2003 BMW 5-Series BMW 5-Series 2003

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2003 BMW 5-Series repairs by problem area

Engine (43%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (3%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (17%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (7%)

Other (4%)

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Chart based on 277 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 BMW 5-Series.

2003 BMW 5-Series transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (11%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (11%)

$100 - $499 (11%)

< $100 (67%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 9 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

153200 mi Shuddering transmission, new fluid and filter fixed the problem 
152000 mi Transmission went into failsafe mode after driving thru deep puddle - electrical connector is no longer waterproof and shorted out. Cleaned contacts, dried it out, resealed connection and all is well. 

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2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

394-horsepower 4.9L V8 6-speed manual RWD

73000 mi

US $50
Transmission found to be leaking at drain plug. 
77000 mi

US $50
Transmission was leaking at drain plug. Dealer replaced drain and fill plugs and topped of transmission with 1 qt of fluid. 

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2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

71000 mi

US $50
Replace torque converter. 
124000 mi

US $2600
Clutch died, whole transmission had to be replaced. No external damage, no leaks. Girlfriend's father did all labor for free, saved $2000 

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2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed manual RWD

185000 mi

US $450
Guibo replacement. Trans fluid changed. Shifter rebuilt. 
189000 mi

US $800
Shaking and knocking sound from drivetrain. Driveshaft flex coupling (giubo) and CV joint were both worn out. Installed rebuilt driveshaft and new flex coupling. 

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2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD

71000 mi 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. 

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2003 BMW 5-Series Transmission Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 BMW 5-Series problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.