2004 BMW 330Ci

Do not drive

Owners filed 77 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the BMW 330Ci years to avoid. Which BMW 330Ci years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
52,000 milesMedian miles at failure

48 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2004 BMW 330Ci problems

31 of the 77 complaints (40%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags28
404
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine9
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission8
000
Exterior Lighting · headlights8
000
Electrical System5
010
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system3
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine3
000
Air Bags › Side/Window · airbags2
001
Visibility › Windshield1
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V018000Do not drive
Filed Jan 15, 2020292,948 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module15V318000Do not drive
Filed May 28, 2015419,235 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder07E023000
Filed Mar 29, 200713,128 vehiclesCardone Industries, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jun 5, 202510,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2004 BMW 330CI. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting to the reverse position, the engine began to rev very high, and the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove reverse into the side of the home. During the incident the vehicle the destroyed. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic but the cause of the failure was not determined and no repairs were performed. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 2, 2024AL

While backing out of a short driveway and placed t to drive, the vehicle revved and started speeding out of control with brakes applied. The vehicle sideswiped a neighbors vehicle before crashing head on into a tree causing it to stop. I had jerked up the emergency brake and ripped the key out of the ignition. The replaced airbags did not deploy.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 17, 2019215,000 milesCA

THE ADAPTIVE BIXENON HEADLIGHTS USE BIODEGRADABLE WIRING. THIS WIRING CANNOT WITHSTAND THE HEADLIGHTS ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT MOVEMENT. THESE WIRES CAN TEAR OR WORSE THE INSULATION CAN CRUMBLE OFF. THIS LEADS TO A HUGE FIRE RISK. FURTHERMORE, BMW DOES NOT HAVE ANY FORM OF FIXING THE PROBLEM. THEY ONLY SELL NEW HEADLIGHT UNITS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. TO BE CLEAR, NO INCIDENT OCCURRED TO CAUSE THIS ISSUE OTHER THAN STANDARD USE OF THE CAR. IT IS A TICKING TIME BOMB ON ALL CARS USING THIS WIRING, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES THE E60 M5 PLATFORM. THE RESULT IS HEADLIGHTS THAT CAN TURN OFF AT ANY TIME OR WORSE THEY CAN SHORT AND CAUSE A FIRE.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 7, 2018135,000 milesOH

THE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS ARE FLICKERING (STATIONARY OR IN MOTION). THIS POINTS TO A FAULTY WIRING ISSUE, ACCORDING TO MANY OTHER OWNERS REPORTING THIS ON INTERNET FORUMS FOR THIS VEHICLE.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 27, 2017199,227 milesWA

"TAKATA RECALL" I'VE RECEIVED CONFIRMATION MY VEHICLE IS ONE OF THE VEHICLE APART OF THE TAKATA RECALL. I'M A SINGLE FATHER OF A 13 YR OLD SON. KNOWING THE DANGER MY SON HAS BEEN IN ALL OF THIS TIME HAS SHAKEN MY CORE COMFORT ZONE TO DUST. I'M NOW IN THE PROCESS TO CORRECT THIS BAD AIRBAG CURRENTLY IN MY VEHICLE. MY SON'S FUTURE HAS BEEN PLACED IN RUSK AND THAT WILL NOT BE LEFT UNCHECKED BY MEANS AVAILABLE. I WAS HIT WITH MY SON IN THE CAR AND THE BAD AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY, THANK GOD!

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 10, 2017121,127 milesTX

VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING PARKED FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, LOW BATTERY 9.8 VOLTS. SPONTANEOUSLY HEADLIGHTS CAME ON SMOKE FILLED CAR, DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK MANUALLY OR BY REMOTE. SHATTERED DOOR GLASS WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER . CLOSE INSPECTION APPEARS FAULTY HEADLIGHT SWITCH STARTED FIRE HAD 8 TO 10" FLAMES COMING OUT OF LEFT DASHBOARD. DAMAGE TO HDLT SWITCH,VENTS,DASH,CLUSTER,A PILLAR COVER. PUT OUT FIRE MYSELF SO NO FIRE DEPT. REPORTS.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 17, 201794,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. WHILE DRIVING AND/OR PARKED, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE LAMP TURN SIGNAL FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 17, 2017CA

1-10-2017 APPROX. 5:15PM. DRIVING HOME ON I-80 FREEWAY, RAINY WEATHER, 5PM TRAFFIC, SO I WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 55MPH, THERE IS SOME ROUGH ROAD BUT NOT REALLY ANY POTHOLES. I DROVE OVER THE BAD ROAD AND THE DRIVER CURTAIN AND DOOR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED THERE WAS NEVER ANY IMPACT BUT THE ROAD DID SHAKE THE CAR. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR THAT FROM THE ROAD. I DRIVE THE SAME ROUTE HOME IN OUR OTHER CAR DAILY AND IT NEVER SETS THE AIR BAG OFF OR ANYONE ELSE DRIVING THAT EXTREMELY BUSY FREEWAY. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 16, 2016114,000 milesFL

HEADLIGHT WIRING ON MY 2004 BMW 330CI DEGRADED PREMATURELY ACCELERATED BY HEAT AND HIGH VOLTAGE UNTIL IT CAUSED MY HEADLIGHT TO FAIL WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IN THE EARLY EVENING. THE SYMPTOM WAS CAUSED BY THE SUPPLY WIRES TO THE IGNITER LOSING THERE INSULATION AT STRESSED HARNESS ATTACHMENT POINT, ARCED OVER, AND CAUSED THE COPPER CONDUCTORS TO BECOME BRITTLE. THIS SYMPTOM WAS SEEN ON THE PROJECTOR ASSEMBLY WIRING AS WELL AS THE DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHT WHICH DID NOT EXHIBIT THE COPPER BREAKDOWN. INSULATION OF BOTH ASSEMBLIES CRUMBLED TO FLAKES WHEN TOUCHED AND RENDERED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY UNUSABLE. THIS FAULT COULD JUST AS EASILY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY DURING WHICH THE SPECIFIED HEADLIGHT FUSES MAY NOT PROVIDE PROTECTION TO THE ASSOCIATED VEHICLE SYSTEMS. THE ONLY PROVIDED SOLUTION FROM THE MANUFACTURER IS TO BUY A NEW ASSEMBLY FOR A COMPONENT WHICH SHOULD ONLY REQUIRE PERIODIC REPLACEMENT OF THE LAMPS WHEN THEY BURN OUT. FORTUNATELY MY CAR ALSO FLOOD LIGHTS WHICH HELPED TO LIGHT THE WAY WHEN THE HEADLAMP FAILED.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 31, 2016CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 10/13/16*LJ UPDATED 03/09/17.*JB

Air Bags
Filed Aug 29, 2016GA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 15, 2016VA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 21, 2016147,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE UPPER BODY THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 19, 2016150,000 milesWA

HEADLIGHT WIRING JACKETS FLAKED OFF. HAD THE BALLAST AND BULB REPLACED IN PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT, BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHT NO LONGER WORKED. NOTICED THAT THE WIRING WAS BARE & LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE HAD CLIPPED 2 OF THE WIRES. AFTER REPLACING BOTH THE BALLAST & HEADLIGHT IT STILL DID NOT WORK. BUT A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER, TURNED ON THE HEADLIGHTS AND NOW IT WORKS AGAIN. I KNOW THIS IS NOT SAFE, I SEE WHERE OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. NOT SURE HOW TO GET THE NEW WIRING FOR THE HEADLIGHT OR DOES THE WHOLE THING NEED REPLACED? IT SHOULD BE A RECALL WITH THIS MANY CARS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 19, 2016MN

THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT IS INTERMITTENTLY OFF. EACH TIME I STEP ON THE BRAKES, THE TAIL LIGHT RANDOMLY TURNS ON OR OFF. MY RIGHT HEADLIGHT IS OFF, TOO. I SWITCHED THE BULBS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND THEY STILL WORK. I CAN'T CHECK MY FUSES BECAUSE MY GLOVEBOX DOESN'T OPEN ANYMORE.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 16, 2016NV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed May 17, 2016GA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/13/16*LJ UPDATED 07/25/16.*JB

Air Bags
Filed Apr 19, 2016VA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 18, 2016AL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO SUPPLY THE PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A TIME FRAME THAT THE PART WOULD BE SUPPLIED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 2016145,000 milesFL

IGNITION SYSTEM: VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY STALLED WHILE IN MOTION AT LOW AND HIGH VELOCITY SPEED. HAD TO COMPLETELY TURN THE IGNITION TO OFF POSITION TO BE ABLE TO RESTART. I HAVE BEEN KEEPING TRACK ON HOW OFTEN THIS HAPPENS. SO FAR 11 TIMES SINCE OWNERSHIP.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 30, 2015CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/19/16*LJ UPDATED 10/24/16.*JB

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 2, 201573,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 24, 2015FL

THE CAR IS SUBJECT TO TWO RECALLS. I HAVE BEEN CALLING BMW FOR OVER A YEAR TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUES. BMW SAYS NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE JULY 2015 RECALL 15V318 UNLESS I BRING THE CAR FOR INSPECTION. MAKES NO SENSE. BMW HAS ALSO BEEN OBSTRUCTIONIST ON THE 2014 RECALL 14V426. I LIVE 60 MILES AWAY FROM THE DEALER. 1. THEY REFUSE TO ORDER PARTS FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG RECALL UNLESS I COME IN FOR A 5 MINUTE "INSPECTION" FIRST (120 MILES ROUND TRIP). 2. ONLY AFTER THE INSPECTION, THEY WILL ORDER PARTS; THIS REQUESTS A SECOND TRIP (120 MILES) BECAUSE REPAIRS CAN TAKE UP TO 6 HOURS AND THEY CAN'T GUARANTEE WHEN PARTS FOR BOTH RECALLS WILL BE READY 3. THEY REFUSE TO PROVIDE A LOANER CAR OR A DEFINITE TIME FRAME FOR THE REPAIRS AND SUGGEST I RENT A CAR FOR UP TO A WEEK. THIS WOULD REQUIRE 3 TRIPS (360 MILES PLUS GAS AND TOLLS) AND UP TO 7 DAYS RENTAL AT $35/DAY PLUS TAX, GAS AND TOLLS ($250). SEEMS TOTALLY UNREASONABLE. MEANWHILE, I HAVE A CAR WITH TWO POTENTIAL DEADLY DEFECTS. BMW APPEARS TO BE INTENTIONALLY OBSTRUCTION OWNERS FROM EFFECTING THE REPAIRS BY CREATING AN ARTIFICIAL INSPECTION REQUIREMENT WHICH REQUIRES AT LEAST ON EXTRA TRIP TO A DEALER. OUTRAGEOUS!

Air Bags
Filed Oct 23, 2015CA

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE DATED JULY 2015 AND I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG REPLACED. BUT, SAN DIEGO AREA BMW DEALERS SAY THEY DON'T HAVE ANY REPLACEMENT PARTS. WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MY SELF FROM A SHRAPNEL AIRBAG IN THE MEANTIME? HOW CAN I GET A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG AS SOON AS POSSIBLE? THANKS.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 13, 201576,926 milesFL

I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN FOR THE NATIONAL RECALL. WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR BACK, THE AIR BAG WAS ON FOR THE FIRST TIME. THIS DEALER REFUSED TO FIX IT. I BROUGHT IT TO ANOTHER LOCATION, WHICH FIELDS ALSO OWNS, AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME TO DIAGNOSE THIS AFTER THEY SCREWED IT UP. WHAT A RACKET. IT SPECIFICALLY STATES THE OWNER NOT BE CHARGED FOR THIS REPAIR.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 3, 2015CO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed May 19, 201558,000 milesFL

THERE ARE 2 OPEN RECALLS FOR AIRBAGS. BMW REFUSES TO ORDER PARTS (EVEN THOUGH THEY SENT ME A LETTER) UNLESS I BRING THE CAR TO A DEALER (130 MILES ROUND TRIP) FOR A 5 MINUTE "INSPECTION". THEY WILL THEN ORDER THE PARTS AND I WILL HAVE TO RETURN AGAIN (ANOTHER 130 MILE ROUND TRIP) TO HAVE THE WORK DONE. THEY ARE NICE ENOUGH TO OFFER A RENTAL CAR AT $35 A DAY BUT CAN'T TELL ME HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE. I BELIEVE THAT BMW IS INTENTIONALLY CREATING THIS "INSPECTION" OBSTACLE REQUIRING 2 TRIPS TO DISCOURAGE PEOPLE FROM HAVING THE WORK DONE. SHAMEFUL.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 15, 2015GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V348000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 20, 201543,000 milesAZ

I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM BMW OVER A YEAR AGO THAT I WOULD RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FOR DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS IN THIS VEHICLE AND WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN AND WHERE TO TAKE IT FOR REPLACEMENT. TO DATE I HAVE HEARD NOTHING BACK FROM BMW. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER, THEY SAID THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT SUCH A RECALL. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 13, 201588,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE TIMEFRAME OF THE RECALL REPAIR AND WANTED THE ISSUE RESOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 26, 2015CA

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM CONSTITUENT RE COPY OF A LETTER ADDRESSED TO CEO AND PRESIDENT OF BMW OF NORTH AMERICA LUDWIG WILLISCH EXPRESSING DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE LACK OF RESPONSIVENESS AND FAILURE TO COMPLETE REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE AIR BAG RECALL NOTICE IN AUGUST 2014. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *JB UPDATED 03/12/15*JB

Air Bags
Filed Jan 23, 2015FL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 2015MA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE RECALL WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 13, 2014CA

I RECEIVED A NOTICE OF RECALL FROM BMW DATED SEPTEMBER 2014 ABOUT DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS. THE NOTICE SAID THAT BMW DOES NOT HAVE PARTS TO CONDUCT THE RECALL, BUT THAT BMW WOULD NOTIFY ME WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. I EMAILED BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE ON OCTOBER 30, 2014 ASKING WHEN REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS WILL BE AVAILABLE. I RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM BMW SAYING THAT BMW DOES NOT HAVE PARTS TO CONDUCT THE RECALL. BMW SAID THAT, "AS PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE LATER THIS YEAR, WE WILL MAIL A FOLLOW-UP LETTER REQUESTING THAT AN APPOINTMENT BE MADE." I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY OTHER NOTICES FROM BMW. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE I BELIEVE MY CAR STARTED SERVICE IN HAWAII, WHICH HAS HIGH HUMIDITY, AND HAS ALSO BEEN IN DEL MAR, CA, WHICH HAS HIGH HUMIDITY BECAUSE IT IS ON THE OCEAN. I AN VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS RECALL AND I BELIEVE BMW HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REMEDY THE DEFECT WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO GET ME A REPLACEMENT AIR BAG OR REPLACEMENT VEHICLE SO I DON'T HAVE TO USE THIS DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. THANKS. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Sep 16, 2014LA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 8, 2014150,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE SENSOR TURNED ON AND OFF WHILE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 19, 2013108,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BLINKER WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 20, 201351,345 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN LIQUID LEAKING FROM THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,345. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 27, 2012110,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE SIMILAR FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 27, 201235,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL WOULD BEGIN TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 8, 2012120,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ONLY ILLUMINATE PARTIALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE CONVERTIBLE MODELS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Power Train
Filed Dec 22, 201190,400 milesNJ

MY CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR ON MY 04 BMW 330CI SMG TRANSMISSION. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 8, 2011122,000 milesVA

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INSTERSTATE AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT START. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND REQUIRED A NEW FUEL PUMP WHICH COST $1,135.13. PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM, THE GAS MILEAGE DECREASED ALTHOUGH THE CAR HAD BEEN TUNED UP BY THE SAME DEALER. THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 122,000 MILES. A REQUEST WAS MADE TO RETURN THE OLD PART. *TR

Air Bags › Side/Window1 injured
Filed Jan 22, 201140,045 milesTX

WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 BMW 330I, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIR BAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED. NO ACCIDENT, NO COLLISION, NO POT HOLE. NOTHING TO EXPLAIN THE DEPLOYMENT. THE DEALERSHIP FIRST CLAIMED, "THERE WAS A COLLISION". WHEN IT WAS DISCERNED THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A COLLISION, THEIR STORY WAS "THERE WAS A 'POT HOLE' HIT". AFTER DESCRIBING THE SMOOTH DRIVING CONDITIONS ON THE STREET THIS OCCURRED, THEIR STORY WAS " THE VEHICLE WENT 'AIR-BORNE'". ALL OF THE DEALERSHIPS CONCLUSIONS WERE SUPPOSED TO BE BASED ON "COMPUTER" EVIDENCE. ONCE I REALIZED I WAS GOING TO GET NOWHERE WITH THE DEALERSHIP, I DECIDED TO TAKE MY CAR AND GO HOME. I WAS INJURED IN THE LEFT SIDE WHEN THE DOOR PANEL BLEW OPEN AND THE BAG DEPLOYED. MY EVIDENCE, WAS MY "IN-VEHICLE" "CONCIERGE" (WHICH I HAD NO LONGER SUBSCRIBED TO) CAME ON VIA MY RADIO TO NOTE THAT THEY " HAVE NOTED A DEPLOYMENT OF AN AIRBAG" AND INQUIRED WHETHER I WAS ALRIGHT, AND WHAT WERE MY NEEDS: I.E., AN AMBULANCE, TOW TRUCK ETC. *TR

Air Bags › Side/Window
Filed Jul 17, 201040,045 milesTX

SPONTANEOUS DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG. NO POT HOLE; NO COLLISION. SPONTANEOUS DEPLOYMENT. ONSTAR (OR BMW EQUIVALENT) ACKNOWLEDGED DEPLOYMENT. ASKED IF I NEEDED AN AMBULANCE OR TOW TRUCK. I FELT LIKE I WAS "SHOT" THROUGH THE DRIVER'S DOOR. VEHICLE BECAME "DISABLED". IT STARTED RIGHT UP AND I CONTINUED TO MY DESTINATION. WHEN BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO BMW WITH MY STORY, THEY TOLD ME I MUST HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT (NO OBVIOUS DAMAGE); THEN THEY SAID, I MUST HAVE HIT A "POT HOLE" (SMOOTH STREET OF OCCURRENCE); THEN THEY SAID MY CAR MUST HAVE GONE "AIRBORNE" ???? MY CONCERN IS THE OTHER AIRBAGS: CONCERN FOR SPONTANEOUS DEPLOYMENT. I AM GLAD IT WAS ME (MALE) DRIVING. IF MY WIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING, I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. NO OTHER DAMAGE OR INCIDENT AT THAT TIME. NO PROBLEMS SINCE, BUT I WILL NOT BRING MY CAR TO THIS DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AT ALL: MY OPTIONS ARE LIMITED. I NOW GO TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP FOR SERVICE. I DID NOT REPORT TO BMW, BECAUSE MY WARRANTY EXPIRED 4 DAYS PRIOR: DIDN'T THINK I WOULD GET ANY SYMPATHY. DRIVER SIDE (DOOR) AIRBAG: SPONTANEOUS DEPLOYMENT. NO PROVOCATION FOR THIS. SPONTANEOUS AND SCARY. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 23, 201042,000 milesAL

THE VEHICLE IS A 330CIC WHICH A PURCHASED IN 2007, THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & OXYGEN SENSORS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 28, 201091,261 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 BMW 330CI WHEN SUDDENLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING MY ENGINE STOPPED WORKING, WHICH RESULTED IN NO ENGINE POWER, NO POWER BRAKES AND NO POWER STEERING. IT WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST BMW DEALER WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED.*CW

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jan 25, 201091,261 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOOSING POWER AND THE FUEL GAUGE READ EMPTY; ALTHOUGH THERE WAS FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE FOR $967.30. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,261.

Visibility
Filed Nov 17, 2009CA

A LIQUID FORMS IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WHICH HINDERS THE ABILITY TO SEE WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE. THEN SOME OF THE LIQUID DRAINS FROM THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND ALL OVER THE CENTER CONSOLE' RUINING THE LEATHER. BMW REFUSES TO REPLACE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Mar 9, 200945,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATORS REMAIN ILLUMINATED FOR BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 77, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2001
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200634200Do not drive
200533310Do not drive
2004 — this page77310Do not drive
200318400Do not drive
200246440Do not drive
200182630Do not drive
20001300Do not drive

Compare every 330Ci year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 15, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.