NHTSA attached 4 advisories to recalls on this vehicle. Advisories apply to specific production runs — check your VIN with the manufacturer or at nhtsa.gov/recalls before driving it.
When it fails
08300083,000 milesMedian miles at failure
58 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.
Most common 2003 BMW 330i problems
25 of the 77 complaints (32%) are about the headlights.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Exterior Lighting · headlights
23
0
3
0
Air Bags · airbags
23
3
1
6
Electrical System
5
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine
4
0
0
0
Tires
3
0
0
0
Electrical System › Ignition
3
0
0
0
Wheels › Rim
2
0
0
0
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches
2
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine
2
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
1
0
0
0
7 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.
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].
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.
Filed May 2, 201343,204 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the 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, the inflator could rupture with 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 intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Filed Aug 26, 2011241,000 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND/OR TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING.
Risk. INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls03V160000
Filed Apr 29, 200313,100 vehiclesBayerische Motoren Werke
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE MIGHT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.
Risk. OCCUPANTS COULD BE PINCHED BY A WINDOW THAT IS BEING CLOSED.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 27, 2003. 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.
All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air BagsCrashFire5 injured2 killed
Filed Jun 7, 202075,000 milesLA
THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY HOUSE AND THE TRANSMISION STARTED SLIPPING AS WELL AS IT CATCHING AND BREAKING ONE OF THE AXLES LEAVING THE CAR TO BE STUCK NOT BEING ABLE TO MOVE PERIOD SURELY THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THIS RESULTED IN THE CAR GETTING HIT AND THE FUEL TANK EXPLODING MY AUNT WANT NOT ABLE TO MAKE IT OUT OF THE CAR TO GET OUT OF THE WAY AND AGAIN THIS CAR DIDN'T ALLOW THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY THE LOCATION IS UNKOWN
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 3, 2018130,000 milesMO
ALL PASSENGER DOORS EXCEPT DRIVER DOOR CANNOT BE UNLOCKED OR OPENED USING ANY METHOD--THE KEY OR ANY UNLOCK BUTTON, OR USING EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THIS LEAVES ONLY THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR OPENABLE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY RISK. I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR THIS WAY--I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET MY KIDS OUT OF THE BACK SEAT. IT HAPPENS WHETHER THE CAR IS RUNNING OR NOT, AND MOVING OR NOT.
Tires
Filed Oct 30, 2017180,000 milesGA
MY 4TH GT RADIAL TIRE SIDE WALL BLOW OUT. ON 10/29/2017, MY 4TH TIRE BLEW OUT THE SIDE WALL ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 70 MPH. I HAVE SAVED THE THIS TIRE AND THE 3RD ONE THAT BLEW OUT A FEW MONTHS BACK FOR INVESTIGATION. I ALSO HAVE PICTURES.
Tires
Filed Sep 18, 2017GA
I PURCHASED A SET OF 4 GT RADIAL TIRES FROM DISCOUNT TIRE DIRECT AND 3 OF THE 4 TIRES HAVE NOW BLOWN THE SIDEWALLS DUE TO AIR LEAK AT THE SIDEWALL. TIRE #1- RIGHT FRONT BLEW OUT ON 9/28/2016. TIRE #2- LEFT REAR- BLEW OUT ON 7/28/2017, TIRE #3- LEFT REAR ( MOVED THE TIRE FROM LEFT FRONT TO REAR) BLEW OUT ON 8/19/2017. WHEN I CALLED GT RADIAL TIRE TO FILE A COMPLAINT (SEPT 7, 2017 4:12PM EST), I ONLY GOT TO LEAVE A VOICE MAIL TO THEIR CONSUMER SERVICE PERSON. I NEVER GOT A CALL BACK. AFTER THE 3RD TIRE BLEW OUT, I QUESTIONED THE SAFETY OF THE TIRE AND THAT'S WHEN I LOOKED UP TIRE RECALL BY GT RADIAL AND FOUND THEIR TOURING TIRES OF THE SAME MODEL AS MINE HAD THE SAME DEFECT AND WAS RECALLED. I BELIEVE MY TIRES ARE ALSO DEFECTIVE. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE TIRE INFORMATION FROM THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. I AM SAVING THE TIRE AND ALSO HAVE PICTURES. DOT CODE- 9UPE-00A-2114, E4 0257209-S, GT RADIAL- CHAMPIRO UHP1, SIZE= 255-35-18 94W XL
Tires
Filed Sep 18, 2017GA
I PURCHASED A SET OF 4 GT RADIAL TIRES FROM DISCOUNT TIRE DIRECT AND 3 OF THE 4 TIRES HAVE NOW BLOWN THE SIDEWALLS DUE TO AIR LEAK AT THE SIDEWALL. TIRE #1- RIGHT FRONT BLEW OUT ON 9/28/2016. TIRE #2- LEFT REAR- BLEW OUT ON 7/28/2017, TIRE #3- LEFT REAR ( MOVED THE TIRE FROM LEFT FRONT TO REAR) BLEW OUT ON 8/19/2017. WHEN I CALLED GT RADIAL TIRE TO FILE A COMPLAINT (SEPT 7, 2017 4:12PM EST), I ONLY GOT TO LEAVE A VOICE MAIL TO THEIR CONSUMER SERVICE PERSON. I NEVER GOT A CALL BACK. AFTER THE 3RD TIRE BLEW OUT, I QUESTIONED THE SAFETY OF THE TIRE AND THAT'S WHEN I LOOKED UP TIRE RECALL BY GT RADIAL AND FOUND THEIR TOURING TIRES OF THE SAME MODEL AS MINE HAD THE SAME DEFECT AND WAS RECALLED. I BELIEVE MY TIRES ARE ALSO DEFECTIVE. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE TIRE INFORMATION FROM THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. I AM SAVING THE TIRE AND ALSO HAVE PICTURES. DOT CODE- 9UPE-00A-2114, E4 0257209-S, GT RADIAL- CHAMPIRO UHP1, SIZE= 255-35-18 94W XL
Air Bags
Filed Sep 12, 2017183,000 milesNJ
HI I HAVE TWO BMW'S THAT QUALIFY FOR THIS RECALL. I LEARNED ABOUT IT 6 WEEKS AGO. MY FIANC AND I HAVNT BEEN ABLE TO USE OUR VEHICLES IN ALMOST 2 MONTHS! I EVEN CALLED AND WENT TO THE BMW OF AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD ORDER THE AIR BAG FOR THE ONE AND OUR SECOND CAR THEY WOULD WRITE THE ORDER UP WHEN I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP . NEEDLESS TO SAY I EVEN BROUGHT OVER A DEALERSHIP MEMO FROM BMW BECAUSE I WORK IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY AND HAVE ACESSS TO IDENTIFIX.COM, I SHOWED THEM THE NOTICE WHERE THEY HAVE TO GIVE CUSTOMERS LOANER VEHICLES OR PAY UP TO $68 A DAY FOR A RENTAL CAR. THEY KEEP IGNORING MY CALLS.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 19, 2017150,000 milesLA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), 14V428000 (AIR BAGS), AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE MALFUNCTIONED BY BLINKING INTERMITTENTLY WHILE IN USE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE HIXSON BMW AND WALKER BMW DEALERS WHO BOTH STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air BagsCrash
Filed May 10, 201767,000 milesFL
TAKATA RECALL I WAS INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON 05/05/2017. I WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE WHILE I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. I WAS HIT SO HARD THAT I WAS DRIVEN INTO AN AUTOMOBILE THAT WAS WAITING AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TO MAKE A TURN. BOTH SIDES OF MY AUTOMOBILE WERE DAMAGED. THE WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS BROKEN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAD TAKEN THE AUTOMOBILE TO THE DEALER WHEN I RECEIVED THE AIR BAG RECALL APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 6, 2017208,000 milesCA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 208,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 28, 2016CA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. 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 NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 23, 2016NJ
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. 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. UPDATED 11/29/16*LJ
Air Bags
Filed Sep 6, 2016FL
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) 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 Sep 6, 2016PA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. 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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 1, 2016FL
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. 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 MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 26, 2016GA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. 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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 21, 2016LA
TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH BMW NORTH AMERICA & MY LOCAL DEALER FOR WELL OVER 1 YEAR ON MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG RECALL (AFTER A MULTI YEAR DELAY TO GET THE PASSENGER SIDE REPLACED), BUT STILL DO NOT HAVE ANY IDEA OF WHEN THEY WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. MOST RECENTLY, BMW [XXX] TOLD ME "REMEDY IS AVAILABLE" IN WRITING. I HAVE CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER & LEFT MESSAGES 3 TIMES, BUT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WILL NOT CALL ME BACK. THE SECRETARY FOR THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME WHILE LEAVING A MESSAGE I NEEDED TO COME TO THE DEALER TO ORDER THE RECALLED PART. I ASKED HOW THIS COULD BE CORRECT. I REALLY NEED TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP TO ORDER A PART FOR A RECALLED ITEM? BMW [XXX] NOW WILL NOT RETURN MY EMAILS. I HAVE ASKED MULTIPLE TIMES TO SIMPLY DISCONNECT THE POTENTIALLY DEADLY AIRBAG UNTIL A REPLACEMENT IS AVAILABLE, BUT THEY WILL NOT. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY BOTH THE PARENT COMPANY & THE DEALER REFUSE TO RETURN MY CALLS & EMAILS, AND SIMPLY PROVIDE ME WITH INFORMATION ON WHEN MY CAR WILL BE FIXED. FURTHER, WHY WOULD THEY SAY A FIX/REMEDY IS AVAILABLE & THEN STOP COMMUNICATION AND NOT FOLLOW THROUGH, MAKING THE REQUIRED REPAIR. PLEASE HELP ME IN GETTING THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY AIRBAG REPLACED. PLEASE FINE BMW FOR OPERATING IN SUCH A HORRIBLE MANNER. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air Bags
Filed Apr 6, 2016AL
TAKATA RECALL MY FAMILY DRIVES A 2003 BMW 330I. WE RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE AIRBAG RECALL OVER 6 MONTHS AGO, BUT THE DEALER STILL DOES NOT HAVE PARTS NEEDED FOR REPAIR. THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN INCIDENT, BUT I FEEL LIKE WE ARE DRIVING A TICKING BOMB. WHEN WILL BMW BE FORCED TO MAKE THESE REPAIRS?
Air Bags
Filed Feb 18, 2016NC
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE JUNE 2105, DEALER SAYS THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED PARTS. CAR WAS ORIGINALLY A CALIFORNIA CAR, IN NORTH CAROLINA SINCE 2015. WHEN WILL PARTS BE AVAILABLE?
Air Bags
Filed Feb 9, 2016CT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICES FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) WERE RECEIVED IN 2014. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 04/07/16*LJ UPDATED 04/12/16.*JB
Air Bags
Filed Jan 20, 2016LA
TAKATA RECALL - IT'S BEEN OVER 6 MONTHS SINCE THE TAKATA RECALL WAS EXPANDED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE ON MY CAR & THERE'S STILL NO ESTIMATE OF WHEN THE REPLACEMENT PART WILL BE AVAILABLE. I BELIEVE IT'S OVER A YEAR & A HALF SINCE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG RECALL BEGAN. THE COMPANY REFUSES TO SIMPLY DISCONNECT THE POTENTIALLY DEADLY AIRBAG. NOTE, AUTOS HAVE NOT HAD AIRBAGS MUCH LONGER THAN THEY HAVE HAD THEM - AND MINE IS POTENTIALLY DEADLY. I HAVE ASKED FOR A "LOANER CAR" BUT HAVE NOT YET HEARD THEIR RESPONSE. TO ME, NO ACTION WITHOUT A TIMELINE TO FIX THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM IS RIDICULOUS AND COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 13, 2015100,000 milesNY
THE LOW BEAM REFLECTORS ON 2003-2004 ZKW HID HEADLIGHTS WERE MADE OF SOME MATERIAL THAT DEGRADED WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE HEAT PRODUCED BY OEM XENON BULBS. THIS RESULTS IN A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN LIGHT OUTPUT AS THE REFLECTOR BECAME SCORCHED. I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT INS AND OUTS, BUT I WOULD IMAGINE THAT BMW AND ZKW WERE AND ARE AWARE OF THE DEFECT AS THE NEWER, REDESIGNED HEADLIGHTS DO NOT SUFFER FROM THIS PROBLEM.
Exterior LightingFire
Filed Oct 9, 2015150,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 23, 2015150,000 milesAL
VEHICLE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT PROPERLY FUNCTION; I.E WILL NOT UNLOCK BY KEY FOB. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS BEFORE AND UPON RESEARCHING THE INCIDENT, I DETERMINED THIS IS A COMMON FAULT BY THE MANUFACTURER. DOOR WILL ALSO REMAIN LOCKED WHILE PUSHING THE DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON LOCATED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. DOORS WILL ALSO REMAIN LOCKED WHEN ENGAGING THE DOOR HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE (ENGAGING DOOR HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE IS SUPPOSED TO UNLOCK THAT DOOR). THIS TYPE OF FAULT RAISES MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 17, 2015136,000 milesMS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 3301. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART 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 FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 22, 2014123,000 milesCA
BMW ISSUED RECALL 13V-172000 IN MAY 2013 AND EXPANDED TO RECALL 14V-428000 IN SEPTEMBER 2014 TO INCLUDE MY VEHICLE. IN THEIR LETTER TO NHTSA WITH REGARDS TO RECALL 14V-428000 THEY NOTED THEY SHOULD HAVE ENOUGH PARTS TO PERFORM THE RECALL IN OCTOBER 2014. AN UPDATE TO THE RECALL NOTICE ON THE NHTSA SITE STATES "A SECOND NOTICE WAS MAILED WHEN AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE, ON DECEMBER 1, 2014", HOWEVER I HAVE NOT RECEIVED SUCH NOTICE AND WHEN I CONTACTED BMW THEY STATED ON 12/15/14 "DUE TO A HIGH DEMAND FOR PARTS, WE ARE EXPERIENCING SHIPMENT DELAYS BUT DO ANTICIPATE RECEIVING AN INCREASE IN INVENTORY SUPPLY OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS". THEY WILL NOT PROVIDE A DATE WHEN THEY ESTIMATE THE REPAIR WILL BE DONE. THE RECALL NOTES THAT IN A COLLISION, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE AND METAL FRAGMENTS COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE A PASSENGER. BASED ON THE LACK OF ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATION FROM BMW, AND THEIR RECENT STATEMENT THAT THE REPAIR COULD TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS, I AM FILING A COMPLAINT ON THEIR LACK OF URGENCY TO RESOLVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN KNOWN AT LEAST SINCE JULY 16, 2014, AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN KNOWN ON MAY 2013 WHEN THE ORIGINAL RECALL 13V-172000 AFFECTING A LOWER NUMBER OF VEHICLES WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED. *TR
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 10, 2014135,000 milesCT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT PANICKED AND CRASHED SIDEWAYS INTO A CONCRETE MEDIAN. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING UP TO STANDARDS AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 28, 2014135,000 milesTX
I FILED A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT ON THIS WEB SITE, BUT IT HAS SINCE BEEN REMOVED. THE ODI# I WAS PROVIDED WAS 1011031. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO WHY THE COMPLAINT WAS REMOVED. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 25, 2014114,000 milesWI
THIS CAR SUFFERS FROM THE KNOWN BURNT XENON LOW BEAM BOWLS, ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANYTHING AT NIGHT AND IS NOT SAFE. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY BMW IMMEDIATELY, HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED PROPERLY AND NEW BULBS WERE PUT IN AND DOES NOT CURE THE PROBLEM. ITS VERY COMMON FOR THESE XENON HEADLIGHTS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM IN ALOT OF 2003+ BMW 3 SERIES. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 18, 201483,482 milesUT
BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY ZKW HAVE A SERIOUS DESIGN DEFECT. AFTER ONLY 80,000 MILES, THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY INEFFECTIVE AT NIGHT TIME. UPON INSPECTION, THE REFLECTIVE BOWL IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS BURNT, BLACKENED AND MELTED. NOT ONLY IS THIS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR DRIVING AT NIGHT, BUT IT COULD POTENTIALLY BE A FIRE HAZARD. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH, THIS APPEARS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM, EVIDENCED BY MANY COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS BMW MESSAGE FORUMS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS BEFORE IT LEADS TO FIRE OR ACCIDENT. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 24, 201496,000 milesCT
XENON HEADLIGHTS. DIM TO DARK AT BEST. WORK WHEN THEY WANT. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Jul 16, 2014154,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED DUE TO DRIVING OVER A POT HOLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 23, 201483,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES SEIZED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN THEN THE EML WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Jun 2, 20149,692 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS AN IGNITION CIRCUIT AIR BAG INDICATOR FAULT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,692 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,692.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 14, 201390,000 milesTX
I'M CONTACTING YOU TO EXPRESS MY FRUSTRATION WITH THE QUALITY OF THE BMW XENON HEADLIGHT. THE XENON LOW BEAMS STARTED TO DIM AND ARE NOW USELESS. THROUGH GOOGLE I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM SINCE THE PLASTIC REFLECTOR/PROJECTOR BOWLS JUST BURN OUT. THE LIGHT OUTPUT IS NOW TOO LOW TO BE SAFE AT NIGHT. HTTP://WWW.ZHPMAFIA.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?3625-ZKW-REFLECTOR-RECALL-OPEN-NTHSA-INVESTIGATION&S=B19D0DF67F3AFE70AC7AD8205496E414. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 1, 2013MA
THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE CAR SEEMS TO BE VERY DIM. THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT THAT COMES OUT OF THE HEADLIGHTS LOOKS SLIGHTLY BROWN AND PRETTY DARK AS COMPARED TO MANY OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD. I BELIEVE THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE DESIGNED WITH PLASTIC AND WHICH CASE THE BULB WOULD CAUSE THINGS TO BURN OVER TIME. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Feb 18, 201365,000 milesWA
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED PRIOR TO THE DATE AND MILEAGE NOTED ABOVE AS THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD TO ALSO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM. I REPORT THE DATES AS WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR WHEN IT CAME INTO MY OWNERSHIP ONLY. DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK FAILED TO ELECTRONICALLY AND MECHANICALLY UNLOCKED FROM THE INSIDE. THE DOOR CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH A KEY. THIS POSES A POTENTIALLY GRAVE SAFETY CONCERN AS NO ONE CAN OPEN THE DOOR FROM INSIDE - ESSENTIALLY PASSENGERS MAY BECOME LOCKED-IN. CULPRIT APPEARS TO BE BMW E46 GM V MODULE FACTORY CODING WHERE GLITCH PREVENTS DOOR LOCKS FROM BEHAVING APPROPRIATELY. AFTERMARKET REPROGRAMMING FIXES THE ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE FOR BMW E46 VEHICLES - INTERNET SEARCH "BMW GM V CONTROL MODULE" FOR DETAILS AND TESTIMONIALS. BMW SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND FIX THE ISSUE. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Oct 12, 2012120,000 milesNC
ABOUT 2 OR SO YEARS AGO I STARTED TO NOTICE MY NIGHT DRIVING WAS BECOMING UNPLEASANT AND UNSAFE DUE TO THE FACT THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WERE LOSING OUTPUT. AFTER REPLACING THE PLASTIC LENSES NEW FROM BMW I THEN WENT ON TO BUYING NEW BULBS THINKING THAT WOULD MAKE A DIFF. IT DIDN'T. 10-12-12 TODAY MY LIGHTS ARE YELLOW/FOGGY ON THE INSIDE LIKE SMOKE HAS MADE THE LENSES OPAQUE AND MY OUTPUT IS BARELY SEEN, I LOOKED ON THE BACK WHERE THE BULB IS INSERTED AND IT SURE LOOKS BROWN IN THERE, I GET MORE LIGHT REFLECTED ON THE GROUND WHEN I TURN MY TURN SIGNALS THAN I DO ON THE HEADLIGHTS. AFTER GOING ONLINE AND SEARCHING, MY CAR CAME FROM FACTORY WITH A DEFECT ZKW XENON HEADLIGHT SYSTEM, WHICH 99% OF THE ZKW HEADLIGHT OWNERS OF E46 SEDANS FOUND ONLINE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS GOOGLE "E46 ZKW BURNT BOWLS" . I HAVE A 4 MONTH OLD LITTLE GIRL, I CANNOT IMAGINE DRIVING WITH HER IN THE CAR ON A RAINY NIGHT AND MY CONCERN IS NOW MY BABY. I CAN SEND YOU PICTURES IF NEEDED PLEASE, THANK YOU FOR READING AND I APPRECIATE YOUR HELP. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 21, 201246,000 milesTX
CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL, FACTORY-INSTALLED, BI-XENON HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES MADE BY ZKW. THE PROJECTOR BOWLS INSIDE, WHICH GREATLY MAGNIFY THE LIGHT OUTPUT OF THE BULB, ARE MADE OF A PLASTIC THAT CANNOT HANDLE THE HEAT OF THE XENON BULB. AS A RESULT, THE REFLECTIVE SURFACE BURNS AND TURNS BROWN. IN DOING SO, THE LIGHT OUTPUT IS GREATLY REDUCED TO A DANGEROUS LEVEL. THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS BOTH HIGH AND LOW BEAM OPERATION. SITUATION GETS PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. THE PLASTIC BOWLS ARE NOT SOLD SEPARATELY, THEREFORE THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO PURCHASE NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, AT AN APPROXIMATE COST OF $1,900 FOR THE PAIR. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Aug 7, 201240,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330-I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE AIR BAGS SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER UPON EACH RECURRENCE BUT THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE AT EVERY VISIT TO THE DEALER, SHE WAS TOLD A DIFFERENT COMPONENT WAS CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF EACH COMPONENT THAT SHE WAS ADVISED TO HAVE REPAIRED. THE DEALER LATER DENIED ANY FURTHER SERVICE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 11, 2012114,000 milesTN
CENTRAL LOCKING MECHANISM IS GOING CRAZY. IF I WERE IN A CRASH, THE CAR IS SUPPOSED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS, TURN ON THE FLASHERS, ETC. THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN WITH THE CENTRAL LOCKING MECHANISM WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. IF I AM INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT IT MAY BE MORE DIFFICULT FOR PARAMEDICS TO GET TO ME. I WAS ACTUALLY LOCKED IN MY CAR TODAY WHEN I ARRIVED AT SCHOOL. I HAD TO CRAWL OUT THE WINDOW AND THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO ROLL UP THE WINDOW WITH THE KEY IN THE DOOR. I HAVE READ THAT THIS MAY STOP WORKING AS WELL. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING, ONLINE I HAVE READ THAT THIS CAN COST AROUND $750.00 TO FIX AT THE LOCAL BMW STEALERSHIP (WHOOPS, DEALERSHIP). BMW SHOULD FIX THIS IF THEY ARE CONCERNED WITH THEIR DRIVERS SAFETY. *TR
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Jul 5, 2012WA
2003 BMW 330I. CONSUMER STATES THAT RIGHT REAR LAMP INDICATOR WAS LIT ON DASHBOARD. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT OF PREVIOUS REPAIR BEFORE RECALL WAS SENT. *KB BMW INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PREVIOUS REPAIR WAS NOT CONSISTENT WITH BMW STANDARDS AND THEREFORE, THEY HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY TO REIMBURSE HER. RECALL # 11V438000. *JB
Power Train
Filed Jun 11, 2012135,425 milesNC
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AND CODE WAS P0741 WAS READ BY SERVICE TECHNICIAN. WHEN FIXED, TORQUE CONVERTER SEAL WAS DAMAGED AND NEW TORQUE CONVERTER WAS REQUIRED TO BE INSTALLED. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. BMW SHOULD HAVE A RECALL, AS THE NEW SEAL IS THE SAME DESIGN AND WILL FAIL AGAIN. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed May 13, 2012125,000 milesTN
BURNED HEADLIGHT REFLECTOR BOWL ON 2003 "ZKW" HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS. HEADLAMP OUTPUT SEVERELY DIMINISHED. ALSO EQUIPPED ON 03-05 3-SERIES. *TR
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Mar 20, 2012158,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS) AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE BULB HOUSING WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BUT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD ONLY COVER THE WIRING HARNESS, WHICH CONNECTED TO THE TAILLIGHT. THE REPAIR COULD NOT BE PERFORMED UNLESS THE BULB HOUSING WAS REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BULB HOUSING WAS PERFORMED AS WELL AS THE RECALL REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000. UPDATED 05/09/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR WAS BEGAN WITHOUT FIRST INFORMING HIM OF THE ADDITIONAL CHARGERS FOR THE ADDITIONAL PARTS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER AFTER THE ORIGINAL HARNESS WAS DESTROYED DURING REMOVAL THAT IT COULD NOT BE RE-INSTALLED . UPDATED 06/07/12 *JS
Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 25, 2012108,000 milesKS
I HAVE ENCOUNTERED A FAILURE OF THE FACTORY XENON HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. I HAVE HAD REDUCED VISIBILITY AS A RESULT OF A BURNT BULB HOUSING THAT DID NOT MAKE ITSELF READILY APPARENT. BECAUSE THERE IS NO REMEDY OUTSIDE OF REPLACING THE POORLY DESIGNED HOUSING, I HAVE A CONCERN OF THE SAFETY OF MYSELF, MY OCCUPANTS, AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. A FAILED BULB IS UNDERSTANDABLE MAINTENANCE. A FAILED HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY DUE TO BURNING AND CRACKING THE PLASTIC LENS FROM SO MUCH HEAT IS NOT. THIS IS A POOR DESIGN, AND SHOULD WARRANT A RECALL. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 13, 201155,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE WIRING CONNECTOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED PRIOR TO PERFORMING THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE WIRING CONNECTOR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECALL HAD DAMAGED THE WIRING CONNECTOR AND HE FELT IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 13, 201172,577 milesCA
INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY DUE TO BURNT CONNECTOR PINS AND CONNECTOR HOUSING. INADEQUATE CONNECTOR/WIRE RATING. SHOULD BE SUBJECT OF A RECALL FROM A RESPONSIBLE CAR MANUFACTURER. UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THE DARK. BLEMISH ON THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE. INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF THE MOSTLY PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LIGHT. OCCASIONAL FAILURE OF THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD LIGHT. NORMALLY THE LIGHT BULB WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, BUT OFTEN THE WHOLE LIGHTING UNIT IS CONSIDERED FAILING BY THE DEALER. COST OF REPLACEMENT IS EXTREMELY HIGH. *TR
Exterior LightingFire
Filed Sep 16, 201142,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330I. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TAILGATE LIGHT WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE RESISTOR CABLE AND THE OUTLET PLUG CONNECTED TO THE TAIL LIGHT WIRES WERE MELTED. THE CONTACT STATED THE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT FAILED INTERMITTENTLY AND ALTERNATED FUNCTIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL) BUT WAS NOT AWARE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Sep 6, 201173,229 milesTX
THE PASSENGER DOORS FAIL TO OPEN WITH THE INTERNAL DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON. THIS IS DUE TO FAILURE OF DOOR UNLOCK RELAYS IN THE GM5 MODULE. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE IF A FAILURE OF THE UNLOCK RELAY HAPPENS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK PASSENGER DOORS IN AN EMERGENCY TO RETRIEVE PASSENGERS. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 2, 201169,000 milesCA
THE ZKW BRAND HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE (HID) / XENON HEADLIGHTS INSTALLED FROM THE FACTORY IN TO MY 2003 BMW 330I DEGRADED TO A POINT WHERE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT WAS ALMOST ZERO UNLESS I DROVE WITH THE HIGH BEAMS AND/OR FOG LIGHTS ON. REPLACING THE BULBS DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS BURNT "REFLECTOR BOWLS" WHICH ARE NOT REPLACEABLE. THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED AT $1000-1300 PER SIDE. I HAD THE HEADLIGHTS REPAIRED BY A SPECIALIST (AT A COST OF NEARLY $700) AS I WAS NOT READY TO PAY $2600 TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS WITH ANOTHER SET OF ZKW ASSEMBLIES WHICH WOULD NO DOUBT FAIL LIKE EVERY SET OF ZKW HEADLAMPS INSTALLED IN 2003-2004 330I SEDANS. I DO NOT FEEL THAT HEADLIGHTS SHOULD BE A 'WEAR AND TEAR' ITEM. THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY A CRITICAL SAFETY COMPONENT. THE DETERIORATION OF LIGHT OUTPUT IS SLOW AND TAKES TIME, SO PEOPLE MAY NOT REALIZE ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH THEIR HEADLIGHTS UNTIL THEY ARE DRIVING WITH ALMOST NO OUTPUT ON THE ROAD. *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 77, newest first, reproduced as filed.
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.