Multiple intermittent problems with door locks failing to open either by key fob, depressing button inside car, or by pulling inside door handle. To exit car, must lower windows and insert key into outside keyhole. This is a serious hazard! problem arises with no apparent cause, then will disappear a few days later with for no apparent reason. BMW replaced actuator (?) and the problem appears to have disappeared, but it cost me $1400. Other electrical problem is with air bag warning light coming on after car sits undriven for more than a couple of days. Was told that air bags will not work with light on. No reason found. Battery checks out fully charged.

- Greer, SC, USA

I was driving my 2003 BMW 325xi when the driver side airbags deployed suddenly. I do not believe that I hit anything and I did not see any damage on the vehicle when I inspected the car after the deployment. BMW inspected the car and found some damage underneath the car and claimed that this damage caused the deployment. However, I am almost certain that this damage did not occur at the time of the deployment. BMW was not interested in further investigating my case and stuck with the conclusion that the minor damage found underneath the car caused the airbags to deploy.

- Des Plaines, IL, USA

1-air bag warning light would not turn off after start up. Took vehicle to local BMW dealer. Was informed that I needed to fix this problem so air bag would deploy properly on passenger seat. Was told this is a 'common' problem on E46 models! very costly to repair..not to mention that the parts that needed replacement are well stocked at all BMW dealers that I called..very rarely has anyone sat on passenger seat..the defect in the seat sensor is discussed in internet web sites as far back to the E39 series models as well as the E90 series models. 2- radiator expansion tank fails too often on this series model. I developed a anti-freeze leak on a return vacation trip. No warning was given.. parked car in garage in the evening, noticed a fair amount of anti-freeze on ground. Again, was told this is common on this series E46 model.. since when is equipment failure a standard for the safe operation of any motor vehicle? the parts that fail in this vehicle can cause great injury to its occupants especially the passenger in the case of air bag deployment. In the case of the radiator expansion tank, for this part to fail without warning can be catastrophic to the engine, which will cause severe damage. If engine is not operational, one can lose power steering or brake capability, or both.

- Newport News, VA, USA

While driving, the air bags on the driver side deployed; above the window and above the arm rest. I did not go over any bumps or holes. There was not an accident or impact nor any history of. No warning lights came on indicating a problem with the car. The airbags spontaneously deployed while driving! my left elbow, left arm, and left ear were injured. I panicked and crossed over to the median on my left without looking for oncoming traffic; also, the airbags were obstructing my view. The engine was turned off, I got out of my car, and ran down the access road alongside the highway thinking my car was going to explode. I called road side assistance. The towing company took 1 hour and 45 minutes. The man was very rude and unwilling to tow the car. My friend and I followed the tow truck to the BMW dealership. The tower refused to let me take pictures of my car. I was able to take pictures of the car the next day under the supervision of a service advisor. The dealership told me that "the air bags were not on my warranty" and "I would have to go through my insurance to repair the car". when I asked for a courtesy car in the meantime, they stated "your warranty covers rental cars but we do not give out cars for this problem. You will have to go through your insurance." I got a rental car through my insurance. The adjuster was sent to inspect my car. He and BMW told me that there was "significant damage" on the left underside of the car that caused a part of the car to come "loose" and trigger the sensor deploying the air bags. BMW claims damage to a part of the car I could not take pictures of. The dealership told the adjuster that the air bags deployed in my driveway. BMW corporate office was notified. Yet, there was no solution. I requested that my car be towed to the next city. The claim was closed. The charges of the rental car were transferred to me. I also have to pay for the doctor visits. BMW still has not done anything to correct the failure!!!

- San Antonio, TX, USA

I was driving through an intersection at approximately 15 mph when I was struck in the driver and passenger doors by a vehicle who was running a red light. The other driver did not see me and struck me at full speed, probably around 45 mph. My vehicle was hit so hard that it spun around and slid about half a block. None of the airbags, including the side impact airbags, deployed, and the engine did not shut off. The car was deemed a total loss by my insurance company.

- Houston, TX, USA

The contact owns BMW and while driving down the highway both driver side air bags deploy and there was not an accident. The two air bags that deployed was one of the side above the window and the one at the arm rest. He contacted BMW and they want him to sign a statement pretty much telling him to keep his mouth shut and not to report the deployment or his injuries to anyone. If he signs the statement they told him they would give him a replacement car. The deployment of the air bag caused injury to the driver of the vehicle and he says this is a safety problem that he wanted to report.

- Cranston, RI, USA

Consumer's vehicle was rear ended. Upon impact, it hit the vehicle in front, and air bags did not deploy, but there was a foul odor inside the vehicle.

- Collins, MS, USA