2003 BMW 330I

7 recalls, 92 complaints - 37 TSBs

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

AIR BAGS

Defect Description

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; 2001-200... Read more

Consequence

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 b... Read more

574,007 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

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

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

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Defect Description

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 VEHICL... Read more

Consequence

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.

241,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

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.

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE MIGHT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.

Consequence

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 REASONA... Read more

13,100 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Complaint Statistics

92 total complaints 5 crashes 6 fires 16 injuries 6 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	26
AIR BAGS	24
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	5
TIRES	4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	3
STRUCTURE:BODY	3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES	3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	2

Incident date: Aug 20, 2019

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 A... Read more

Crash Fire 5 injured 2 deaths

Incident date: Aug 20, 2019

Crash Fire 5 injured 2 deaths

Incident date: Aug 20, 2019

Crash Fire 5 injured 2 deaths

Incident date: Jan 3, 2018

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 G... Read more

Incident date: Jan 3, 2018

Incident date: Oct 29, 2017

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.

Incident date: Aug 19, 2017

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) BL... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2017

Incident date: Jul 3, 2017

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... Read more

Incident date: Jul 19, 2017

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 EXCEED... Read more

Incident date: Jul 19, 2017

Incident date: May 5, 2017

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 AUTO... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jun 1, 2015

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 MANUF... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2015

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. PA... Read more

Incident date: May 27, 2015

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 WA... Read more

Incident date: Nov 28, 2014

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 R... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2015

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 MANUFACT... Read more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2016

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 MANUFACTU... Read more

Incident date: Nov 9, 2015

Incident date: Jul 21, 2016

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 "REM... Read more

Incident date: Apr 6, 2016

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?

Incident date: Feb 18, 2016

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?

Incident date: Feb 1, 2014

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2014

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 DISCONNEC... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2003

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 T... Read more

Incident date: Sep 26, 2015

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 M... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Sep 21, 2015

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2013

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... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2014

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 S... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2014

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 TAKE... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 20, 2014

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

Incident date: Sep 25, 2014

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 HEADLIGHT... Read more

Incident date: May 26, 2014

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 DRIVIN... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2014

XENON HEADLIGHTS. DIM TO DARK AT BEST. WORK WHEN THEY WANT. *TR

Incident date: Jun 20, 2014

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 14, 2014

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 MILEA... Read more

Incident date: Jun 14, 2014

Incident date: May 22, 2014

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 WA... Read more

Incident date: May 22, 2014

Incident date: Oct 14, 2009

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 T... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2013

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.... Read more

Incident date: Dec 28, 2012

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 TH... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2010

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 LIG... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2010

Incident date: Mar 1, 2009

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. ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 17, 2009

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. TH... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2012

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. ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2011

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 RESPONSIBILIT... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2011

Showing 50 of 92 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2003 BMW 330I

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
3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive)	18.0	27.0	21.0	Premium	$3,650

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

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

Technical Service Bulletins, 2003 BMW 330I

37 manufacturer communications from 21 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
140000 AIR BAGS	7
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	6
350000 EQUIPMENT	5
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	2
114100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD	1
072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP	1
015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM	1
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS	1

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant downward hand pressure is maintained.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digi

190000 TIRES

Starting mid-May 2022, the QR code on the tite sidewalls of Pirelli tires has been omitted due to patent reasons.

160000 STRUCTURE

Whistling noise is heard coming from the front bumper while driving at highway speeds.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On these Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), the air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a standstill. The vent outlet temperatures vary by 25 degrees Fahrenheit or more (38 F to 60 F+; 3 to 15+ Celsius)

350000 EQUIPMENT

062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

A rattling/droning noise is heard in the vehicle interior when the air conditioning (AC) is activated. Vibrations are felt in the driver's footwell.

062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS

A rattling/droning noise is heard in the vehicle interior when the air conditioning (AC) is activated. Vibrations are felt in the driver's footwell.

350000 EQUIPMENT

A rattling/droning noise is heard in the vehicle interior when the air conditioning (AC) is activated. Vibrations are felt in the driver's footwell.

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

011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

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.

350000 EQUIPMENT

141000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

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.

140100 AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.

140000 AIR BAGS

TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.

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

140000 AIR BAGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM

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

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

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

114100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS SECTION REPLACEMENT FOR IGNITION COILS. *TT

BMW 330I - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the BMW 330I across all model years (1999, 2025).

95 Total Recalls

1,068 Total Complaints

0 Investigations

35 Reported Crashes

38 Reported Fires

6 Reported Deaths

BMW 330I - Year by Year

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

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2025	1	4	View
2024	2	8	View
2023	2	3	View
2022	3	6	View
2021	7	43	View
2020	11	64	View
2019	9	54	View
2018	1	39	View
2017	0	55	View
2011	3	0	View
2010	3	0	View
2009	3	0	View
2008	3	0	View
2007	3	0	View
2006	7	303	View
2005	5	42	View
2004	5	139	View
2003 (current)	7	92
2002	7	57	View
2001	8	159	View
2000	3	0	View
1999	2	0	View

Other BMW Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
X5	223	4,349	View
X3	155	2,661	View
X6	110	293	View
328I	108	3,743	View
M3	95	550	View
325I	83	1,809	View
Z4	83	1,439	View
5 SERIES	78	557	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2003 BMW 330I

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 2003 BMW 330I

Technical Service Bulletins, 2003 BMW 330I

Most Affected Components

BMW 330I - All Years Overview

BMW 330I - Year by Year

Other BMW Models