2003 BMW 5-Series Problems and Repair Histories
2003 BMW 5-Series problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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BMW 5-Series
2003 BMW 5-Series for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2003 BMW 5-Series problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2003 BMW 5-Series problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2003 BMW 5-Series problems and repair histories that follow it.
BMW 5-Series Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2003 | BMW 5-Series | 29 5-Series, 8.6 months of data per 5-Series, average 93200 miles115 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
|
see reported repairs |
Non-members can see only ten 2003 BMW 5-Series problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2003.5 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 5-Series in Singapore | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 114700 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2012 | 115600 | 2000 | Alternator went dead, not recharging batteries. Everything else start to fail. Critical components include the radiator cooling fan. This caused overheating (not reported by BMW computer bcos of low battery power) and caused radiator crack. Angel lights not working. Turns out that the internal wirings have aged so badly (8.5 years ) that the rubber coating on the wires chips off. Headlights were removed. That caused more damage because of wires short circuit. |
| Jul | 2012 | 116760 | 3000 | Abnormal sound from suspension. Worn suspension caused uneven tire wear? Worn front wheel bearings caused loud knocking sound during braking. |
| Aug | 2012 | 116960 | 800 | ARS and Dynamic Drive failure due to leak of steering fluid somewhere in the system. |
| Sep | 2012 | 117180 | 1000 | Aircon failure |
| Oct | 2012 | 117180 | 0 | Cruise control failure Active steering calibration error. Would cost $5,000 US to fix both systems. Got a 2012 instead. |
2003 BMW 5-Series
Engine not specified
| BMW 5-Series in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 90000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 90000 | 1025 | valve cover and oil filter gaskets replaced leaking power steering hose replaced |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 5-Series in Great Britain | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 69000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 69000 | 1000 | Hoses failed, not wear: heating and air-con failed as result. |
| Feb | 2009 | 71000 | 280 | Air Intake hoses had come loose and caused EML/emissions notification. Car failed to respond properly to throttle. |
| Sep | 2009 | 76000 | 400 | Parking sensor replaced Suspension bushes on offside rear needed replacing |
| Jun | 2011 | 92000 | 2300 | Worn parts |
| Jul | 2012 | 102700 | 40 | Windscreen washer seize up |
| Sep | 2012 | 104000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 5-Series in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 87000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 87000 | 800 | Did coolant and transmission fluid flushes. Normal maintenance. Replaced water pump since it was drained. |
| Jan | 2010 | 93000 | 120 | Replaced rear sway bar links during a wheel alignment. |
| Mar | 2010 | 96000 | 50 | Replaced valve cover gaskets to cure an oil seep. |
| Oct | 2010 | 98300 | 1500 | Replaced shocks/struts/front-control-arms. Normal maintenance at 100k miles (got it done a bit early.) Feels like new again. |
| Dec | 2010 | 99000 | 400 | Replaced rear subframe bushings. Preventative, the old ones looked fine at 99,000 miles. |
| Jan | 2012 | 102300 | 80 | Battery gave up the ghost |
| May | 2012 | 104000 | 500 | Alternator crapped out due to leaf buildup in the air duct leading to it. |
| Jun | 2012 | 104000 | 330 | Replaced gasket for the oil filter housing. It was leaking. It may still be leaking. |
| Oct | 2012 | 107000 | 200 | Replaced rear sway bar end-links. They were getting noisy. |
| Nov | 2012 | 107000 | 200 | Had noisy front sway bar end links. Replaced. Noise is gone. |
| Dec | 2012 | 107000 | 800 | Redo of cooling system, water pump, radiator, hoses. |
| Jan | 2013 | 107000 | 25 | Replaced rubber boot between MAF and Throttle Body extension. Had a tear in it in the bellows section. Emissions crapola once again. Thing was becoming a $600/month repair bill. I was tired of getting it fixed (my mechanic was getting tired of fixing it, too). Headlight had a broken adjusting link in it. Windshield rubber gasket was chunking off. Seats had gotten as hard as a rock (and this happened really suddenly...within about a month). |
| BMW 5-Series in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 89000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 100000 | 0 | Radio goes dead but nav stays on. Then comes back on. On its own. Apparently it is the digital radio that is going. |
| Jul | 2012 | 105700 | 0 | As reported earlier, radio dies suddenly, and comes back on at random. Nav stays on. I disconnect the neg batt terminal and connect it back. Radio works again for a while. Not sure how long this fix works. Refurb dig module quoted at $585. |
| Dec | 2012 | 108000 | 740 | Battery dies after 24h standing. No idiot light. Said to be alternator not charging. Replaced . OK now. But why no alt light? |
| Mar | 2013 | 109000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD
| BMW 5-Series in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 49000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 51000 | 3500 | Rear rotors pitted Steering rack leaking fluid |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
394-horsepower 4.9L V8 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 5-Series in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 88000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2008 | 89000 | 600 | Front lower control arms/ball joints, rear sway bar links. |
| Jan | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 5-Series in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 54000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2008 | 54000 | 54 | Window regulator died. |
| Sep | 2012 | 63000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 64000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 64000 | 140 | O2 sensor |
| Oct | 2011 | 64000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 47000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 49000 | 15 | Aluminum clips that secure rear sway bar to chassis were broken or cracked. Clips were replaced, a simple job done in my driveway. |
| Jan | 2011 | 49300 | 40 | Replaced dog bone link on the end of the rear sway bar. Link was damaged by excessive sway bar movement after sway bar retainer bracket broke. |
| Apr | 2011 | 50000 | 40 | Replaced dog bone link on the end of the rear sway bar. Link was damaged by excessive sway bar movement after sway bar retainer bracket broke. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 5-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 72000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2008 | 73000 | 50 | Right valve gasket found to be leaking oil. Transmission found to be leaking at drain plug. Air conditioner hoses were leaking. Compressor was whining and A/C made rustling noises. Hoses were replaced and A/C was recharged. |
| Nov | 2008 | 74000 | 50 | Steering effort was inconsistent under load; dealer found power steering pump defective. Pump replaced and fluid flushed under CPO. Catalytic converter (bank 1) found to be defective (car threw an error code). Replaced under warranty. Driver's side mirror would not retract all the way in (car has power folding mirrors). Dealer installed new outside mirror (ordered, painted, installed) under warranty. Driver's seat belt was very slow to retract. Dealer replaced belt assembly under warranty. |
| Jan | 2009 | 75000 | 314 | Front exhaust mount (at rear of transmission) was cracked, causing resonance and vibration. Also, rear exhaust clamp was loose, creating a rattle during acceleration. Replaced the mount and the clamp. Neither was covered by CPO. |
| May | 2009 | 77000 | 50 | Driver's seat recline would only adjust one one side; left side of seat would recline fore/aft, but right side was "stuck". Dealer replaced seatback transmission under CPO. Driver's side lumbar support leaked air, causing the air bladder to deflate over time. Dealer replaced valve. Moonroof rattles over rough roads, freeway expansion joints. Dealer replaced left and right control rails and lubed moonroof assembly. Rattle still present. Transmission was leaking at drain plug. Dealer replaced drain and fill plugs and topped of transmission with 1 qt of fluid. |
| Jun | 2009 | 78000 | 160 | Moonroof continues to rattle. Dealer says it requires adjustment and replacement of a weather seal. Declined $800 fix. $160 was for diagnostics charge for this and other issues during the same visit. Dealer traced a vibration throughout the rev range to worn left and right engine mounts. Wanted $800 to repair, declined. Oil filter housing bushings were worn out. One of the three bushings failed completely. Dealer wanted $160 to fix. Declined. |
| May | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
290-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 5-Series in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 600 | Replace leaking radiator | |
| Aug | 2009 | 850 | Overheated. Dealer replaced water pump | |
| Oct | 2009 | 800 | Replaced rear anti sway bar bushings and leaking valve cover gaskets | |
| Apr | 2010 | 91000 | 600 | Air Flow Sensor |
| May | 2011 | 100500 | 400 | Replace leaking power steering lines |
| Feb | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 5-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 105000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 112000 | 350 | Oil leak. Diagnosed as valve cover gaskets, replaced gaskets. |
| BMW 5-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 97000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 97000 | 220 | fixed 'seat twist' on front passenger seat. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
290-horsepower 4.4L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 5-Series in Kansas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2013 | 103000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2013 | 105000 | 825 | Replaced front thrust arm bushings, center tie rod linkage and rear sway bars, and accomplished 4 wheel alignment |
| BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 57000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2013 | 70000 | 50 | Intake manifold flapper valve rebuild-repaired it myself with a rebuild kit-dealer wanted to replace entire assembly. |
| BMW 5-Series in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 108000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 110000 | 140 | waterpump blew up |
| Aug | 2012 | 125300 | 200 | alternator produced high voltage |
| Apr | 2013 | 134000 | 160 | Control Arm Bushings needed replacing |
| BMW 5-Series in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 42000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2009 | 43000 | 650 | Replaced ignition ignitor module for xenon headlight. |
| Aug | 2009 | 47000 | 300 | A/C stopped working. Replaced blower. |
| May | 2012 | 65000 | 470 | Replace starter |
| BMW 5-Series in Kentucky, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 86000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2012 | 86000 | 400 | Replaced mirror glass on both sides. Mirroring was flaking off around edges. Replaced broken oil filter housing support. Power steering fluid reservoir was leaking. Replaced rubber O-ring seal on cap for reservoir. Replaced torn headlight gasket on left headlight. Sent multi information display off to have numerous dead pixels repaired. Received it back and reinstalled it into car. Replaced broken headlight adjusters on both headlights and realigned lights. |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 5-Series in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 92000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 98000 | 600 | Coolant leak |
| Sep | 2012 | 100000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 54000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2011 | 60700 | 1200 | Oil leaks, pan mount, etc |
| Jun | 2012 | 69000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2012 | 97000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 99000 | 1000 | DSC warning light indicating that an ABS pump needed to be replaced. |
| BMW 5-Series in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2012 | 87000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2012 | 88000 | 900 | replace blower motor |
| Jun | 2012 | 90000 | 400 | intermittent hot start problem. replaced neutral safety switch |
| Aug | 2012 | 91300 | 120 | intermittent hot start problem. replaced fuel pump relay |
| Dec | 2012 | 94000 | 200 | replace pulley tensioner |
| Jan | 2013 | 94500 | 300 | intermittent hot start problem. replaced MAF, gas cap and crank position sensor |
| Feb | 2013 | 95000 | 300 | intermittent hot start problem. replaced ignition |
| BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2004 | 0 | Replace ignition coils | |
| Jul | 2006 | 0 | Replace dashboard electronics as some LEDs no longer worked (odometer) | |
| May | 2007 | 0 | Replace vapor barrier on right rear passenger window as it was leaking. | |
| Sep | 2007 | 0 | Replace vapor barrier on rear driver side window as it was leaking. | |
| BMW 5-Series in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2008 | 0 | This car has been very reliable. BMW services everything 1st 50,000 mi. since then all I spent was about $1,500 - tires, seat controls got loose and a leak in rear door (leaves got clogged in drain area now ok.) | |
| BMW 5-Series in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2006 | 0 | Wood trim on dash cracked. Replaced under warranty. | |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 5-Series in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2012 | 117000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 123000 | 2000 | Replaced the radiator, hoses, thermostat, reservoir tank, water pump |
| BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 89000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 94000 | 350 | Leaky right side valve cover gasket replaced to stop oil leak. |
| Apr | 2012 | 94000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 70000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 71000 | 50 | Replace torque converter. |
| Dec | 2008 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 5-Series in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2012 | 168000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2012 | 168000 | 12 | Oil filter housing seal. |
| BMW 5-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 71000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 79000 | 300 | "Check engine oil level" warning on for months, level detector device stuck or broken, $200 part plus $100 labor to fix, decided not to repair, check oil level with dipstick as needed. BMW advertising $ >> than engineering budget! |
| Jun | 2011 | 80000 | 5 | Repeated "brake/backup/turnsignal" errors. Problem was corroded/rusted connector to stamped out galvanized panel in taillight assembly. Est. cost of parts: about $460.00, and no assurance it wouldn't re-corrode. I hard wired. |
| Dec | 2011 | 85000 | 350 | Note: cost of all repairs was $2600.00, but most was paid by Zurich warranty extension I'd bought after major problems under warranty and I was fearful of future failures. Zurich policy extends to summer 2012, may need more repairs. |
| Jun | 2012 | 89000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 85000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 87000 | 1438 | Original Rotors warn, needed replacing. Included new pads & rear break sensor Oil leaking from below car, traced to oil filter housing/engine block leak. Estimated $750 for repair (parts/tax/labor) @ BMW dealer. As leak is minor, I will wait for funds before fixing, and just carry extra qt of oil. |
| Dec | 2011 | 104000 | 500 | Replaced rear right light housing, rusted out plug on unit and wiring harness. |
| Apr | 2012 | 110700 | 0 | Sunroof rattles, does not open vertically, only horizontally. |
| Dec | 2012 | 124000 | 2600 | Clutch died, whole transmission had to be replaced. No external damage, no leaks. Girlfriend's father did all labor for free, saved $2000 Wiper motor and relays need replacing |
| BMW 5-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 54000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 56000 | 0 | Cupholder broke. Front strut bearings replaced due to vibration under braking. Front wipers out of whack making excessive noise. |
| Aug | 2009 | 67000 | 1500 | Power steering was not assisting very well. Traced to intermittent failure of steering pump. Power window was making crunchy sounds; failure was imminent. Failing parts replaced. |
| Nov | 2009 | 70000 | 3300 | Belt tensioners needed to be replaced. |
| Jan | 2011 | 81000 | 350 | Check engine light, codes related to fuel/ignition, also rough idle especially after hard stop. DISA valve replaced. |
| Aug | 2011 | 86000 | 2060 | Wet hissing sound heard at the end of 30 or more miles of driving. Hose failure related to crankcase or crankshaft. Hose and fittings replaced. Water pump making sounds indicative of imminent failure. Pump replaced. |
| Jan | 2012 | 89000 | 250 | Fan speed didn't go to high speed manually or automatically. Rear roundel badge looking haggard |
| Jun | 2012 | 91000 | 964 | Hose replaced due to miles on car. Battery died. Got jump start and drove it to dealer for repair. |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed manual RWD
| BMW 5-Series in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 65000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 66000 | 3000 | service indictor lights erratic |
| Sep | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 5-Series in Oklahoma, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 120000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 120000 | 30 | replacement pop out cupholder. update: a problem area, will likely replace it again in February. |
| Jun | 2012 | 123000 | 83 | DISA Valve (intake manifold) found to be inoperative after car lost power intermintenly on highway. DISA was rebuilt with a kit that replaces internal parts with aluminum. OEM plastc part gets brittle at higher mileage. Common E39 fix. |
| Nov | 2012 | 126000 | 4 | Both the thread and the plastic screw holding the tool kit to the trunk lid broke. Over time the plastic was brittle. This was an easy 10 min repair done in the garage for less than $5. |
| BMW 5-Series in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2012 | 125000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2012 | 125000 | 200 | DISA valve on intake manifold was failing and causing hesitation in throttle response. Rebuilt the plastic parts of the valve with aluminum pieces from German Auto Specialties. |
| Jan | 2013 | 128000 | 250 | Variable valve timing hydraulic actuation system (VANOS) was worn out and had to be replaced. Symptom was extreme hesitation at low rpm but smooth running above 3000 rpm. I purchased a remanufactured VANOS assembly from Dr. Vanos. |
| Feb | 2013 | 128500 | 220 | Crankcase ventilation (CCV) system failed resulting in massive oil burning and a stalled engine. Replaced CCV, all hoses, dipstick tube, and distribution manifold. Idler pulleys for serpentine belt were also replaced due to worn bearings. |
| Mar | 2013 | 129000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 5-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 72000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 76000 | 25 | internal door vapor membrane failed on both rear doors |
| Mar | 2010 | 81000 | 820 | rear door seal replaced failed idler pulley; replaced replaced head gasket |
| Feb | 2011 | 92000 | 750 | air mass flow meter failure |
| Apr | 2011 | 92000 | 1000 | Brakes |
| May | 2011 | 93000 | 1000 | Ignition coil, $500 Suspension bushings, $500 |
| Nov | 2011 | 97000 | 550 | Thermostat failure |
| Apr | 2012 | 99300 | 1100 | failed radiator oil leak |
| Jan | 2013 | 105000 | 60 | pulley bearing failing |
| May | 2013 | 105000 | 150 | dead battery |
| BMW 5-Series in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2010 | 67000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 69000 | 1100 | Unable to start car. Had it towed to BMW shop to have fuel pump replaced. Part took 2 days to come in. Total cost was @$1100. |
| Sep | 2012 | 78000 | 1500 | oil filter assy leaking |
| BMW 5-Series in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 71000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 71000 | 600 | Battery replaced, but not charging had to replace altenator |
| Nov | 2011 | 73500 | 400 | Oil filter gasket failed causing oil leak |
| May | 2012 | 76000 | 311 | Service engine light came on, replaced oxygen sensor |
| Dec | 2012 | 78000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 40000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 43000 | 65 | Replaced the valve cover gasket due to burning oil smell. |
| Nov | 2009 | 51000 | 100 | Fuel purge valve had to be replaced. |
| Oct | 2010 | 61000 | 15 | Replaced leaky oil filter housing gasket. Was leaving spots on the driveway and making engine compartment very oily. |
| Apr | 2011 | 72000 | 160 | Leaking water pump. After pump replaced, coolant tank began to leak and was also replaced. Coolant was also replaced at this time with BMW coolant. |
| Oct | 2011 | 79000 | 230 | Replaced radiator and thermostat. Electronically controlled thermostat housing was leaking, as well as minor leak in the plastic tank of the radiator. HID Headlight ballast quit working |
| Mar | 2013 | 102000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Arizona, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 53000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 54000 | 0 | Sunroff hardware broke. Had been fixed several times under warranty. Continues to be fixed out of warranty. |
| Nov | 2009 | 59000 | 0 | sunroof lifters broken; recurring problem; fixed for the 4th time |
| Oct | 2012 | 82000 | 300 | Drivers side rear window regulator |
| Nov | 2012 | 82500 | 460 | Camshaft sensor |
| Jan | 2013 | 83300 | 150 | In addition to the serpentine belt and the AC belt, I replaced the two tensioners/rollers and the idler pulley. |
| Mar | 2013 | 84000 | 800 | PS hoses replaced Oil filter housing gasket replaced |
| BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 88000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 88000 | 2200 | Intake manifold and all associated crankcase hoses replaced |
| Jan | 2012 | 88000 | 500 | Replaced serpentine belt and associated pulleys. Bearing in idle pulley seized, other pulleys replaced as preventative measure. |
| Mar | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 38000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 60000 | 1000 | Front and rear suspension and replaced bushings Leaking value cover gasket Replaced the right rear tail light socket |
| Oct | 2011 | 74300 | 1000 | repaired rear suspension |
| Mar | 2013 | 79000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD
| BMW 5-Series in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 70000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2009 | 71000 | 0 | Seal where drive shaft leads from transmission was starting to fail (leak fluid). Discovered by my local mechanic when I took car to him for a comprehensive inspection one week prior to the car going out of extended CPO warranty. |
| Oct | 2010 | 78000 | 83 | "Service engine soon" warning light came on. Problem traced to leaking gasket on fuel cap which caused a false sensor reading. Problem corrected by replacing fuel cap. |
| Sep | 2012 | 94000 | 1050 | Vibrations when summer tires/wheels remounted. Wheels appeared loose. Inspection showed tie rods were worn. Same ordered and replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 100000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Hawaii, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 170000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 172000 | 500 | overheating |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
Expert 2003 BMW 5-Series Repair Advice
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What People Are Saying about Problems with the 2003 BMW 5-Series
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