BMW fault code 0003

Engine electronics

In the engine electronics, code 0003 means different things depending on the version of the module in the car. Find your car below; the app shows the right one for yours.

Ignition cylinder 6

Module versions: Motor Electronics (MS410DS1), Motor Electronics (MS410DS2), Motor Electronics (MS410DS3), Motor Electronics (MS411DS1), Motor Electronics (MS411DS2)

In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000, 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006, 5 Series (E39) 1995–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001

Leakage diagnosis module

Module versions: Motor Electronics (DM5212R5), Motor Electronics (DM5212R6), Motor Electronics (DM528DS3)

In: 5 Series (E39) 1995–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001, X5 (E53) 1999–2006

Fuel injector cylinder 1

Module versions: Motor Electronics (DM338DS0), Motor Electronics (DM338DS1)

In: 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001

DME: Oxygen sensors before catalytic converter mixed up

Module versions: Motor Electronics (ME72KWP0), Motor Electronics (ME72KWP1)

In: 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006, 5 Series (E39) 1995–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001, X5 (E53) 1999–2006, Z8 (E52) 2000–2003

DME: Activation, ignition, cylinder 6

Module versions: Motor Electronics (MS420DS0), Motor Electronics (MS430DS0)

In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000, 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006, 5 Series (E39) 1998–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1998–2001, X3 (E83) 2003–2010, X5 (E53) 1999–2006, Z4 (E85) 2002–2008

Fuel injector cylinder 2

Module version: Motor Electronics (BMS43DS0)

In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000, 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006

Injector 1

Module version: Motor Electronics (BMSS501)

In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000

DDE: Shutoff valve

Module version: Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE22DS0)

Which BMWs have this version depends on the engine and equipment, so we don't list them here; AutoLingo for BMW reads which version your car has.

DDE: Electric shut-off valve

Module version: Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE30DS0)

Which BMWs have this version depends on the engine and equipment, so we don't list them here; AutoLingo for BMW reads which version your car has.

Ignition coil cylinder 6

Module version: Motor Electronics (MS410DS0)

In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000, 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006, 5 Series (E39) 1995–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001

DME: Fuel injector cyl. 1

Module version: Motor Electronics (MSS54DS0)

In: 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006

Reading and clearing it

Fault code 0003 is a BMW code, stored in the car's engine electronics, not a generic OBD2 code (P0xxx): a generic OBD2 reader only reaches the engine's emissions faults, so it won't show it. AutoLingo for BMW reads it with BMW's own diagnostic protocols, in plain English, with the details the module stored about it, and clears it after a repair. If a fault comes right back after it's cleared, the problem is still there.

The engine electronics is on: 8 Series (E31), 5 Series (E34), 3 Series (E36), Z3 (E36/7), 7 Series (E38), 5 Series (E39), 3 Series (E46), Z8 (E52), X5 (E53), X3 (E83), Z4 (E85), Z4 (E86)

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