BMW fault code 003E

Engine electronics

In the engine electronics, code 003E 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.

Secondary air valve

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

Misfire detection total error

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

EML signal

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

In: 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001

Misfire detection total error OBDII error !!

Module versions: Motor Electronics (DM524DS0), Motor Electronics (DM528DS0)

In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000, 5 Series (E39) 1995–2003, 7 Series (E38) 1994–2001, X5 (E53) 1999–2006

DME: Misfiring at several cylinders

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, solenoid valve, secondary air (OBDII: P0412; EUIII: P0412)

Module version: Motor Electronics (MS420DS0)

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

DME: Activation, solenoid valve, secondary air

Module version: Motor Electronics (MS430DS0)

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

internal index 97

Module version: Motor Electronics (MSS54DS0)

In: 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006

Reading and clearing it

Fault code 003E 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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