The problem
On certain passenger and sport wagon vehicles with automatic transmissions, with the engine running, and the vehicle at rest, an increase of engine idle speed (up to 1,300 RPM) May occur.
The risk
If a gear is selected, the driver May feel as if the vehicle is being pushed.
The fix
Dealers will reprogram the digital engine management control unit. Owner notification began May 5, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 03V-124 (03V124000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Vehicle speed control |
| Report date | March 31, 2003 |
| Owners notified | May 5, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,056 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the speed control & acceleration
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-124 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will reprogram the digital engine management control unit. Owner notification began May 5, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,056 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.