BMW fault code 0003

Telematic Control Unit (I bus)

In the telematic control unit (i bus), 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.

BIT: Terminal 15, short circuit to ground

Module version: Basis Interface Telephone (BIT)

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

BIT: Line TEL_ON1 short circuit to ground

Module version: Basis Interface Telephone (BIT2)

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

NVM device failure

Module version: Telephone USA (TEL_US)

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.

Reading and clearing it

Fault code 0003 is a BMW code, stored in the car's telematic control unit (i bus), 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 telematic control unit (i bus) is on: 7 Series (E38), 5 Series (E39), 3 Series (E46), Z8 (E52), X5 (E53), X3 (E83), Z4 (E85), Z4 (E86)

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