2001 BMW 330i

Do not drive

Owners filed 116 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 8 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
91,453 milesMedian miles at failure

63 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000200,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags19
103
Power Train › Automatic Transmission15
000
Air Bags › Side/Window13
001
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls8
000
Power Train5
000
Exterior Lighting5
010
Electrical System5
000
Unknown or Other4
010
Structure › Body4
000
Fuel/Propulsion System4
000

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module21V401000
Filed May 27, 20214,511 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk. The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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 Module19V853000
Filed Nov 26, 201974,185 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy. BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air Bags14V428000Do not drive
Filed Jun 11, 2018574,007 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan02V138000
Filed May 16, 20021,550 vehiclesBayerische Motoren Werke

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan01V206000
Filed Jun 21, 200176,469 vehiclesBayerische Motoren Werke

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Wheels › Rim00V383000
Filed Nov 20, 20001,914 vehiclesBayerische Motoren Werke

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE INNER RIM FLANGE OF THE WHEELS.

Risk. THIS COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE AFFECTING HANDLING AND VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FIVE WHEELS FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE. IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND ON ANY WHEEL, ALL FIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jan 28, 2026MD

-My infrastructure system management has been affected overtime—which covers electronic control units (ECUs), software, and network architecture—are driven by the need to manage increasing system complexity, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and electronic malfunctions. -My De-icing fluid management system-Has been affected by potential engine damage, reduced structural integrity, and risk of in-flight failure due to overheating. -My vehicle has been affected sense March 3, 2025 - Major Terminal Outage: A massive power outage, traced to a fire and downed power line near the airport, I [XXX] [XXX] believe my Power failures and component-level are faulty… -My vehicles brake lines are not meeting specifications, which could cause leaks & affect the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), increasing the risk of a crash god forbid… I [XXX] [XXX] believe my brake system is faulty. -My Takata driver-side airbag inflators has been affected that can explode upon deployment, spraying metal shrapnel and causing severe injury or death, (Models affected)~2000-2015 series with urgent "Do Not Drive" warnings requiring free, immediate dealer replacement required by (NHSTA)… I [XXX] [XXX] believe my Takata system is faulty. -My water pump system is electrical connector, authorized by NHTSA. Insufficient sealing allows fluid ingress, posing a short circuit and fire risk to prevent hazards… in conclusion, there has been several major BMW safety recall been mandated by the

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 5, 2025188,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while attempting to drive into the driveway, the contact attempted to depress the brake pedal however, the accelerator was inadvertently depressed. The engine revved up while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact shifted into park to stop the vehicle and then engaged the parking brake after stopping the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 18, 2022CA

The bracket welds on the front of the right side fuel tank support strap pulled out while on the highway, leaving the fuel tank supported by only one strap. The bracket pulled right out of the sheet metal, leaving two holes where it was previously spot welded to. The support strap itself was hanging off its rear mount, dragging behind the car and potentially sparking. This was extremely dangerous, as the tank had just been filled, and if the tank had began to leak, the support strap may have sparked a fire. There was no symptom or warning sign of the impending failure. There are many reports of this issue from other BMW E46 owners. Fuel tanks should not separate from the car under normal driving conditions. The car has been in southern California its entire life, and there is zero evidence of rust or poor maintenance. Records of the car's maintenance history have been meticulously maintained. This is DANGEROUS and has been reported many times. Please make BMW own up to this poor design and potentially save someone's life.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 16, 2022IN

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330I. The contact stated that an indicator light had appeared on the instrument panel indicating that the rear taillights were inoperable. Upon investigation, the contact discovered a service bulletin (SIB630611) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was then notified of the service bulletin and the dealer informed him that his vehicle was not manufactured during the eligible period for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and gave the contact the same information as the dealer; he was then referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Air Bags2 injured
Filed Nov 29, 2021CA

Hi, my name is [XXX] and the owner of the 2001 BMW mentioned with the VIN number above. My airbag deployed for no reason as I was driving with my mother in the car on Tuesday the 26th of November around 5:30 p.m.. , the airbag deployed for no reason at all I was doing the speed limit, driving with the flow of traffic on Paramount Boulevard in the city of Paramount or borderline Downey I'm not sure in California. There was no accidents all the car did not hit any other cars or anything while this incident occurred. I me and my mom really lucky to be alive. Although the injuries from the incident was in catastrophe however we do have a lot of small injuries and side effects that seems to be developing more as time goes by. The seriousness of this incident is at a very high level as it could have caused it for both of us or one of us. I was in shock Mordor though I just dropped the car when it exploded I'm referring to the airbag I was driving and suddenly I feel something should pass my left side touching my ear and my shoulder and exploited almost in my face on my left side. I thought a bomb exploded or someone tried to shoot at my car I did not know what happened until I got my thoughts together and I just asked your mom if she was okay glasses had fell off and she was in a very bad shock more my mother is 74 years old and he did not have to go through this traumatic experience. It was very traumatic for both of us and it took a while for us both to realize and figure out wha

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 4, 2020150,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH HER VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. CONTACT'S REAR LEFT TIRE BROKE OFF FROM HER CAR. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL OF HER VEHICLE AND VEERED TO LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SPUN OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. UPON A VIN SEARCH, THERE WERE TWO RECALLS NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 17V047000 AND 20V018000(AIR BAGS) ON HER VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT; THE OTHER DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAIN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED [XXX]. AXLE WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. *LN ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).')*JB

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Dec 12, 2018140,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE DRIVERS SIDE DOORS WOULD OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE USING THE KEY FOB. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. *TT*JB CONSUMER STATED FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE.*JB

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 13, 2018129,000 milesNY

THE STAINLESS STEEL STRAP THAT SUPPORTS THE FUEL TANK CAME OFF OF MY VEHICLE YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE STRAP IS SPOT WELDED AT 4 POINTS ON THE FRONT. THE SPOT WELDS FAILED, LEAVING THE STRAP DRAGGING BEHIND MY CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK ITSELF IS SAGGING ABOUT 4" FROM THE SURFACE OF THE ROAD. THE SPOT WELDS DO NOT SUFFICIENTLY SUPPORT THIS STRAP - THIS SEEMS TO BE AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. MORE ROBUST MOUNTING POINTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED DURING DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Dec 4, 2017MS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT BURST INTO FLAMES. A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 20, 2017152,000 milesAZ

VEHICLE WINDOW REGULATORS HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR PASSENGER AND DRIVERS WINDOWS (REGULATORS WERE CHEAP). DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK FAILED. PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS FAILING. PASSENGER HEADLIGHT FELL OUT. REAR BRAKE LIGHTS NEED CONSTANT REPAIR. IF ONE COMPLETELY FILLS UP THE GAS TANK, GAS FUMES WILL BE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. AIR CONDITIONING FAN NEEDED REPLACEMENT. WATER PUMP FAILED. INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED REPLACEMENT.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 4, 2017MT

TAKATA RECALL I CALLED 1 877 432 7841. AFTER EXPLAINING THAT I LIVED HUNDREDS OF MILES FROM THE NEAREST BMW DEALER, I WAS TOLD BY THE PHONE REP THAT MY CASE WOULD BE ACCELERATED AND THAT I WOULD BE HEARING BACK BY PHONE. I WAITED DAYS, BUT NO ONE EVER CALLED ME. I THEN CALLED 1-800-831-1117. I GOT BOUNCED AROUND AND WAS FINALLY CONNECTED WITH A BMW DEALER IN IDAHO FALLS, ALMOST 500 MILES FROM MY HOME IN ROSEBUD, MONTANA. THE PERSON WHO SPOKE TO ME WAS VERY YOUNG, HAD A POOR ATTITUDE, AND WANTED TO ORDER ME AROUND. SHE IGNORED ALL MY PLEAS. I AM 65 YEARS OLD AND DRIVE HUNDREDS OF MILES PER WEEK FOR MY USDA JOB. I THUS DO NOT HAVE THE PHYSICAL STAMINA OR TIME TO DRIVE TO IDAHO FALLS. NEVERTHELESS SHE TOLD ME I HAD TO DRIVE TO IDAHO FALLS FOR A SATURDAY APPOINTMENT. SHE INFORMED ME THAT ANY EXPENSES I INCURRED (GASOLINE, LODGING, ETC.) HAD TO COME OUT OF MY OWN POCKET AND THAT I WOULD NOT BE REIMBURSED. I BEGGED HER TO HAVE THE AIRBAGS SENT TO A MECHANIC OR BODY SHOP NEAR ME IN MONTANA. SHE REFUSED. I ENDED THE CONVERSATION AND SENT AN SOS EMAIL TO THE DOT. THE DOT HAS NEVER ANSWERED MY EMAIL.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 4, 2017MT

TAKATA RECALL THIS IS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE COMPLAINT I SUBMITTED EARLIER TODAY, # 11021353. I BOUGHT MY BMW FROM THE SHARPEST RIDES CAR DEALERSHIP OF ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO. THE DATE OF SALE WAS APRIL 10, 2015. BUT IT WAS NOT UNTIL I READ THE FLYERS THE NHTSA SENT TO MY POST OFFICE BOX IN 2017 THAT I KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT ANY TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. THE NHTSA WEBSITE CLEARLY SHOWS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN TWO MANUFACTURER RECALLS ON MY BMW. THE FIRST RECALL WAS JULY 15, 2014, WELL BEFORE I BOUGHT MY BMW FROM THE SHARPEST RIDES ON APRIL 10, 2015. WHILE NEGOTITATING THE PURCHASE OF MY BMW, I HAD NUMEROUS TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS, AND EXCHANGED MYRIAD EMAILS, WITH SHARPEST RIDES PERSONNEL. NO ONE AT THE SHARPEST RIDES EVER WARNED ME OF A DANGEROUS AIRBAG. NO ONE AT THE SHARPEST RIDES EVER WARNED ME OF AN UNSAFE, HAZARDOUS CONDITION IN MY CAR.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 28, 2017CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 17V047000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE, BUT INDICATED THAT IT COULD BE FOUR MONTHS OR LONGER. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Exterior LightingFire
Filed Apr 13, 2017208,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH THE LIGHT BULB AND OBSERVED A BURN HOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT THROUGH NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 208,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 24, 2017VA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS), 13V172000 (AIR BAGS), AND 14V028000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUES. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE AND PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 3, 201695,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STATIONARY, ALL OF THE DOORS LOCKED FROM THE INSIDE AND THE CONTACT AND HIS FAMILY COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT AND HIS FAMILY REQUIRED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 28, 2016OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES RANDOMLY LOST TIRE PRESSURE AND THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE ASSOCIATED WITH THE RIMS AND TIRES. THE CONTACT HAD A REPAIR SHOP REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES THREE TIMES. WHEN THE AIR PRESSURE WAS LOW, THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED TO INDICATE A FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE FAN FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING HOT TO THE POINT THAT IT COULD OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 02V138000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), 01V206000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND 00V383000 (WHEELS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO DETERMINE IF THEY MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A REPAIR SOLUTION TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed May 25, 2016CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V613000 (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 VIN WAS INVALID. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 14, 201660,000 milesFL

MY HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY DIM DUE TO A A PLASTIC REFLECTOR IN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING MANUFACTURED BY ZKW THAT BURNS OUT PREMATURELY. THIS CAUSES A VERY SERIOUS ROAD HAZARD AS VISIBILITY IS GREATLY DIMINISHED. I HAVE NEARLY STRUCK SEVER PEDESTRIANS, OTHER VEHICLES AND DARK OBJECTS AT NIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY SUCH AS LARGE TIRE DEBRIS.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 6, 2015GA

THE THREE PASSENGER DOORS ON MY 4 DOOR CAR WILL NOT UNLOCK USING EITHER THE KEY FOB OR THE CENTER CONSOLE DOOR LOCK BUTTON. I ONLY HAVE A MANUAL DOOR LOCK KEY HOLE ON MY DRIVER DOOR. SO THE ONLY DOOR THAT WILL UNLOCK AND OPEN IS THE DRIVER DOOR. THIS IS BECAUSE OF A FAULTY GM5 MODULE. ITS A VERY REGULAR THING ON BMWS AND I CANT BELIEVE IT HASNT BEEN RECALLED ALREADY. IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY, AN ACCIDENT OR CAR GOES INTO A BODY OF WATER, THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE WILL BE STUCK AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT. EMERGENCY SERVICES WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE DOORS OPEN IF NEED BE WITHOUT USING THE JAWS OF LIFE TO CUT THEM OFF WHEN THEY SHOULD SIMPLY BE ABLE TO PULL THE DOOR HANDLES. THE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK AT ALL. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING. READING ONLINE, THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE WITH BMWS AND THE DEALERSHIP CHARGES $750+ TO FIX IT. LUCKILY, THERE IS SOMEONE ONLINE THAT WILL REPAIR THE MODULES FOR A FRACTION OF THAT BUT WITH THIS BEING AN ON GOING ISSUE WITH MOST MODEL BMWS, THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT IT. I AM SENDING MINE OFF TO GET REPAIRED BECAUSE I WANT MY DOOR LOCKS OPERATING PROPERLY JUST IN CASE THERE IS AN EMERGENCY. CAN WE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS THOUGH?

20 of 116 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261000Routine
20254110Routine
20245200Routine
20234200Routine
20226300Routine
202129730Routine
2020521120Routine
201941950Routine
201832130Routine
201741000Routine
20110300Routine
20100300Routine
20090300Routine
20080300Routine
20070300Routine
20062197100Do not drive
200528520Do not drive
2004113540Do not drive
200377742Do not drive
200245710Do not drive
2001 — this page116830Do not drive
20000300Do not drive
19990200Routine

Compare every 330i 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: May 27, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.