Model year guide

2003 BMW 3 Series

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 BMW 3 Series is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 245 on record.

2003 BMW 3 Series — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 BMW 3 Series at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints488
Typical price$3,548

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 BMW 3 Series recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2003 BMW 3 Series.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 BMW 3 Series common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 488 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2003 BMW 3 Series safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2003 BMW 3 Series 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

What's a 2003 BMW 3 Series worth?

Low
$1,900
Typical price
$3,548
High
$5,500

From 243 comparable 2003 BMW 3 Series listings.

2003 BMW 3 Series trims & engines on record

Trims
325i · 325xi · 330i · 330Ci · 325Ci · 330xi · SA
Engines
6-cyl 184 hp · 6-cyl 225 hp

2003 BMW 3 Series vehicles on record

2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 325CiWBABN73403PJ16051 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAET37403NJ22675 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 330CiWBABS53493JU98032 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 330iWBAEV53433KM31876 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAAZ33413KP79411 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 330CiWBABS53473JU96148 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAAZ33413PH33180 2003 BMW 3 Series 330iWBAEV53433KM28900 2003 BMW 3 Series 330xiWBAEW53453PN30487 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 325xiWBAEU33483PM56007 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 330iWBAEV53453KM04484 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 325xiWBAEU33473PM56452 2003 BMW 3 Series 325CiWBABS33403PG89326 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAAZ33403KP79769 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 330iWBAEV53453KM02587 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 330xiWBAEW53463PG20704 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 325xiWBAEU33413PM57273 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAEV33433KL86250 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 330xiWBAEW534X3PG22519 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 330iWBAEV53403KM31267 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 330iWBAEV534X3KM31292 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 330iWBAEV53403KM26733 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 325xiWBAEU33443PM52603 2003 BMW 3 Series 2003 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAAZ33493PH33461

Other BMW 3 Series model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994

2003 BMW 3 Series — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 BMW 3 Series have any safety recalls?

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2003 BMW 3 Series.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW 3 Series?

Based on 488 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, structure, air bags.

What is the 2003 BMW 3 Series safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 BMW 3 Series crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

How much is a 2003 BMW 3 Series worth?

Comparable 2003 BMW 3 Series listings run roughly $1,900–$5,500, typically around $3,548 (from 243 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.