2003 BMW 3 Series 325Ci
WBABN73403PJ16051
Vehicle history report for the 2003 BMW 3 Series 325Ci (VIN WBABN73403PJ16051). Black, coupe, 6-cyl 184 hp, gasoline. 148,404 mi reported. Registered in Ca. No NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Looks clean — a solid candidate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- Owners most often report air bags trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
- Priced within the typical range for the model.
💵 A fair offer is around $3,548 (typical range $1,900–$5,500). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN WBABN73403PJ16051, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. No recall campaigns are on record for this model year.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2003 BMW 3 Series data →
📋 All factory specifications on file2 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
What's a 2003 BMW 3 Series worth?
What comparable 2003 BMW 3 Series vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 BMW 3 Series.
Frontal crash testSource: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2003 BMW 3 Series 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 3
Rear Lamp Illumination Closed
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August 25, 2011, BMW indicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles. The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel. Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact poin…
NHTSA #EA09019 · Exterior Lighting · opened Dec 2009 · closed Sep 2011REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION Closed
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING. THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP. THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING. THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTE…
NHTSA #PE09036 · Exterior Lighting · opened Aug 2009 · closed Dec 2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION Closed
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES. AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009. THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS. A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETI…
NHTSA #DP09002 · Exterior Lighting · opened Apr 2009 · closed Aug 2009An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 88
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 88.
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Bulletin B510819 · Electrical System, Visibility · Jan 2024When using the Key Reader to retrieve information from the customerâÃÂÃÂs key, the data is not updated or current.
Bulletin B000706 · Equipment · Nov 2023Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant downward hand pressure is maintained.
Bulletin B610120 · Electrical System · Sep 2022Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
Bulletin B662419 · Equipment · Sep 2022Whistling noise is heard coming from the front bumper while driving at highway speeds.
Bulletin SIB510822 · Structure · Jun 2022Starting mid-May 2022, the QR code on the tite sidewalls of Pirelli tires has been omitted due to patent reasons.
Bulletin SIB360222 · Tires · Jun 2022A rattling/droning noise is heard in the vehicle interior when the air conditioning (AC) is activated. Vibrations are felt in the driver's footwell.
Bulletin SIB640521 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Equipment · Jun 2022Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not a…
Bulletin SIB662419 · Electrical System, Equipment · Jun 2022On these Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), the air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a standstill. The vent outlet temperatures vary by 25 degrees Fahrenheit or more (38 F to 60 F+; 3 to 15+ Celsius) without changing an…
Bulletin SIB640921 · Equipment, Electrical System · Jun 2022Moisture is visible on the inside of one or both headlights
Bulletin B630516 · Exterior Lighting, Equipment · Jun 2021Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 3 SERIES. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 6
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2003 BMW 3 Series. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Airbag
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy wit…
Transport Canada #2020009 · Jan 2020Airbag
Issue: 2023 Update - BMW has updated this recall and issued a do not drive advisory for all vehicles that that not yet been repaired. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. I…
Transport Canada #2015230 · May 2015Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment during a crash w…
Transport Canada #2014299 · Jul 2014Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment during a crash w…
Transport Canada #2013148 · May 2013Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may experience the loss of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn signal) on the portion of the rear lamp assemblies that are mounted in the body (the portion of the lamps mounted on the trunk are not affected). Failure of any rear lamp function may result in the following road users being unaware of the driver's intentions, as well as reducing vehi…
Transport Canada #2011322 · Aug 2011Other
On certain 320I, 320IA, 325CI, 325CIA, 325I, 325IA, 325IT, 325ITA, 325XI, 325XIA, 325XIT, 325XITA, 330CI, 330CIA, 330I, 330IA, 330XI, 330XIA and M3 vehicles, an electronic control unit pertaining to the window lifting anti-pinching device may not function properly and pinching may be possible. Correction: Dealer will inspect and if necessary replace the electronic control unit.
Transport Canada #2003107 · Apr 2003Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 series and has been produced in eight generations.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns None on record
NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2003 BMW 3 Series.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 489 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 BMW 3 Series, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 17 involved a crash 🔥 21 involved a fire 🚑 26 reported injuries
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 489
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2003 BMW 3 Series.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
fuel tank bracket rust off and will break and is a very expensive job to repair im not the only person to face this issue anyone with a BMW
NHTSA ODI #11756445AIR BAGS
While I was driving the air bags went off.
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11656332ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On June 28,2024, after parking and turning off the ignition switch, the dash started smoking and within minutes the whole dash and front of car were on fire. The car almost completely burned to the ground before the fire department could get there. The car was recently serviced at a BMW for an air bag recall. Heater ducts were loose when returned. There are …
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11598027TIRES
Continental Sport Plus 215/50 ZR17 Replaced Michelin tires with four of this size/brand. Highly unstable at highway speeds. Even more unstable under wet roadway conditions.
NHTSA ODI #11478511UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Coolant leak from exhaust manifold Reservoir fails All coolant hoses fail
NHTSA ODI #11449466EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The xenon projector bowls in the headlight assembly on both sides of the vehicle have slowly been burning. The bowl is made of plastic and with the heat of the xenons burns the plastic creating not only a fire hazard but also greatly reduces the effectiveness of the headlight beam, rendering it almost useless. This is specific to the OEM manufacture of the h…
NHTSA ODI #11446729ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Power windows Power windows broke on 3 windows. Sometimes the glass has shattered. Sometimes the glass just slides down and becomes non operational. Glass shattering has been scary and dangerous. This has occurred while driving. I live in a state with lots of weather. Thunderstorms. Has occurred with child in car seat during a thunderstorm. At highway speed…
NHTSA ODI #11440350UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the vehicle is without electrical power the door locks cannot be opened from the inside. In the event of any type of emergency that eliminates power and which requires the occupants to exit (fire, fumes, injury after a crash) the occupants are unable to open the doors. On this particular vehicle when there is no power only the driver's door can be unl…
NHTSA ODI #11425186+ 481 more complaints on record.
