BMW fault code 003E

Multiple Restraint System

In the multiple restraint system, 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.

Control unit error reed coil

Module versions: Airbag (BAE), Airbag (ZAE)

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

MRS: Coupling in firing circuit, head airbag, rear right

Module version: Multiple Restraint System (MRS4)

In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000, 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006, 5 Series (E39) 1998–2003, X5 (E53) 1999–2006, Z8 (E52) 2000–2003

MRS: Coupling in firing circuit, head airbag, rear right (spare)

Module version: Multiple Restraint System (MRS4RD)

In: X3 (E83) 2003–2010

MRS: Head restraint, front right

Module version: Multiple Restraint System (MRS5K)

In: X3 (E83) 2003–2010

Reading and clearing it

Fault code 003E is a BMW code, stored in the car's multiple restraint system, 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 multiple restraint system is on: 3 Series (E30), Z1 (E30/Z1), 8 Series (E31), 7 Series (E32), 5 Series (E34), 3 Series (E36), Z3 (E36/7), 7 Series (E38), 5 Series (E39), 3 Series (E46), Z8 (E52), X5 (E53), X3 (E83)

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