2004 BMW 330I

5 recalls, 139 complaints - 40 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

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.

Complaint Statistics

139 total complaints 8 crashes 5 fires 7 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	80
AIR BAGS	20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	9
VISIBILITY/WIPER	7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS	5
VISIBILITY	3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER	1

Incident date: May 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2004 BMW 330. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the front center of the vehicle crashed into the front center of another vehicle and the air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The contact stated that her and ... Read more

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: Apr 29, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 135,000, and at the time o... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The lock warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a chip inside the transm... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2025

My air bags did not deploy with a head on collision.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jan 5, 2023

This car has factory HID Xenon projector headlights. Over time the reflector bowls burned and melted from the heat of the light bulbs, causing some wire insulation to melt, and a brown film to cover all surfaces inside the headlight assembly. The brown coating makes the headlights dangerously dim. F... Read more

Incident date: May 26, 2021

Two hours after I got to work one of my coworkers came running in the backroom, And told me my car was on fire.

Fire

Incident date: May 26, 2021

Two hours after I got to work one of my coworkers came running in the backroom, And told me my car was on fire.

Fire

Incident date: Jul 17, 2020

RIGHT FRONT LOW BEAM HEADLAMP CUTS OUT INTERMITTENTLY AND EVENTUALLY STOPS WORKING DUE TO CRACKED WIRING INSIDE THE ADJUSTABLE HEADLAMP UNIT. FOR AWHILE, MY HEADLIGHT WOULD STOP WORKING WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN BUT THEN TURN BACK ON WHEN STRAIGHTENED OUT. AFTER TWO RIGHT TURNS, THE HEADLIGHT WOULD ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2020

THE INTERIOR WIRES OF THE BMW E46 HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES HAVE INSULATION MATERIAL THAT READILY BREAKS OFF OF THE WIRE, CAUSING THE BEAR WIRE CONDUCTOR TO BE VISIBLE. THIS RESULTS IN A FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHTS AS THE WIRES CONDUCTORS ARE ALLOWED TO TOUCH. THIS IS ALSO A POSSIBLE SOURCE OF A VEHICLE FI... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2020

Incident date: Jul 20, 2017

CHEAP WIRING WAS USED IN THE HEADLIGHT UNITS FOR SPECIFIC CARS WITH ADAPTIVE BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS. THE WIRING FOR THESE CARS NOW HAS FALLEN APART, AND DISCONNECTS. BMW'S ONLY WAY OF FIXING IT IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT UNIT, WHICH COSTS AROUND $2000 TO REPLACE A FEW WIRES THAT SHOULD COST LES... Read more

Incident date: Apr 18, 2019

PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WIRES BREAK AND CAUSE THE HEADLIGHT TO STOP EMITTING LIGHT OR OTHERWISE WORKING. REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THE WIRING HARNESS EVENTUALLY FAIL. THIS OCCURS WITH MERE NORMAL USE OF THE CAR AND PASSAGE OF TIME. THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND BULB ARE STILL INTACT, BUT SI... Read more

Incident date: Apr 18, 2019

Incident date: Oct 6, 2018

THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN ZKW XENON PROJECTOR BOWLS USED IN E46 BMW CARS. MY HEADLIGHTS HAVE BECOME SO DIM THAT I CONSTANTLY RUN FOG LIGHTS AT NIGHT TO BE ABLE TO SEE. DRIVING AT NIGHT, ESPECIALLY IN THE RAIN, IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ME AND OTHER DRIVERS. ZKW PROJECTOR BOWLS ARE MADE OF PL... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2020

CHEAP PLASTIC USED IN HEADLIGHT PROJECTORS MELT DUE TO HEAT FROM OEM XENON BULBS. THIS POSES A FIRE SAFETY HAZARD AS WELL AS LOW AND EVENTUALLY NO LIGHT ONTO THE ROAD.

Incident date: Jun 11, 2018

THE STOCK ZKW PROJECTORS HAVE BURNT OUT AND SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE QUALITY OF LIGHT EMANATING FROM THE HEADLIGHTS. IN ORDER TO HAVE ANY TRUE VISIBILITY, I HAVE TO HOLD THE "FLASH-TO-PASS" LIGHTS ON WHILE I'M DRIVING (A MANUAL TRANSMISSION). THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE REPLACEME... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2017

THE OEM XENON ZKW BRAND LIGHTS HAD COMPLETELY BURNT REFLECTOR BULBS THAT CAUSED LOW LIGHT TO BE EMITTED. THIS DEFECT IS DUE TO PLASTIC BOWLS BEING USED INSTEAD OF METAL OR ANOTHER MATERIAL. THE DAMAGE COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE HAZARD OR WORSE. I WAS FORCED TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS AT MY OWN EXPENSE. I H... Read more

Incident date: Apr 26, 2016

TAKATA RECALL FIRST I SHOULD SAY THAT THIS IS NOT A COMPLAINT ABOUT AN INCIDENT. THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE FAILURE OF BMW TO PROVIDE A TIMELY REPLACEMENT FOR THE THIRTEEN (13) YEAR OLD DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG IN MY 2004 BMW 330I, WHICH HAS SPENT ALL OF ITS LIFE IN A HIGH ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY LOCATI... Read more

Incident date: Jun 27, 2014

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS), 14V428000 (AIR BAGS), AND 11V438000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 6, 2016

ZKW BRAND XENON HEADLAMPS HAVE DEFECTIVE REFLECTOR BOWLS. THE LIGHTS BURN OFF ALL OF THE REFLECTIVE SURFACE CAUSING THE LOW/HIGH BEAMS TO BE SO DIM THAT DRIVING AT NIGHT IS IMPOSSIBLE. THE PART (REFLECTOR BOWL) IS NOT AVAILABLE AS A REPLACEMENT PART, IT CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED AS A WHOLE HEADLIGHT A... Read more

Incident date: Nov 6, 2016

LOW BEAM HID HEADLIGHT PROJECTOR MADE BY ZKW FOR BMW ARE POORLY DESIGNED/MADE, UNABLE TO HANDLE THE HEAT OUTPUT FROM THE OEM XENON BULBS, THE PART BECOMES SEVERELY SCORCHED AND DEGRADED, REDUCING LIGHT OUTPUT TO UNSAFE LEVELS. TO COMPENSATE, FOG LIGHTS HAVE TO BE USED TO SAFELY SEE THE PAVEMENT. TH... Read more

Incident date: Oct 15, 2016

I RECENTLY PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THE POOR LIGHT OUTPUT FROM THE FACTORY XENONS. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH THE E46 SEDAN WITH XENON HEADLIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY ZKW HAVE AN ISSUE OF THE PROJECTOR BOWLS BURNING SLOWLY OVER TIME DUE TO POOR MATERIAL CHOICE ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT COULD NOT GET THE RECALL REMEDIED DUE TO LACK OF COMMUNICATION FROM THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 29, 2016

TAKATA RECALL-I'VE BEEN GOING ROUND AND ROUND WITH BMW USA AND HENDRICK MOTORS IN CHARLOTTE, NC SINCE DEC. 2015 TRYING TO GET INFO ON WHEN THEY ARE GOING TO FIX MY DEATH TRAP. I JUST LEARNED TODAY ON THIS SITE THAT MY CAR IS PRIORITY 1 IN HIGH HUMIDITY AREA WHICH CHARLOTTE CERTAINLY IS. PLUS THE A... Read more

Incident date: Aug 24, 2016

TAKATA RECALL REPAIR PARTS STILL NOT AVAILABLE...ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION DATE JULY 2015. I HAVE NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT...MERELY WANT THE RECALL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTED ON MY VEHICLE.

Incident date: Jun 5, 2015

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 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 1, 2015

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JUNE OF 2015. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAI... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2016

TAKATA RECALL-I FOUND OUT IN SEPT 2015 THAT MY CAR WAS PART OF THE AIRBAG RECALL. I CONTACTED HENDRICK BMW IN CHARLOTTE, NC TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. THEY TOLD ME BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER BAGS WERE RECALLED BUT THEY ONLY HAD THE PASSENGER AVAILABLE TO REPLACE. I'M NOT IN CHARLOTTE FULL TIME AND ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEAD LAMP BULBS WERE BURNED OUT AND A BURNING ODOR WAS DETECTED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEAD LAMPS INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 16, 2016

VEHICLE HAS VERY POOR HEADLIGHT VISIBILITY AT NIGHT DUE TO BURNT OUT PLASTIC REFLECTOR BOWLS FROM BMW'S SUB-SUPPLIER ZKW. REPLACEMENT BOWLS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FROM BMW. ONLY FIX FROM THEM IS REPLACING THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WHICH COSTS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

Incident date: Jul 13, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 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 HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MAD... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (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 A... Read more

Incident date: Nov 5, 2015

HEADLIGHTS NO LONGER ILLUMINATE DUE TO DETERIORATING HEADLIGHT MATERIAL CONSIDERED A DEFECT DUE TO INFERIOR PLASTIC USED WHEN ORIGINALLY MANUFACTURED. LOW ILLUMINATION LEVEL CREATES A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD TO DRIVER AND PUBLIC CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES AND DAMAGE. THE HIGH COST OF REPLACING THESE HE... Read more

Incident date: Sep 10, 2013

OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ABILITY TO PROVIDE GOOD VISIBILITY AT NIGHT HAS REDUCED DRAMATICALLY, ESPECIALLY WHEN RAINING OR WET ROADS. I MADE SURE THE LENSES WERE CLEAR AND NEW BULBS DID NOT HELP. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I FOUND THRU SEVERAL F... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 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 NOTIFIE... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2014

THE HEADLIGHTS ARE USELESS AT NIGHT. THE BULBS ALL FUNCTION PERFECTLY, BUT THE REFLECTOR HOUSINGS ARE "WORN" ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC. I UNDERSTAND THE NEED TO REPLACE BULBS OVER THE LIFETIME OF A VEHICLE, BUT $3,000 FOR A WHOLE NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS OUTRAGEOUS! THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT THE ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2014

Incident date: Jul 31, 2015

LIGHT OUTPUT FROM MY CAR IS EXTREMELY POOR CAUSING A SAFETY CONCERN. UPON INVESTIGATING WHY THE LIGHT OUTPUT IS SO POOR, I HAVE DETERMINED THAT LIKE MANY OTHERS THE LIGHTS FITTED INTO THIS 2004 BMW 330I ARE MANUFACTURED FOR BMW BY A COMPANY CALLED ZKW WHO USED PLASTIC FOR THE REFLECTOR LENSES FOR TH... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2014

Incident date: Jan 14, 2015

I SIDE SWIPED A CURB AT A WEIRD ANGLE AND IT CAUSED MY DRIVE SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SIDE AIR BAGS TO GO OFF. THE DRIVER AIRBAG EXPLODED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT BROKEN MY COLLAR BONE SEVERELY ENOUGH THAT I HAD TO HAVE SURGERY AND METAL PLATES PUT IT TO HOLD IT BACK TO TOGETHER.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Mar 24, 2015

THE HEADLIGHT REFLECTORS ON THIS CAR (AND OTHER OF THIS YEAR MODEL) ARE MANUFACTURED BY ZKW AND THEY HAVE FAILED CAUSING VERY LOW, UNSAFE LEVELS OF LIGHT OUTPUT. THE REFLECTORS ARE BURNT AND CRACKED. THE ONLY WAY TO GET ANY REASONABLE OR SAFE LIGHT OUTPUT FOR NIGHT DRIVING IS TO USE THE FOG LIGHTS A... Read more

Incident date: Mar 24, 2015

Incident date: Mar 14, 2015

AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT APPARENT CAUSE. DISORIENTED DRIVE ENDED UP SWERVING TO CURB BEFORE COMING TO A REST. THE PASSENGER SUFFERED FROM A BROKEN NOSE AND BRUISES TO THE FACE AND WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE . BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER WERE WEARING SEAT BELT. DRIVER PROBABLY WAS SPARED ANY INJURY A... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Oct 1, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 340I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR TO BE PERFORMED. THE MANUFAC... Read more

Incident date: Dec 14, 2014

THE LOW BEAMS ON MY 2004 BMW 330I ARE VERY DIM. THEY BARELY LIGHT UP THE ROAD AT NIGHT, IF AT ALL. MY ONLY OPTION IS TO TURN ON MY HIGH BEAMS, BUT THEN I RISK BLINDING INCOMING TRAFFIC. I CONSIDER THIS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE ... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2014

I PURCHASED THE CAR, I NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS WHERE DIM. I WENT OUT AND GOT NEW BULBS FOR MY CAR. I DIDN'T HELP AT ALL! I CAN BARELY SEE AT NIGHT AND I HAVE TO USE TO FOG LIGHTS JUST TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. IT IS ALSO UNLAWFUL TO DRIVE WITH MY FOG LIGHTS ON. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THAT ... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2014

Incident date: Dec 23, 2014

PURCHASED CAR USED. UPON DRIVING IT AT NIGHT FOR THE FIRST TIME THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOTICED TO BE VERY DIM. BULBS WERE CHECKED TO BE THE CORRECT WATTAGE AND COLOR TEMPERATURE. PLASTIC REFLECTOR DISH WAS SEEN TO BE BURNED OUT (NOT REFLECTING LIGHT FROM THE PORTION ABOVE THE BULB. *TR

Incident date: Feb 1, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330I. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, BOTH PROJECTOR HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PROJECTOR HEADLIGHT LENSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAIL... Read more

Showing 50 of 139 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2004 BMW 330I

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive)	18.0	27.0	21.0	Premium	$3,650
3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5) (Rear-Wheel Drive)	17.0	25.0	20.0	Premium	$3,850
3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6) (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, 2004 BMW 330I

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

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	8
140000 AIR BAGS	7
350000 EQUIPMENT	6
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	2
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	2
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

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on ho

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

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This doc

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 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

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

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

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 (current)	5	139
2003	7	92	View
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

2004 BMW 330I

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 2004 BMW 330I

Technical Service Bulletins, 2004 BMW 330I

Most Affected Components

BMW 330I - All Years Overview

BMW 330I - Year by Year

Other BMW Models