CarRecallWatchThe 2003 BMW 530i has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 6 fires, 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (17 reports).
2003 BMW 530i recalls
Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
Certain BMW vehicles from 2000 to 2004 that have the optional sports steering wheel may have a driver-side frontal airbag inflator that can explode.
Driver air bag may rupture and spray metal fragments
The driver's frontal air bag inflator can be affected by moisture over time.
Most common 2003 BMW 530i problems
Problem areas named in the 46 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 17 |
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 |
| Power Train | 6 |
| Seats | 5 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 |
| Suspension | 3 |
| Engine | 3 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Structure | 2 |
What owners report
THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE ON 9/4/18, AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE INSIDE THE ENGINE BAY. CAR WAS DRIVEN SEVERAL MILES TO A STORE. THE PASSENGERS WERE EXITING THE CAR WHEN THEY SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THEN THEY NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES EXTENDING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AND WAS EXTINGUISHED BEFORE THE DRIVERS SIDE ALSO CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE INSULATION ON PASSENGER SIDE WIRING HARNESS IS COMPLETELY BURNT, AND NUMEROUS OTHER ITEMS INCLUDING THE FIBERGLASS BODY. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 215000 MILES ON IT, AND WAS WELL MAINTAINED. NO RECENT REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE TO THE ENGINE. NO SMELLS OF GASOLINE, OIL, OR PLASTIC BURNING WERE EVIDENT BEFORE
WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY 210 IN THE SECOND LANE NEXT TO FAST LANE, GOING 70-72 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP. CAUSING THE REAR TIRES TO SKID, IN TURN CAUSING IT TO START A CLOCKWISE SPIN TWO TIMES. BECAUSE I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC I QUICKLY DESIDED NOT TO TRY TO CONTROL THE CAR IN THAT LANE CAUSING A MAYOR CAR PILE UP, SO I DESIDED TO TRY TO MAKE IT OVER TO THE SIDE OF FWY. I MISSED THREE CARS AND A SEMI TRUCK AND ENDED UP STOPPING BEFORE I HIT THE THIRD CAR. I WAS STILL SETTING PART WAY IN THE SLOW LANE, SO I TRIED TO MOVE THE CAR. IT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACK WARD EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND THE CAR WOULD GO IN GEAR. MY WIFE AND I CAME OUT WITH NO INJURIES AN
TAKATA RECALL..RECEIVED NOTIFICATION 6 MONTHS AGO. I HAVE CALLED BMW TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT AND HAVE BEEN TOLD I WILL BE NOTIFIED WHEN PARTS ARRIVE. THUS WAS 6 MONTHS AGO
NO COMMITMENT YET FROM DEALER TO REPLACE DEFECTED AIRBAG. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 15V318
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
2003 BMW 530i questions
Does the 2003 BMW 530i have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2003 BMW 530i: Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Driver air bag may rupture and spray metal fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW 530i?
Based on 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (17), Electrical System (8), Vehicle Speed Control (6).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 BMW 530i has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.