1990 BMW E46 Recalls & Problems: 1 Recall, 2 Complaints

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1990 BMW E46 and 2 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is air bags (1 reports), followed by electrical system (1). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

1990 BMW E46 recalls

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 06E040000 · May 15, 2006

Problem: Certain e speed racing combination lamps sold as replacement equipment for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

Risk: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.

Fix: E speed racing will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began may 10, 2006. Owners may contact e speed racing 909-923-3636.

1,648 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

1990 BMW E46 problems by component

Component	Complaints	Fires
Air Bags	1	1
Electrical System	1	1
Engine and Engine Cooling	1	1
Tires	1	0

Latest owner complaints

Tires · Nov 13, 2007 · 149,700 miles · GA

Turning into a fast-food parking lot (about a 130 degree right turn), the left front tire struck a short (2" - 3") curb at about 3 - 5 MPH. The sidewall, midway between the tread and the wheel rim blew out. A jagged "l" shaped breach section about 3" in total length was clearly evident. The edges of the tear were forced outward from the inside. The impact was so minor that…

Air Bags · Apr 17, 2007 · 213,000 miles · KY · fire

Daughter driving to work in my 1990 BMW 735I called me on cell phone said smelled hot water and something burning. Told her to pull over and park car I was on the way early morning cold. Got to car inside was filled with smoke and the windows had water on the inside of them and the drivers airbag had triggered. Fire department on the site said it appears that the heater…

Electrical System · Apr 17, 2007 · 213,000 miles · KY · fire

Daughter driving to work in my 1990 BMW 735I called me on cell phone said smelled hot water and something burning. Told her to pull over and park car I was on the way early morning cold. Got to car inside was filled with smoke and the windows had water on the inside of them and the drivers airbag had triggered. Fire department on the site said it appears that the heater…

Engine and Engine Cooling · Apr 17, 2007 · 213,000 miles · KY · fire

Daughter driving to work in my 1990 BMW 735I called me on cell phone said smelled hot water and something burning. Told her to pull over and park car I was on the way early morning cold. Got to car inside was filled with smoke and the windows had water on the inside of them and the drivers airbag had triggered. Fire department on the site said it appears that the heater…

Other BMW E46 years

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Frequently asked questions

Does the 1990 BMW E46 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1990 BMW E46, the most recent one (06E040000) for exterior lighting. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 1990 BMW E46?

Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are air bags (1), electrical system (1), engine and engine cooling (1).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 1990 BMW E46?

Owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.

1990 BMW E46 recalls & problems