2003 BMW 5 Series: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I'm getting the run around about replacing the driver's airbag in my car. I received the initial notice over 6 months ago and was told the air bags were released over a month ago but I still haven't gotten a second notice. The bmw dealership says there isn't an issue with the bmw it's just precautionary but they still don't have the airbags in.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2016
“I was driving appx 40mph while on a local road slightly uphill, engine shut off without warning, lost power steering and brake assist. Luckily no cars around me so I was able to barely roll over to the roadside. Car would not start again, was towed to dealership. Replaced ecu for a total cost of $2k. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2012
“Car shut down while driving appx 35mph without warning, nearly crash due to loss of steering assist and instrument. Dealer replaced both dme and battery which was suspicious since two unrelated component failed at same time? Extremely dangerous when it happened in traffic, endangering both my passengers and other drivers nearby. Recall to the dme and battery should be issued. Repair cost $2500. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2011
Show 5 more owner reports
“The 2003 bmw 540i power steering pump spool valve was found (disassembled and judged by bmw technician) to jam at lower rpm thus causing complete loss of power steering assist, especially in reduced rpm turns off highways. On several occasions I nearly crashed into the median-wall because of it. I sent a letter to bmw but all they told me is that it would be forwarded but that I would never hear back from them again. I consider this a material/part flaw that bmw has to consider as serious and offer some form of repair/replace plan or customer-directed action as it can lead to serious crashes during turning maneuvers! *tr”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2010
“Intermittent engine shut-down. Engine shuts off while vehicle is in motion at any speed. "engine failsafe" warning light comes on. Vehicle must be stopped, key turned off and re-started. This is a serious safety issue that bmw is aware of and has issued a related tsb. $2000 plus repair bill for a new "engine wiring harness". Bmw should be recalling these vehicles. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2010
“Bmw 530i 2003. Driver door will not unlock, either electronically or manually. Door lock actuator failure. No manual override. Forced to crawl over console and exit from another door. *tr”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Feb 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 bmw 540. While the contact's daughter was driving approximately 30 mph, she heard a loud noise. The front driver's side door air bag and rear door air bags deployed, injuring her left arm and leg. The vehicle was driven to a bmw dealer. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 68,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2008
“My 2003 bmw 5 series car was stopped in traffic and rear-ended. The collision pushed the contents of the trunk into the back seat area by breaking the latches that hold the fold-down seats. Anyone in the back seat would have been pushed forward by the seat backs, and simultaneously held in place by the seatbelts.*ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Nov 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
Remedy: ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
How other years compare
Check your exact 5 Series by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 BMW 5 Series reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 BMW 5 Series. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2003 BMW 5 Series have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.