2002 Bmw 330xi

Do not drive

Owners filed 20 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 5 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags8
000
Electrical System3
010
Tires2
000
Engine2
000
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls1
000
Suspension › Rear1
000
Seats1
010
Exterior Lighting1
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System1
010

5 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 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].

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.

Air Bags13V172000Do not drive
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].

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal11V438000
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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Aug 24, 2020OR

AFTER READING MANY FORUM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS MY VEHICLE PROBLEM IS THE GM5 MODULE. THIS MODULE CONTROLS A WIDE SELECTION OF ELECTRICAL FUNCTION ON THIS CAR. THE FUNCTION THAT IS AT ISSUE IS THE CENTRAL LOCKING/UNLOCKING FUNCTION INITIATED BY THE KEY, KEY FOB OR LOCKING CONTROL BUTTON ON THE CONSOLE. BY RESEARCHING ONLINE IT IS APPARENT THAT THE BMW E46 MODEL HAS HAD A LONG PERIOD THAT THIS MODULE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. THIS FAULTY MODULE (GM-5) WILL LEAVE YOU LOCKED OUT OF YOUR CAR AND OR ONCE INSIDE NOT ALLOW ANY OTHER DOORS TO OPEN BY ANY MEANS. THIS CAN BE A VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU MAY BE THREATENING SITUATION. THE MANUFACTURER KNOW THIS IS A PROBLEM AS IT SPANS YEARS OF PRODUCTION. I AM JUST REPORTING THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT, THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM. WE HAPPEN TO KEEP OUR CARS ALONG TIME AND THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE AND FRUSTRATING PROBLEM.

Engine
Filed Feb 16, 2020190,000 milesIL

KEEPS LEAKING ENGINE OIL EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE CHANGES. (CITY STREET, CHICAGO ILLINOIS) STATIONARY MOST OF THE TIME. HASN'T BEEN MOVED SINCE LEAKING OIL. (TOO WORRIED)

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 7, 2019120,000 milesPA

THE SMELL OF ELECTIRCAL FIRE AND THICK BLACK SMOKE POORED OUT THE LEFT SIDE OF MY STEARING COLUM. FLAMES STARTED TO SHOOT OUT AND ENGUFFED MY BMW TO NOTHING!

Air Bags
Filed Mar 23, 2017VA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V172000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Tires
Filed Jan 8, 201789,470 milesNY

CONTIPROCONTACT 205/50 R17 93V / A37P 3PL 3510 HAS A SIDEWALL BULGE. ITS MILEAGE IS 5,894. IT WAS PURCHASED TO REPLACE THE SAME MODEL TIRE BECAUSE OF A SIDEWALL BULGE. THAT TIRE HAD SIMILAR MILEAGE. ALL TIRES WERE PURCHASED FROM STS/MAVIS TIRE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 5, 2016144,000 milesPA

TAKATO RECALL - I RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN JULY 2015 AND EVEN WITH REPEATED CALLS TO BMW DEALER, NO REPAIR HAS BEEN DONE. I REFRAIN FROM DRIVING THE CAR AND HAVE LESS THAN 400 MILES IN THE LAST YEAR, BUT STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR INSURANCE, INSPECTION, LICENSE. I HAVE BEEN POSTPONING REPAIRS, BUT I DON'T WANT TO SPEND MORE MONEY ON A CAR THAT I SHOULDN'T DRIVE.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 27, 2016MA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. 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 NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 25, 2016NY

DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 03/22/2016DATE OF INCIDENT: 05/04/2015COMPONENT(S): AIR BAGSNHTSA ID NUMBER: 10850988CONSUMER LOCATION: CHAPPAQUA, NY ALL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COMPLAINT EXPAND DETAILS CLOSE HELP 0 AVAILABLE DOCUMENTS CRASH:NO FIRE:NO NUMBER OF INJURIES:0 NUMBER OF DEATHS:0 MANUFACTURER: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NO. (VIN): NOT AVAILABLE SUMMARY: TAKATA RECALL- I ASSUME THAT YOU ARE ENABLING TAKATA TO BE OFF THE HOOK FROM THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS BECAUSE IT COSTS THEM TIME AND MONEY TO MANUFACTURE REPLACEMENTS AROUND THE CLOCK. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WOULD RATHER WATCH DEATHS FOR TAKING MONEY FROM TAKATA AS PER OBAMA'S ORDERS.I WAS NOTIFIED A LONG TIME AGO THAT THE AIRBAG IN MY 2002 BMW 330XI WAS DANGEROUSLY DEFECTIVE. I HAVE CALLED BMW AND HAVE YET TO RECEIVE AN APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE DEADLY AIRBAG. THE CAR NEEDS TO BE DRIVEN OVER 2 HOURS PER DAY TO COMMUTE TO WORK AND BACK. IF ANYTHING HAPPENS AS A NEGLIGENT RESULT FOR NOT REPLACING THE AIRBAG, I WILL COMMENCE LEGAL ACTION AND MY NEGLIGENCE ATTORNEY WILL RUB HIS HANDS FOR YOU BUYING HIM A BIGGER HOME, WITH THE AIRBAG MANUFACTURER, BMW, AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR NOT ENFORCING THE AIRBAG RECALL. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Air Bags
Filed Mar 22, 2016NY

TAKATA RECALL- I ASSUME THAT YOU RAE ENABLING TAKATA TO BE OFF THE HOOK FROM RESPONSIBILIITY TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS BECUASE IT COSTS THEM TIME AND MONEY TO MANUFACTURE REPLACEMENTS AROUND THE CLOCK. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WOULD RATHER WATCH DEATHS FOR TAKING MONEY FROM TAKATA AS PER OBAMAS ORDERS.I WAS NOTIFIED A LONG TIME AGO THAT THE AIRBAG IN MY 2002 BMW 330XI WAS DANGEROUSLY DEFECTIVE. I HAVE CALLED BMW AND HAVE YET TO RECEIVE AN APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE DEADLY AIRBAG. THE CAR NEEDS TO BE DRIVEN OVER 2 HOURS PER DAY TO COMMUTE TO WORK AND BACK. IF ANYTHING HAPPENS AS A NEGLIGENT RESULT FOR NOT REPLACING THE AIRBAG, I WILL COMMENCE LEGAL ACTION WITH THE AIRBAG MANUFACTURER, BMW, AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR NOT ENFORCING THE AIRBAG RECALL.[XXX] 'INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *BF

Air Bags
Filed Feb 3, 2016PA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 1, 2015NV

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT 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 ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/04/16*LJ

Air Bags
Filed Oct 2, 2015MI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). 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.

Engine
Filed May 22, 201250,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED TO 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED SLOWLY TO THE SHOULDER AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THERE WERE SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING AND PREVIOUSLY WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE CONTACT HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED, AT THE DEALER'S RECOMMENDATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 19, 201182,000 milesNY

FAILURE OF THE GENERAL MODULE 5 WHICH RESULTS IN FAILING TO OPENING THE DOOR VIA THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE CENTER CONSOLE AND KEY REMOTE. THIS WILL ALSO RESULT IN THE DOUBLE LOCKING MECHANISM TO ACTIVATE TO WHICH PASSENGERS ARE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE PROPERLY EITHER ELECTRONICALLY OR MECHANICALLY (MANUAL LOCKS DO NOT WORK) FORCED TO LEAVE EITHER THROUGH THE WINDOW, TRUNK THROUGH REAR SEAT IF THE CAR HAS THIS FEATURE OR POSSIBLY ONLY THROUGH DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, IF THE LOCKS FAIL ELECTRONICALLY THE PASSENGERS INSIDE SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRIGGER A MECHANICAL WAY OF EXITING THE VEHICLE.

Suspension › Rear
Filed Dec 12, 201055,000 milesCT

BOTH REAR SPRINGS HAVE CRACKED/BROKEN AT APPROX 55,000 MILES. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. BMW WILL NOT WARRANTY A REPLACEMENT SET OF SPRINGS. *TR

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Oct 28, 2010100 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO REPLACE THE LIFT REGULATOR AND POWER WINDOW MOTOR ON EVERY WINDOW EVERY SIX MONTHS SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,192. UPDATED 1/19/2010 *CN UPDATED 01/27/11

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 8, 201060,000 milesNV

8-PIN CONNECTOR AT REAR TAIL LIGHTS IN 2002 BMW 330XI HAS PARTIALLY MELTED, CONTACTS APPEAR CORRODED. "LIGHT OUT" INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH TURNS ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling SystemFire1 killed
Filed Oct 18, 2009150,000 milesKS

MY SON PARKED HIS 2002 BMW 330XI IN A PARKING LOT EARLY AM TO SLEEP. IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN APPROXIMATELY ONE AND A HALF HOURS WHILE IDLING, KILLING HIM. HE WAS LAYING DOWN IN FRONT SEATS. EVENT WAS CAUGHT ON SURVEILLANCE CAMERA, NO FOUL PLAY WAS DETECTED. CLAIMED TO BE "ACCIDENTAL FIRE" BY POLICE REPORT. NOTICED 2001 BMW 3-SERIES HAD MAJOR RECALL FOR SAME TYPE OF EVENT WITH FAILURE OF COOLING FANS. *TR

SeatsFire
Filed Feb 2, 200963,000 milesKS

PASSENGER SEAT HEATER BURNING THROUGH LEATHER SEAT COVER INTO MY PANTS AND BURNING THE UNDERSIDE OF MY THIGH. THERE WAS VISIBLE SMOKE AND A VERY STRONG BURNING SMELL. *TR

Tires
Filed Apr 29, 2004NY

SAFETY DEFECT WITH LOW PROFILE TIRES AND WHEELS. (NAR) *MR *LA *CB

20 of 20 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20110300Routine
20100300Routine
20090300Routine
20080300Routine
20070300Routine
2006104650Routine
200512400Do not drive
200413400Do not drive
200333520Do not drive
2002 — this page20531Do not drive
200111510Do not drive
20000200Do not drive
19990100Routine

Compare every 330xi 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.