cracks, which may compromise the structural integrity of the car. Upgraded subframes are available to address this issue and ensure the vehicle's longevity and safety.
- Rod Bearing Problems:
- E46 M3 models are known to have issues with rod bearings, often stemming from manufacturing errors. Replacing the rod bearings is crucial, especially after reaching a certain mileage, to prevent potential engine failures and maintain the performance of the vehicle.
By addressing these common problems proactively and ensuring regular maintenance, BMW E46 owners can mitigate these issues and enjoy a more reliable and safe driving experience with their vehicles.
What is the common problem in BMW E46?
Cooling System Leaks
The plastic components in the cooling system on E46 BMWs are prone to becoming brittle and cracking, allowing coolant to make its way out of the cooling system. The resulting loss of coolant can lead to the engine overheating, which can cause catastrophic engine failure.
What to look out for when buying a used E46?
These are some things to think about: Status: Seek out a vehicle that is in generally good shape. Verify the interior is tidy and maintained, and look for any indications of rust or damage. Mileage: The mileage on a BMW E46 can affect the car's value and reliability.
How many miles can a BMW E46 last?
I've personally seen numerous models surpass the 200,000 mile mark, like my own 236,000-mile E46 ZHP, while online we've seen some odometers surpass the 400,000 and 500,000-mile thresholds.
What are the big three for an E46?
The BMW E46 M3 with the S54 engine is an incredibly powerful and capable vehicle, but it has some notable points of failure. You will often hear people talk about “The Big 3” when it comes to maintenance on your E46. The Big 3 includes rod bearings, a rebuilt VANOS, and subframe reinforcement.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw E46 years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw E46 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw E46 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw E46 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw E46 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw E46 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw E46 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw E46 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by E46 model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by E46 model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 38 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw E46 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw E46 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Bmw E46 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-19
- Date Complaint: 2011-12-28
- VIN: WBAAM5337XF
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW E46. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED BOTH REAR TAIL LIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TAIL LIGHT WIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IT WAS ONLY FOR MODEL YEARS 2001-2003. UPDATED 02/08/12
Bmw E46 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-13
- Date Complaint: 2009-01-19
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE REAR TAILLIGHTS ON MY CAR HAVE BURNT OUT. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BULBS. BUT WHEN I WENT TO CHECK, THE BROWN WIRE ON BOTH OF MY TAILLIGHTS COMPLETELY BURNED AND ALSO BURNED ENTIRELY CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HARNESS. *TR
Bmw E46 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-02
- Date Complaint: 2009-01-06
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BMW 330I AUTO REVERSE GEAR FAILURE GEAR BOX MODEL ZF5HP19 YEAR 2000 W REG. *TR
Bmw E46 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-03
- Date Complaint: 2008-06-13
- VIN: WBAAM3343YC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2000 BMW 323I WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE. CALLED BMW NA THEIR RESPONSE " THIS IS NO BMW PROBLEM. I WROTE THE PRESIDENT OF BMW AND YOU SHOULD DO THIS AS WELL HERE IS THE INFO YOU NEED. PRESIDENT JOSEP KERSCHER ADDRESS: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA 300 CHESTNUT RIDGE RD. WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ 07677. *TR
Bmw E46 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-17
- Date Complaint: 2008-01-18
- VIN: 82805
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WITHOUT WARNING, REVERSE GEAR STOPPED WORKING, ACTS AS IF IN NEUTRAL. ALL OTHER GEARS WORKING WELL. INTEND TO REPAIR AND SAVE RECEIPTS AND OLD PARTS. *TR
Bmw E46 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2007-12-11
- VIN: WBAGJ6328SD
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: MY FUEL TANK SUCKED ITSELF INWARD DUE TO A DEFECTIVE VENT HOSE. BMW KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUED A SERVICE FLASH IN 1998. (16 04 97) THE VENT HOSE IS CONNECTED TO THE CHARCOAL EMISSIONS CANISTER. PRESENTLY, MY TANKS CAPACITY IS REDUCED BY A FACTOR OF OVER . FURTHERMORE, MY TANK LEAKS GASOLINE FROM A CREASE IN THE DENT, WHICH RESULTED FROM THE INWARD COLLAPSE. I HAVE PERSONALLY READ THE STORIES OF AT LEAST 30 OTHER BMW MODEL E38 OWNERS, WHO HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS. IN SOME CASES, THEIR FUEL TANKS RUPTURED WITHOUT WARNING, SPILLING GASOLINE ALL AROUND THEIR VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED BY BMW ANY LONGER. *TR
Bmw E46 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-12
- Date Complaint: 2007-11-13
- VIN: WBAAA1316LE
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TURNING INTO A FAST-FOOD PARKING LOT (ABOUT A 130 DEGREE RIGHT TURN), THE LEFT FRONT TIRE STRUCK A SHORT (2" - 3") CURB AT ABOUT 3 - 5 MPH. THE SIDEWALL, MIDWAY BETWEEN THE TREAD AND THE WHEEL RIM BLEW OUT. A JAGGED "L" SHAPED BREACH SECTION ABOUT 3" IN TOTAL LENGTH WAS CLEARLY EVIDENT. THE EDGES OF THE TEAR WERE FORCED OUTWARD FROM THE INSIDE. THE IMPACT WAS SO MINOR THAT EVEN AFTER IMMEDIATELY DEFLATING THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL RIM. *TR
Bmw E46 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2007-10-17
- VIN: WBACB3327RF
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 BMW E46. THE CONTACT HAS NOT YET RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR HIS VEHICLE. HE MOVED, WHICH MAY BE THE REASON WHY HE HAS NOT RECEIVED IT IN THE MAIL. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE REPAIRED FOR FREE EVEN THOUGH HE HAS NOT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER. HE STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT REPAIR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Bmw E46 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-24
- Date Complaint: 2007-10-15
- VIN: WBABR3347YE
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE PROBLEM WITH MY 2000 323 CI BMW IS, THE REAR MOUNTING POINTS FOR THE SUBFRAME HAVE RIPPED OUT FROM THEIR SPOTS IN THE SHEET METAL BECAUSE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL TRANSMITS THE TORSIONAL LOAD FROM THE ENGINE THROUGH THE SUBFRAME, THEN INTO THE CHASSIS. THE CONSTANT LOADING AND UNLOADING WEAKENS THE INSUFFICIENT SHEET METAL, CAUSING IT TO FATIGUE AND SEPARATE FROM THE CHASSIS. THIS FAILURE OF THE CHASSIS THREATENS THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE COST TO FIX THIS DEFECT IS AROUND $9,000. *JB
Bmw E46 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2007-10-04
- VIN: WBAGD4321PD
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE TWISTED. SEAT BACKS ARE SEVERELY TWISTED. THEREFORE I FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN DRIVING. I COULD FIND MANY CASES SAME AS MINE IN THE WEBSITE. I THINK THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN 93-94 BMW 740I. *JB
Bmw E46 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-14
- Date Complaint: 2007-09-01
- VIN: WBAGD4327RD
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I WAS RECENTLY DRIVING A 1994 BMW 740I WITH APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES ON IT, IT HAD BEEN TAKEN CARE OF VERY WELL, AND UNEXPECTEDLY THE TRANSMISSION WILL "REST" IN A NEUTRAL STATE WHEN IT IS PUT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. THIS MEANS IT WILL GO BACKWARDS WHEN IT IS ON AN INCLINE, MAKING IT VERY UNSAFE. THIS PROBLEM DID NOT EXIST PREVIOUSLY WITH THE VEHICLE, AND AFTER MANY MANY HOURS OF RESEARCHING ONLINE, THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS MANY DIFFERENT MODELS OF VEHICLE THAT BMW MAKES. *JB
Bmw E46 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2007-08-13
- VIN: WBABF4323SE
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: ON 8/13/07, I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES PER HOUR ON NC HWY 52 NORTHBOUND (A 4 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY) WHEN I HAD A SUDDEN MASSIVE BLOW OUT OF A MICHELIN TIRE ON THE LEFT REAR OF MY VEHICLE, A 1995 BMW 325 IS. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE TIRE WAS NOT LOW ON AIR PRESSURE AND DID NOT HAVE ANY PUNCTURE AS VERIFIED BY THE TIRE DEALERSHIP OWNER. THE TIRE IS A MICHELIN ENERGY PLUS MXV4, SIZE 205/60R15. IT HAS THE FOLLOWING LETTERING ON IT: DOT APTM W17X 2306. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE 2306 INDICATES THE WEEK OF MANUFACTURE. THE TIRE HAD 12,000 MILES ON IT. THERE WAS A COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE OUTSIDE SIDE WALL FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE. WITH SOME STRUGGLE, I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO VEHICLE BESIDE OF ME AS I HAD TO UTILIZE BOTH OF THE LANES IN MY DIRECTION TO REGAIN CONTROL. ON THE SAME DAY, I SHOWED THE TIRE TO THE OWNER OF C&C TIRE IN ASHEBORO, NC (336-629-6634) WHERE THE FOUR NEW MICHILEN TIRES WERE PURCHASED AND INSTALLED ON 4/14/07. NO DAMAGE OCCURRED TO MY VEHICLE AND NO PERSONAL INJURY WAS INCURRED. I AM AWAITING A CALL FROM THE MICHELIN REPRESENTATIVE TO DISCUSS REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRE. I WISH TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT ONLY SO THAT IT CAN BE INVESTIGATED WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM THAT IS WIDE SPREAD. *JB
Bmw E46 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-21
- Date Complaint: 2007-07-23
- VIN: WBABM3341YJ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION ON A BMW 323CI (2000) SUDDENLY FAILED. IT WILL NO LONGER GO INTO REVERSE. FORWARD SEEMS FINE. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS. THERE IS NO MAINTENANCE TO BE PERFORMED. CAR HAS 65XXX MILES. *JB
Bmw E46 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-28
- Date Complaint: 2007-05-28
- VIN: 4USCH7329VL
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS SLIDE (DO NOT LOCK IN POSITION). THIS IS IRRITATING AND UNSAFE IN MY OPINION. I ALSO BELIEVE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL YEAR. *TR
Bmw E46 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-21
- Date Complaint: 2007-05-21
- VIN: WBAGJ8322TD
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BMW E46. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GAS IS LEAKING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEN ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS NORMAL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEN ON A DAILY BASIS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 41,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
Latest 5 recalls Bmw E46
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 18 recalls for different components of the Bmw E46.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw E46 2004
- Report Received Date: 2009-05-11
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
- Model: Bmw E46 1999
- Report Received Date: 2009-05-11
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
- Model: Bmw E46 2000
- Report Received Date: 2009-05-11
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
- Model: Bmw E46 2003
- Report Received Date: 2009-05-11
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
- Model: Bmw E46 2002
- Report Received Date: 2009-05-11
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
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