Complaints over time
Complaints about the 1999 BMW E46 peaked in 2011, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
1999 BMW E46
Sedan, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Dec 28, 2011 to Dec 28, 2011.
Recall campaigns covering this model year4133k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Below the median 1999 sedan
Severity index0.01999 sedans average 13.8
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 1999 BMW E46 name lighting
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
4 recall campaigns cover the 1999 BMW E46
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09E-025 | May 11, 2009 | These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated… | Lighting | 42,540 | Refund or buyback |
| 06E-049 | May 24, 2006 | Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger… | Lighting | 27,176 | Part replacement |
| 06E-040 | May 15, 2006 | Certain e speed racing combination lamps sold as replacement equipment for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above | Lighting | 1,648 | Refund or buyback |
| 06E-026 | Mar 23, 2006 | Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above | Lighting | 61,944 | Refund or buyback |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 1999 BMW E46
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Dec 28, 2011Failure Oct 19, 2011140,000 milesAndover, MAExterior lighting, Tail lights
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW E46. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED BOTH REAR TAIL LIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TAIL LIGHT WIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IT WAS ONLY FOR MODEL YEARS 2001-2003. UPDATED 02/08/12
NHTSA complaint 10441493
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
21 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- B000706 Nov 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
When using the Key Reader to retrieve information from the customerâ™s key, the data is not updated or current. - B630516 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Moisture is visible on the inside of one or both headlights - SIB110901 May 1, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBJECT REGARDING VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 02E-A01 RELATING TO THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION HOSE. *TT - SIB240202 Apr 1, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBJECT REGARDING HARD SHIFTS, LEAK AT TORQUE CONVERTER SEAL. *TT - 240998 Dec 1, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
EXPERIENCING A CLUNK NOISE HEARD/FELT DURING SITUATIONS OF LOAD REVERSAL. *TT - 240200 Dec 1, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF HARD OR NO SHIFT AND GEAR ERROR FAULT CODES 50, 52, 53, OR 55 IN THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. *TT - 240500 Dec 1, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT ERRATIC/HARSH SHIFTING AND THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND NO START/NO CRANK CONDITION. *TT - 610201 Oct 1, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF HEADLIGHT BRIGHTNESS AND IDLE SPEED FLUCTUATIONS WHEN BOTH SEAT HEATING ELEMENTS ARE TURNED ON. *TT - 610201 Jul 1, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF HEADLIGHT BRIGHTNESS AND IDLE SPEED FLUCTUATIONS WHEN BOTH SEAT HEATING ELEMENTS ARE TURNED ON. *TT - 121599 Nov 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL 00E-AO1 - FAULT ACCESS / O2 READINESS CODES. BMW HAS DETERMINED THAT DUE TO AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE ERROR, A COMMUNICATION CONFLICT EXISTS BETWEEN THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THIS… - 840700 Jun 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBJECT REGARDING THE BMW COLOR ACCESSORY NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED UP TO 9/99. *TT - 720600 Jun 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBJECT REGARDING HPS (HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM) AIRBAG REPLACEMENT ON SEDANS PRODUCED UP TO 9/99. *TT - 110500 Jun 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
EXPERIENCING A BUZZING OR RATTLING NOISE HEARD COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TT - 720700 Aug 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBJECT REGARDING MRS 3 SATELLITE SENSORS REPLACEMENT FOR SIDE AIRBAG ON SEDANS MANUFACTURED FROM 09/99 UP TO 11/99 AND COUPES MANUFACTURED UP TO 11/99. *TT - 840600 Aug 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION ON RETROFITTING ADAPTER CABLE FOR MK II PLUS NAVIGATION COMPUTER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES. *TT - 160200 May 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBJECT REGARDING DISTRIBUTOR PIECE / FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE REPLACEMENT ON CONVERTIBLES PRODUCED IN 11/99. *TT - 510100 May 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION REGARDING CREAKING, SQUEAKING, CLICKING NOISES FROM WINDOW REGULATOR INSTALLED ON SEDANS PRODUCED PRIOR TO 2/00. **MR - 240200 Apr 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF HARD OR NO SHIFT ALONG WITH GEAR ERROR FAULT CODES ON 1999 AND 2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. *TT - 040600 Feb 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION REGARDING THE DSC III TEST CABLE. *TT - 040300 Jan 1, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION ON THE FUEL LEVEL SENDER SPANNER. *TT - 510399 Oct 1, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBJECT REGARDING MEMORY MIRRORS ON VEHICLES (FROM 9/99 PRODUCTION) FITTED WITH THE SEAT MEMORY OPTION. *TT
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.