1996 BMW 3 SERIES
4 recalls — 3 complaints — 37 TSBs
06E064000 Jul 17, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED ... Read more
Consequence
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
06E044000 May 22, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
CERTAIN J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASS... Read more
Consequence
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES AT 310-327-4981.
06E026000 Mar 23, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D... Read more
Consequence
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
06E023000 Mar 13, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Description
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPME... Read more
Consequence
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Complaint Statistics
3 total complaints
2 crashes
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL | 1 |
| AIR BAGS | 1 |
AIR BAGS
Dec 19, 2011
Incident date: Oct 3, 2011
FAULTY AIR BAG SENSOR. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Jan 15, 2003
CAR SITTING IN DRIVE AT A FENCE ENCLOSURE AND IT SURGED AHEAD ON ITS OWN, DRIVING INTO THE FENCE. NO ACTION POSSIBLE TO STOP THE CAR FROM GOING FORWARD INTO THE ELECTRONIC FENCE. SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT GRILL AND DRIVER DOOR PANELS. SECOND TIME THE CAR HAD DONE THIS. DEALERSHIP STATED THE ... Read more
Crash
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Jan 15, 2003
CAR SITTING IN DRIVE AT A FENCE ENCLOSURE AND IT SURGED AHEAD ON ITS OWN, DRIVING INTO THE FENCE. NO ACTION POSSIBLE TO STOP THE CAR FROM GOING FORWARD INTO THE ELECTRONIC FENCE. SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT GRILL AND DRIVER DOOR PANELS. SECOND TIME THE CAR HAD DONE THIS. DEALERSHIP STATED THE ... Read more
Crash
Technical Service Bulletins — 1996 BMW 3 SERIES
37 manufacturer communications from 23 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 5 |
| 123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS | 2 |
| 150000 SEAT BELTS | 2 |
| 118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE | 2 |
| 140000 AIR BAGS | 2 |
| 114200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | 1 |
| 032200 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP | 1 |
| 133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 1 |
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
SIB-61-37-12
Dec 1, 2012
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
BMW: THE HIGH-VOLTAGE (HV) BATTERY CELLS COULD BE DAMAGED IF THE VEHICLE IS PREVENTED FROM ENTERING SLEEP MODE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. UPDATED 03/11/2013 *JS
SIB122512
Dec 1, 2012
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
BMW: VEHICLE DOES NOT START: LOOSE GROUND Z6000 *4B. COVERED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE BMW NEW VEHICLE/SAV LIMITED WARRANTY. *JS
SIB270212
Dec 1, 2012
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
BMW: DSC WARNING LIGHT IS ON. THE WARNING LAMPS FOR DSC, ABS AND BRAKE WARNING ILLUMINATED. THERE MAY ALSO BE A WARNING IN THE CONTROL DISPLAY FOR CHASSIS CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE. *JS
B63-03-12
Apr 1, 2012
123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
BMW: THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR LIGHT IN THE SIDE PANEL HAS CONDENSATION CONCERNING VEHICLES PRODUCED UP TO FEBRUARY 27,2012. *JS
SIB-62-02-95
Aug 1, 2011
117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
BMW: E36. INFORMATION ON THE REPLACEMENT OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS. *RM
SIB-65-75-06
Aug 1, 2011
140000 AIR BAGS
BMW SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP (AWL) IS ILLUMINATED, TOGETHER WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LAMP (POL). THE PROBLEM MAY BE INTERMITTENT. MICROCRACKS IN THE OC3 SEAT MAT. *PE
SIB-72-05-07
Apr 1, 2011
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
BMW: A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IS CAUSING ONE OR BOTH OF THE SEAT BELT ASSISTANTS TO NOT EXTEND FULLY OR MAY NOT EXTEND AT ALL. THE POSITION AT WHICH THE ASSISTANT COMES TO REST VARIES. E92. *RM
SIB-72-05-07
Apr 1, 2011
150000 SEAT BELTS
BMW: A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IS CAUSING ONE OR BOTH OF THE SEAT BELT ASSISTANTS TO NOT EXTEND FULLY OR MAY NOT EXTEND AT ALL. THE POSITION AT WHICH THE ASSISTANT COMES TO REST VARIES. E92. *RM
SIB-72-28-06
Apr 1, 2011
150000 SEAT BELTS
BMW: THE END OF THE SEATBELT ASSISTANT BREAKS/FALLS OFF WHEN RETRACTING. THE RETAINING TAB IS NOT ROBUST ENOUGH. E92. *RM
SIB-65-36-09
Sep 1, 2010
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
BMW: THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR. *RM
SIB-65-36-09
Sep 1, 2010
140000 AIR BAGS
BMW: THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR. *RM
SIB-65-36-09
Sep 1, 2010
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
BMW: THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR. *RM
SIB-41-02-09
Oct 1, 2009
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
BMW VEHICLES: REAR AXLE CARRIER (SUB FRAME) SUPPORT PROPOSED CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, A FRACTURE IN THE STEEL BODY STRUCTURE COULD FORM IN THE AREA AROUND ONE OF THE REAR AXLE CARRIER MOUNTING POINTS. AS A RE
SIB-41-02-09
Oct 1, 2009
160000 STRUCTURE
BMW VEHICLES: REAR AXLE CARRIER (SUB FRAME) SUPPORT PROPOSED CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, A FRACTURE IN THE STEEL BODY STRUCTURE COULD FORM IN THE AREA AROUND ONE OF THE REAR AXLE CARRIER MOUNTING POINTS. AS A RE
SIB-41-02-09
Oct 1, 2009
022520 SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
BMW VEHICLES: REAR AXLE CARRIER (SUB FRAME) SUPPORT PROPOSED CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, A FRACTURE IN THE STEEL BODY STRUCTURE COULD FORM IN THE AREA AROUND ONE OF THE REAR AXLE CARRIER MOUNTING POINTS. AS A RE
SIB-16-08-06
Oct 1, 2009
091200 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
BMW VEHICLES: ENGINE CRANKS BUT DOES NOT START; FUEL LEVEL GAUGE DISPLAYS A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF FUEL, ALTHOUGH THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY; FAULT CODE 2A1C (FUEL LEVEL PLAUSIBILITY) IS STORED IN MSV80. RIGHT SIDE FUEL SENDING UNIT IS DISLODGE
SI-B-34-11-08
Aug 1, 2009
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BMW VEHICLES: TEILECLEARING FOR DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC). A PART REPLACEMENT AUTHORIZATION MUST BE OBTAINED BY SUBMITTING A TC CASE IN PUMA BEFORE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING DSC COMPONENTS ARE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE VEHICLES LIS
SI-B-34-11-08
Aug 1, 2009
040000 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
BMW VEHICLES: TEILECLEARING FOR DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC). A PART REPLACEMENT AUTHORIZATION MUST BE OBTAINED BY SUBMITTING A TC CASE IN PUMA BEFORE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING DSC COMPONENTS ARE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE VEHICLES LIS
SIB-12-12-08
Feb 1, 2009
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BMW: SERVICE ENGINE LAMP IS ILLUMINATED. DME FC 2A15 MINOR LEAK AND 2A16 SUPERFINE LEAK IN EVAPORATION SYSTEM. TANK VENTILATION CORRUGATED HOSE MAY CONTACT THE LOW SIDE AIR CONDITIONING PRESSURE LINE ALUMINUM FERREL. THIS CONTACT MAY CAUSE
SIB-12-12-08
Feb 1, 2009
062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
BMW: SERVICE ENGINE LAMP IS ILLUMINATED. DME FC 2A15 MINOR LEAK AND 2A16 SUPERFINE LEAK IN EVAPORATION SYSTEM. TANK VENTILATION CORRUGATED HOSE MAY CONTACT THE LOW SIDE AIR CONDITIONING PRESSURE LINE ALUMINUM FERREL. THIS CONTACT MAY CAUSE
SI B52 05 08
Jun 1, 2008
220000 SEATS
BMW: SEAT FRAME DESIGN CHANGED FOR 392 (3 SERIES COUPE) PRODUCED UP TO MAY 2007. ON EARLY PRODUCTION E92S, THE SOCKET WHICH SECURES THE SEAT BACKREST RELEASE CABLE TO THE RELEASE MECHANISM COULD PULL FREE FROM THE RELEASE MECHANISM. *
SI B63 02 08
May 1, 2008
123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
REAR BULB FAILURE. MODEL E92 (3 SERIES COUPE) VEHICLES PRODUCED UP TO JANUARY 21, 2008 ARE AFFECTED. THE BULB OUT WARNING SHOWS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *PE
SI B11 13 07
Apr 1, 2008
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
N54 RATTLE NOISE FROM TURBOCHARGER AREA. MODELS E90, E92 AND E93 (3 SERIES) 335I AND 335XI; E60 AND E61 (5 SERIES) 535I AND 535XI, ALL WITH N54 ENGINE FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION TO JANUARY 17, 2008 PRODUCTION. *PE
SI B11 13 07
Apr 1, 2008
061320 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
N54 RATTLE NOISE FROM TURBOCHARGER AREA. MODELS E90, E92 AND E93 (3 SERIES) 335I AND 335XI; E60 AND E61 (5 SERIES) 535I AND 535XI, ALL WITH N54 ENGINE FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION TO JANUARY 17, 2008 PRODUCTION. *PE
SI B11 13 07
Apr 1, 2008
061120 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
N54 RATTLE NOISE FROM TURBOCHARGER AREA. MODELS E90, E92 AND E93 (3 SERIES) 335I AND 335XI; E60 AND E61 (5 SERIES) 535I AND 535XI, ALL WITH N54 ENGINE FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION TO JANUARY 17, 2008 PRODUCTION. *PE
SI B12 01 08
Jan 1, 2008
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
N52 EDK THROTTLE JAMMING FAULTS 2D09, 2CED AND 2CEC. MODEL E90 AND E91 (3 SERIES) AND E60 AND E61 (5 SERIES), ALL MODELS UP TO 11/2005 WITH N52 ENGINE. *PE
SIB-16-01-06
Dec 1, 2007
090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
BMW: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIR PROCEDURE. THE CASE WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING DOES NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE
SIB-16-01-06
Dec 1, 2007
092100 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BMW: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIR PROCEDURE. THE CASE WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING DOES NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE
SIB-16-01-06
Dec 1, 2007
072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BMW: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIR PROCEDURE. THE CASE WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING DOES NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE
SIB-22-01-07
Nov 1, 2007
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
BMW VEHICLE: NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE/RIGHT SIDE. A GRINDING OR SCRAPING NOISE MAY BE HEARD WHILE CORNERING AT VEHICLE SPEEDS UP TO 30 MPH. THE NOISE IS MORE PRONOUNCED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN THE WARM UP PHASE AND MAY CHANGE INTENSITY DURIN
SIB-22-01-07
Nov 1, 2007
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BMW VEHICLE: NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE/RIGHT SIDE. A GRINDING OR SCRAPING NOISE MAY BE HEARD WHILE CORNERING AT VEHICLE SPEEDS UP TO 30 MPH. THE NOISE IS MORE PRONOUNCED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN THE WARM UP PHASE AND MAY CHANGE INTENSITY DURIN
SIB-22-01-07
Nov 1, 2007
013000 STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
BMW VEHICLE: NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE/RIGHT SIDE. A GRINDING OR SCRAPING NOISE MAY BE HEARD WHILE CORNERING AT VEHICLE SPEEDS UP TO 30 MPH. THE NOISE IS MORE PRONOUNCED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN THE WARM UP PHASE AND MAY CHANGE INTENSITY DURIN
120405
Mar 1, 2006
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED AND/OR VEHICLE OVERHEATS. BMW E90 (3 SERIES) ALL E90 (3 SERIES) AND E60 (5 SERIES) MODELS EQUIPPED WITH N52 ENGINE. *TT
34 02 98
Apr 1, 1998
032200 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
SUBJECT REGARDING THE ABS/ASC WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED DURING DYNAMOMETER TEST. *YC *JN
62 02 97
Apr 1, 1997
114200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
REPLACEMENT OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *TW
NHTSA Safety Investigations — BMW 3 SERIES
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
EA02012
Opened: Jul 15, 2002 — Closed: Jun 24, 2003
INADVERTENT SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYME
THE SUBJECT VEHICLE'S AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE CONTAINS PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC FOR DEPLOYING THE SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAGS.BMW REVISED THE MODULE SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE SPAN OF THE MODEL YEARS 1999 THROUGH 2002 (IDENTIFIED AS MRS2.CA, MRS2.BB, MRS3, MRS3+ AND MRS4).ALTHOUGH MODEL YEAR 1999.5 VEHICLE... Read more
PE02011
Opened: Jan 31, 2002 — Closed: Jul 15, 2002
INADVERTENT SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAG
PE99017
Opened: Mar 2, 1999 — Closed: May 11, 1999
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
ALLEGED THAT THE DRIVER'S OR FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS MAY DEPLOY WITHOUT A VEHICLE CRASH
BMW 3 SERIES — All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BMW 3 SERIES across all model years (1992–2023).
49
Total Recalls
1,157
Total Complaints
3
Investigations
50
Reported Crashes
32
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
BMW 3 SERIES — Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2013 | 0 | 34 | View |
| 2012 | 3 | 11 | View |
| 2011 | 3 | 1 | View |
| 2010 | 3 | 43 | View |
| 2009 | 2 | 74 | View |
| 2008 | 3 | 93 | View |
| 2007 | 2 | 190 | View |
| 2006 | 4 | 288 | View |
| 2005 | 0 | 29 | View |
| 2004 | 0 | 93 | View |
| 2003 | 0 | 67 | View |
| 2002 | 0 | 40 | View |
| 2001 | 1 | 49 | View |
| 2000 | 1 | 111 | View |
| 1999 | 1 | 6 | View |
| 1998 | 4 | 4 | View |
| 1997 | 4 | 6 | View |
| 1996 (current) | 4 | 3 | |
| 1995 | 4 | 3 | View |
| 1994 | 3 | 1 | View |
| 1993 | 3 | 0 | View |
| 1992 | 3 | 0 | View |
| 1986 | 0 | 3 | View |