2003 BMW 330CI

4 recalls, 18 complaints - 26 TSBs

20V018000 Jan 15, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Description
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 PS... Read more
Consequence
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.
292,948 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
15V318000 May 28, 2015
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Description
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, ... Read more
Consequence
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... Read more
419,235 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
13V172000 May 2, 2013
AIR BAGS
Defect Description
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 causin... Read more
Consequence
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 sc... Read more
43,204 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
07E023000 Mar 29, 2007
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Defect Description
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 FAI... Read more
Consequence
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.
13,128 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.

Complaint Statistics

18 total complaints 1 crashes 1 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
AIR BAGS9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
STRUCTURE1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
ENGINE1
ENGINE Aug 18, 2020
Incident date: Aug 17, 2020
THE COOLING FANS EXPLODED AFTER I STARTED MY CAR UP FOLLOWING COOLANT FLUID LEAKING OUT THE BOTTOM OF A HOSE WITH NO WARNING SIGNS SHOWING THE CAR OVER HEATING IN THE END RESULT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 21, 2020
Incident date: Jan 1, 2012
IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN 8 YEARS ALL POWER RELATED TO OPENING/CLOSING THE PASSENGER DOOR INCLUDING THE HANDLE DOES NOT WORK, NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT, NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE GAS DOOR, NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE TRUNK WITHOUT HAVING TO USE THE KEY. CONVERTIBLE TOP IS NOT WORKING. WORST OF ALL I'M... Read more
AIR BAGS Dec 8, 2019
Incident date: Nov 28, 2019
WENT THROUGH A POT HOLE IN THE FREEWAY AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED..AIR BAG ONLY SHOW HALF FILL..MY SPEED ABOUT 60 MPH..IS THIS HOW IT WORKS. NO DAMAGED EXCEPT NEEDED WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
STRUCTURE:BODY May 14, 2019
Incident date: May 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A BUMP IN THE ROADWAY AND THE ROLLOVER PROTECTION SYSTEM ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AND THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ROLLOVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SAFETY LEV... Read more
AIR BAGS Sep 20, 2017
Incident date: Dec 1, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BMW 330CI. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT SUFFERED A STROKE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THAT METAL FRAGMENTS STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE MOUTH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE MOUTH AND LOST A TOOTH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. ... Read more
Crash 1 injured
AIR BAGS Sep 6, 2017
Incident date: Jun 30, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION IN JUNE OF 2016. THE DEALER (BMW OF EL PASO, 6318 MONTANA AVE, EL PASO, TX, 79925) STAT... Read more
AIR BAGS Aug 30, 2016
Incident date: Aug 30, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECAL... Read more
AIR BAGS Aug 30, 2016
Incident date: Jul 18, 2015
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 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 MANUFACT... Read more
AIR BAGS May 11, 2016
Incident date: Jul 15, 2015
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. 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... Read more
AIR BAGS Mar 29, 2016
Incident date: Jul 1, 2015
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTU... Read more
AIR BAGS Feb 23, 2016
Incident date: Feb 23, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 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 MADE ... Read more
AIR BAGS Jul 29, 2015
Incident date: Dec 1, 2014
2003 BMW 330CI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG RECALL INSTALLATION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HAVING THE AIR BAG PART INSTALLED, THE LIGHT REMAINED ON WITH NO EXPLANATION FROM THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER, WHERE THEY FOUND A MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 20, 2014
Incident date: May 8, 2014
GM5 ELECTRIC MODULE STOPPED COMMUNICATING WITH REMOTE CONTROL. VARIOUS INTERMITTENT ACTIVITY FOR DRIVER DOOR UNLOCK MECHANISM AND PASSENGER UNLOCK MECHANISM BY ANY AVAILABLE INTERNAL HARD-WIRED OR REMOTE BUTTON. 100% FAILURE OF FOOTWELL TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 1, 2013
Incident date: Mar 31, 2012
DROVE FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. LEFT THE CAR PARKED FOR ABOUT 3 HOURS. WHEN I TRIED TO UNLOCK PASSENGER DOOR VIA REMOTE KEY FOB IT DID NOT. I GOT INSIDE THE CAR AND TRIED TO UNLOCK IT MANUALLY BUT IT STILL DID NOT LET ME. I HAD MY HANDICAPPED SISTER WITH ME AND IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET HER INSIDE THE CAR. ... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL Oct 11, 2012
Incident date: Jan 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURNING SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULB LIGHT; HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE W... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jan 21, 2011
Incident date: Jan 20, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO PUT HER VEHICLE IN REVERSE IT WOULD NOT MOVE. WHILE SHIFTING INTO DRIVE IT MADE A LOUD NOISE BEFORE PROCEEDING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO STATED THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHIC... Read more
STRUCTURE Sep 1, 2006
Incident date: Dec 1, 2004
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A TEMPERATURE SENSOR UNDER THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT BUMPER. WHEN PULLING INTO PARKING SPACES WITH A CONCRETE PARKING BLOCK, THE SENSOR WOULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE CONCRETE BLOCK. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE BUMPER WAS TOO LOW TO THE GROUND PUTTING TH... Read more
TIRES:SIDEWALL Jul 22, 2004
Incident date: Mar 18, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH MICHELIN TIRES ON 2003 BMW 330 CI.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD A DAMAGED MICHELIN TIRE REPLACED BUT ONLY FOUR MONTHS LATER THE NEW TIRE IS EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE OLD TIRE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE TIRES BECAME TOO HOT THEREFORE CREATING 3-4 INCH BUBBLES AROUND THE WALL WHICH CA... Read more

EPA Fuel Economy, 2003 BMW 330CI

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5) (Rear-Wheel Drive) 18.0 25.0 20.0 Premium $3,850
3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) 18.0 27.0 22.0 Premium $3,500

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2003 BMW 330CI

26 manufacturer communications from 14 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
140000 AIR BAGS7
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC2
350000 EQUIPMENT2
072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP1
015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM1
016000 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM1
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
B510819 Jan 16, 2024
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819 Jan 16, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
SIB510822 Jun 1, 2022
160000 STRUCTURE
Whistling noise is heard coming from the front bumper while driving at highway speeds.
B340414 Apr 1, 2021
045000 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degree
B340414 Apr 1, 2021
011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degree
B651820 Nov 1, 2020
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven roadway.
B651820 Nov 1, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven roadway.
B651820 Nov 1, 2020
141000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven roadway.
B013118 Apr 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
B013118 Apr 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
B011618 Jan 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
B011618 Jan 1, 2019
140100 AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
B011718 Oct 1, 2018
140000 AIR BAGS
For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?co
B011718 Oct 1, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?co
B011618 Oct 1, 2018
140000 AIR BAGS
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?comp
B011618 Oct 1, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?comp
B080119 Feb 1, 2018
140000 AIR BAGS
In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for
B340414 Sep 1, 2015
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 04 14 dated December 2014. Designates changes to the bulletin. INFORMATION 1.Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses d
B340414 Sep 1, 2015
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 04 14 dated December 2014. Designates changes to the bulletin. INFORMATION 1.Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses d
340414 Dec 1, 2014
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles. INFORMATION 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less tha
651414 Jun 1, 2014
140000 AIR BAGS
Special Technical Campaign. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has urged vehicle manufacturers to conduct an investigation into air bags which may not deploy correctly. BMW is cooperating with this request. Takata is
120913 Nov 1, 2013
350000 EQUIPMENT
State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due To an Invalid VIN Number. The customer of an affected vehicle may fail to pass an I/M test due to a non-compliant 17digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Moto
SIB-63-02-01 Aug 1, 2010
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM
SIB-32-04-07 Jun 1, 2010
016000 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM
SIB-32-04-07 Jun 1, 2010
015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM
SIB-16-02-09 Dec 1, 2009
072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WEL

BMW 330CI - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the BMW 330CI across all model years (2000, 2006).

25 Total Recalls
326 Total Complaints
0 Investigations
16 Reported Crashes
13 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

BMW 330CI - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2006 2 35 View
2005 3 38 View
2004 3 82 View
2003 (current) 4 18
2002 4 55 View
2001 6 97 View
2000 3 1 View

Other BMW Models

Model Recalls Complaints
X5 223 4,349 View
X3 155 2,661 View
330I 122 1,050 View
X6 110 293 View
328I 108 3,743 View
M3 95 550 View
325I 83 1,809 View
Z4 83 1,439 View