Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Bmw 330CI: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

46 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

88,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: . 23 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 26 of 46 complaints (56.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues613.0%
Braking behavior36.5%
Transmission and shifting24.3%
Engine operation12.2%
Fuel system concerns12.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
26
Electrical System
4
Seats
3
Engine
2
Exterior Lighting
2
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights
2
Air Bags:Side/Window
1
Electrical System:Wiring: Rear Compartment/Trunk
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags26
Electrical System4
Seats3
Engine2
Exterior Lighting2
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights2
Air Bags:Side/Window1
Electrical System:Wiring: Rear Compartment/Trunk1

Air Bags: 26; Electrical System: 4; Seats: 3; Engine: 2; Exterior Lighting: 2; Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights: 2; Air Bags:Side/Window: 1; Electrical System:Wiring: Rear Compartment/Trunk: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
7
75,000 to 99,999
7
100,000 to 149,999
6
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9997
75,000 to 99,9997
100,000 to 149,9996
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 7; 75,000 to 99,999: 7; 100,000 to 149,999: 6; 150,000 and above: 1

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 23 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2006
2
2007
5
2010
5
2012
7
2014
3
2015
10
2016
10
2017
1
2018
1
2022
1
2024
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20062
20075
20105
20127
20143
201510
201610
20171
20181
20221
20241

2006: 2; 2007: 5; 2010: 5; 2012: 7; 2014: 3; 2015: 10; 2016: 10; 2017: 1; 2018: 1; 2022: 1; 2024: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10172645 · 2006-11-05 (November 5, 2006)

OWN A 325CI COUPE THAT HAS HAD SEPARATION TIRE SEPARATION ON 3 TIRES BF GOODRICH 225/45R17. ONE TIRE SEPARATED ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO ON THE VEHICLE AND THEN YESTERDAY TWO MORE TIRE SEPARATED. WHEN I REPLACED THIS TWO TIRES THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE OTHER REMAINING TIRE ON THE VEHICLE WAS DOING THE SAME THING. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN ANY RECALL OR OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS TIRE. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10172645 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10173822 · 2006-11-19 (November 19, 2006)

STRUCK A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE ABS DID NOT ENGAGE WHEN I TRIED TO STOP IN THE RAIN. THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME DID NOT HAVE ANY DAMAGE BUT MY CAR HAD OVER $5700 WORTH OF DAMAGE. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 88,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10173822 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10178769 · 2007-01-15 (January 15, 2007)

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH, CAR STOPPED AND WOULD NOT RESTART, TOWED TO SHOP, WAS TOLD I CHANGED FROM LOW RPM TO HIGH RPM CAUSING VALVE TO BEND. I WAS NOT DRIVING FAST AND THERE WAS NO REASON TO CHANGE FROM LOW RPM TO HIGH RPM THEY WOULD NOT WARRANTY A NEW ENGINE/VALVE/HEAD JOB. I HAD TO PAY FROM POCKET. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 62,265 miles reported. Look up ODI 10178769 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10180938 · 2007-01-28 (January 28, 2007)

AFTER DRIVING MY 2002 BMW X 5 FIVE BLOCKS FROM MY HOME, I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND PARKED THE CAR. FROM THE TIME IT TOOK ME TO GET OUT AND WALK TO THE REAR OF THE CAR, IT WAS FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE AND IN SHORT ORDER THE CAR BURNED. MY INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED IT A TOTAL LOSS AND HIRED AN INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL COMPANY THAT SPECIALIZES IN VEHICLE FIRES AND CAUSATION. THE CONCLUSSION OF THE REPORT WAS THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, ORIGINATING IN THE CENTER OF THE DASH. I HAVE SINCE RESEARCHED THIS SITUATION WITH BMW FIRES ON DIFFER…

Owner-reported narrative. 61,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10180938 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10192762 · 2007-06-08 (June 8, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT A TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. HE REPLACED THE BULBS, HOWEVER, THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS PLUG WAS MELTED. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 57,626 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 53,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10192762 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10194154 · 2007-06-25 (June 25, 2007)

DASH INDICATED TAILLIGHT WAS OUT WHEN IT WASN'T, THIS WAS RANDOM ON AND OFF FOR A FEW MONTHS. AFTER A FEW MONTHS THE DASH PANEL INDICATOR LIGHT STAYED ON. AS I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY I NOTICED THE SMELL OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE TRUNK. I STOPPED, AND NOTICED THE MELTED WIRES FROM THE TAIL LIGHT HARNESS. AS I LOOKED AT THEM I COULD SEE THEM SPARKING WHEN CERTAIN MOVEMENTS OCCURRED., VERY DANGEROUSLY AND ERRATIC. BOTH MALE AND FEMALE SIDES MELTED. I HAVE NOTICED THE OTHER SIDE WAS BEGINNING TO HAVE THE SAME SYMPTOMS, RANDOM INDICATIONS OF A TAIL LIG…

Owner-reported narrative. 74,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10194154 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10197111 · 2007-07-21 (July 21, 2007)

I WAS DRIVING ON AN EXPRESSWAY APPROX. 55 MPH WHEN THE CAR STALLED. TURNED OFF IGNITION AND RESTARTED CAR. I COULD ONLY DRIVE 30 MPH AND TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER. THE CAR HAS ONLY 26,000 MILES. I WAS TOLD THE WIRING HARNESS AND THROTTLE BODY HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $ 1700.00 BUT THE WARRANTY WAS UP LAST YEAR. THERE WAS TSB ISSUED IN 2003. WHY WEREN'T THE OWNERS TOLD ABOUT THIS? *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 2,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10197111 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10300379 · 2010-01-19 (January 19, 2010)

ABOUT THREE MONTHS AGO, I HAD MY 2002 BMW 330CI SERVICED AT BEVERLY HILLS BMW. DURING THAT $700+ SERVICE, THEY PERFORMED AN INSPECTION THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO COVER EVERY MAJOR PART OF THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE TRANSMISSION. YESTERDAY, I HAD A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WHEN I ASKED BMW WHY THEY DIDN\'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION DURING THEIR $700+ INSPECTION, I WAS TOLD THEY CAN\'T PREDICT WHEN PARTS ARE GOING TO FAIL. WHICH BEGS THE QUESTION -- WHY DID I PAY $700+ FOR AN INSPECTION THAT CAN TELL WHEN SOMETHING IS ABOUT TO G…

Owner-reported narrative. 81,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10300379 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

13V172000 · Air Bags

Reported: 2013-05-02 (May 2, 2013)

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.

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 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].

NHTSA campaign record ↗
15V318000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2015-05-28 (May 28, 2015)

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.

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 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V018000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)

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.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

46 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

50.0%Usable mileage23 / 46 records
100.0%Valid incident date46 / 46 records
100.0%Valid filing date46 / 46 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates46 / 46 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2000200120022003200420052006
Air Bags
1100.0%
ODI 10672140

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A 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 AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Look up ODI 10672140 at NHTSA ↗

1315.9%
ODI 10128936 · 56,000 mi

DT THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER. IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS HAPPENED AROUND MAY 31, 2005. VEHICLE ENDED UP OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE IT HIT CONSUMER IN THE HEAD. HAD HEADACHES FOR A FEW DAYS AFTERWARD. *AK *JB

Look up ODI 10128936 at NHTSA ↗

2656.5%
ODI 10350622 · 47,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED SHE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A TRAILER AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FROM ITS HOUSING BUT DID NOT INFLATE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BUT WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.

Look up ODI 10350622 at NHTSA ↗

950.0%
ODI 10744285

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 CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB

Look up ODI 10744285 at NHTSA ↗

2836.4%
ODI 10242871 · 58,000 mi

ON 14 SEPTEMBER 2008 I WAS INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT INVOLVING MY 2004 BMW 330CI CONVERTIBLE. WE HAD A VEHICLE RUN A LEFT TURN RED LIGHT INTO US AS WE WERE PASSING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION IN KENT WA. I ESTIMATE THE IMPACT WAS PROBABLY EQUIVALENT TO A 50 TO 60 MPH COLLISION. IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE ROLL OVER ROLL BAR DID. WITH THE RECALL OF AIR BAGS FOR THE BMW I THINK IT MAY ALSO APPLY TO THE 2004 3 SERIES ALSO. IF THE AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED IT MAY HAVE ELIMINATED SOME ACHES AND PAINS THAT WE AR…

Look up ODI 10242871 at NHTSA ↗

1957.6%
ODI 10670798

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A 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 AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 02/05/15*LJ

Look up ODI 10670798 at NHTSA ↗

2573.5%
ODI 10442246 · 26,600 mi

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING SOUTH IN THE LEFT HAND LANE ON HIGHWAY 101 IN VENTURA CALIFORNIA. DRIVER SIDE DOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON WHILE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 75MPH. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF CAR AND WAS ABLE TO REACH THE RIGHT HAND SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY. POLICE RESPONDED TO THE SCENE AND VERIFIED THAT NO DAMAGE HAD OCCURRED TO THE CAR. AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT RESULTED IN SUPERFICIAL BURNS TO THE DRIVERS LEFT ARM AND RESIDUAL PAIN IN THE NECK REGION. DEPLOYMENT CAUSED VIOLENT MOTION TO THE CAR AND IF IT …

Look up ODI 10442246 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

78.5%
ODI 10443204 · 104,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40-50 MPH WHEN THE TAIL LAMP WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,500.

Look up ODI 10443204 at NHTSA ↗

24.3%
ODI 10466509 · 77,902 mi

I FOUND THAT MY REVERSE LIGHT WAS OUT LATE IN JULY AND TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST BMW DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. I'VE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT IN THE E46 MODEL AND I AM WONDERING IF THERE IS SOME KIND OF RECALL OR COMPENSATION FOR THE INADEQUACY OF THE REAR LIGHTS IN THIS MODEL. *TR

Look up ODI 10466509 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

810.4%
ODI 10447106 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ONLY ILLUMINATE PARTIALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE CONVERTIBLE MODELS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Look up ODI 10447106 at NHTSA ↗

515.2%
ODI 10551438 · 63,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE PASSENGER FRONT HEADLIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SUDDEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT IGNITER, CONTROLLER, AND BULB HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

Look up ODI 10551438 at NHTSA ↗

25.9%
ODI 10956935

PASSENGER-SIDE REAR TAILLIGHT/BRAKE LIGHT ERROR, RESULTING IN DASH LIGHT AND LED TAILLIGHT NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED.

Look up ODI 10956935 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

89.8%
ODI 10319267 · 65,000 mi

2:00 PM I LEFT GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO TO GO TO A MEETING AT 49TH AND NOME STREET. I ARRIVED AT MY MEETING IN MY BMW AT APPROXIMATELY AT 2:30 WITH NO PROBLEMS OR INDICATIONS OF PROBLEMS. 4:00 PM I LEFT THE MEETING. THEN I SMELLED SOMETHING WITH A DISTINCT ODOR 4:08 PM I DROVE ONTO EAST BOUND I-70 AND CONTINUED ON I-70 UNTIL THE RAMP TO SOUTHBOUND I-225, APPROXIMATELY ONE MILE OR SO. I WAS GOING ABOUT 55 MPH AND THERE WAS NOT MUCH TRAFFIC AT THIS TIME. MY WINDOWS WERE ROLLED UP AND I HAD THE RADIO ON. I DID NOT HAVE ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC E…

Look up ODI 10319267 at NHTSA ↗

48.7%
ODI 10180938 · 61,000 mi

AFTER DRIVING MY 2002 BMW X 5 FIVE BLOCKS FROM MY HOME, I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND PARKED THE CAR. FROM THE TIME IT TOOK ME TO GET OUT AND WALK TO THE REAR OF THE CAR, IT WAS FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE AND IN SHORT ORDER THE CAR BURNED. MY INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED IT A TOTAL LOSS AND HIRED AN INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL COMPANY THAT SPECIALIZES IN VEHICLE FIRES AND CAUSATION. THE CONCLUSSION OF THE REPORT WAS THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, ORIGINATING IN THE CENTER OF THE DASH. I HAVE SINCE RESEARCHED THIS SITUATION WITH BMW FIRES ON DIFFER…

Look up ODI 10180938 at NHTSA ↗

316.7%
ODI 10505303 · 120,000 mi

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. I HAD SOMEBODY COME TO PICK HER UP AFTER OVER 3 HOURS. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANOTHER CAR THAT WILL NOT UNLOCK AT LEAST MANUALLY WHEN YOU PULL THE DOOR LEVER ON THE INSIDE OR LIFT THE LOCK MECHANISM MANUALLY. NEXT DAY THE LOCK WORKED IN THE MORNING BUT AS…

Look up ODI 10505303 at NHTSA ↗

56.5%
ODI 10089465 · 6,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SOFTWARE MALFUNCTIONED. *AK POWER LOSS ISSUE. *SC

Look up ODI 10089465 at NHTSA ↗

26.1%
ODI 11362589 · 84,000 mi

I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR A WHILE. I WAS STATIONARY WHILE I DISCOVERED THE FOLLOWING. DOOR LOCKS DID NOT WORK CONSISTENTLY WITH THE KEY FOB, CONVERTIBLE TOP ALSO, WINDOWS SOMETIMES WORKED, WIPERS ALSO. I READ FORUMS TO REALIZE THE GENERAL MODULE FAILED RELAYS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. THIS KNOWN PROBLEM ENDANGERS THE OPERATOR, PASSENGERS, AND THE PUBLIC, AND A RECALL AND REDESIGN SHOULD BE ORDERED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC. I TRIED TO ADD PICTURES, BUT THE FORM CRASHES.

Look up ODI 11362589 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

78.5%
ODI 10086860 · 64,000 mi

I BOUGHT A 2001 BMW 330CIC [XXX] IN OCT. OF 2003 FROM A PRIVATE PERSON. BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR I PAID ~$200 TO A BMW DEALER AND GOT IT CHECKED FOR MAJOR PROBLEMS BECAUSE THE CAR HAD ~ 53K MILES ON IT AND THEY SAID NO PROBLEMS. HENCE I WENT AND BOUGHT THE CAR FROM THIS PRIVATE OWNER. JUST AFTER 2 MONTHS I HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT CONTROL BUSHINGS THAT COST ME ABOUT ~$500 AND AFTER ANOTHER 2 MONTHS THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT BAD. I PAID ABOUT $800 FOR THE REPLACEMENT AND PARTS. NOW JUST A FEW DAYS AGO THE CAR STOPPED DRIVING IN REVERSE. I HAV…

Look up ODI 10086860 at NHTSA ↗

12.2%
ODI 10300379 · 81,000 mi

ABOUT THREE MONTHS AGO, I HAD MY 2002 BMW 330CI SERVICED AT BEVERLY HILLS BMW. DURING THAT $700+ SERVICE, THEY PERFORMED AN INSPECTION THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO COVER EVERY MAJOR PART OF THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE TRANSMISSION. YESTERDAY, I HAD A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WHEN I ASKED BMW WHY THEY DIDN\'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION DURING THEIR $700+ INSPECTION, I WAS TOLD THEY CAN\'T PREDICT WHEN PARTS ARE GOING TO FAIL. WHICH BEGS THE QUESTION -- WHY DID I PAY $700+ FOR AN INSPECTION THAT CAN TELL WHEN SOMETHING IS ABOUT TO G…

Look up ODI 10300379 at NHTSA ↗

15.6%
ODI 10378147 · 101,000 mi

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 VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 101,000.

Look up ODI 10378147 at NHTSA ↗

810.4%
ODI 10058256

BRAND NEW 2004 CAR. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - USUALLY HAPPENS ONCE A DAY IN THE EARLY MORNING. COLD START, WHEN SHIFTING THE CAR INTO "DRIVE", IT TAKES A FEW SECONDS FOR "D" TO ENGAGE AND MUST REV UP TO 2000-4000 RPM TO GO FORWARD. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN STARTING ON STEEP ROADS BECAUSE THE CAR WILL SLIP BACKWARDS FOR A FEW SECONDS. IT FIRST OCCUR ON MY NEW CAR AROUND 400 MILES AND HAS OCCUR MANY TIMES, ON AND OFF, FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS. IT HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH 2003 AND 2004 BMW AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. NO REAL SOLUTIONS FROM DEA…

Look up ODI 10058256 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.2%
ODI 10373126 · 50,000 mi

2002 BMW 330CIC. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE GEARS DO NOT ALWAYS SHIFT DOWN WHEN NEEDING TO STOP, OFTEN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD AND CONTINUE AT THE SAME SPEED. *TGW THE DEALER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS A DEFECTIVE VANOS UNIT WHICH CONTROLLED THE CAMSHAFT AND IS PART OF THE ENGINE. *JB

Look up ODI 10373126 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1013.0%
ODI 10054249 · 190 mi

WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY, THE ENGINE RATTLED AND THE CAR LOST ENGINE POWER; THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. THE CAR BECAME IMMEDIATELY UN DRIVABLE. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT ONE OF THE CYLINDERS IN THE CAR MISFIRED AND COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN, SENDING THE ENGINE INTO A COMPLETE UNBALANCE. *CB

Look up ODI 10054249 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel System, Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

89.8%
ODI 10317771 · 64,010 mi

FUEL GAUGE READS 1/4 TANK OFF FROM THE CORRECT LEVEL. THIS CAUSE DRIVERS TO ASSUME THAT THEY STILL HAVE GAS BUT THEY REALLY EMPTY AND IF HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS AND KILL PEOPLE. IT HAPPENED TO ME GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE SO IT WAS ON LOW SPEED SO THE CAR STOPPED AND LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND KEPT DISTANCE AND COULD STOP WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENTS. CONTACT THE DEALER AND INDEPENDENT BMW SERVICE REVEAL THAT IT IS A COMMON ISSUE ON THOSE YEARS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL GAGE FLOATERS ( THERE ARE 2 OF THEM) BUT BMW DECIDED NOT TO RECAL…

Look up ODI 10317771 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

33.9%
ODI 10303001 · 91,261 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 BMW 330CI WHEN SUDDENLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING MY ENGINE STOPPED WORKING, WHICH RESULTED IN NO ENGINE POWER, NO POWER BRAKES AND NO POWER STEERING. IT WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST BMW DEALER WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED.*CW

Look up ODI 10303001 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel/Propulsion System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

89.8%
ODI 10461105 · 143,323 mi

WHILE EXITING THE FREEWAY AT NEAR FREEWAY SPEEDS, I HEARD A SUDDEN THUMP, THEN THE SOUND OF SOMETHING DRAGGING ON THE GROUND BENEATH THE CAR. I PULLED OVER INTO A PARKING LOT. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE 4 TINY SPOT WELDS AND EPOXY THAT FIXES THE PASSENGER SIDE FUEL TANK STRAP TO THE CAR HAD BROKEN FREE, ALLOWING THE TANK STRAP TO DRAG ON THE GROUND AND THE FUEL TANK TO COME DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO THE ROAD SURFACE. I HAD JUST FILLED THE TANK. *JS

Look up ODI 10461105 at NHTSA ↗

12.2%
ODI 10609995 · 138,000 mi

THREE OF THE SIX FUEL INJECTORS STARTED LEAKING AT THE BODY/WIRING TERMINALS. ONE INJECTOR WAS LEAKING ENOUGH TO WITNESS A FREQUENT DRIP (APPROXIMATELY ONE DROP/SECOND) FROM THE BODY, AND THE OTHER TWO WERE VISIBLY WET (HAVE VIDEO OF THIS, AS WELL). LEAK OCCURRED ANY TIME THE FUEL RAIL WAS PRESSURIZED OR THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. SMELL OF FUEL BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WERE WHAT PROMPTED INSPECTION. ISSUE WAS SOLVED BY REPLACING ALL THREE LEAKY INJECTORS WITH NEW ONES (NO ISSUE FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS NOW). AM CONCERNED, NOT O…

Look up ODI 10609995 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

44.9%
ODI 10459867 · 95,300 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. IN ADDITION, THE COOLING FAN WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE COOLING FAN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V206000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Look up ODI 10459867 at NHTSA ↗

24.3%
ODI 10463253 · 110,000 mi

CAR WAS DRIVEN DAILY. PARKED IN GARAGE AT 6:30PM. AT 7:20AM THE FOLLOWING DAY IT WAS NOTICED THAT A WHITE VAPOR/SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT GRILL OF THE BMW 330CI. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN STARTED SINCE BEING PARKED THE EVENING BEFORE. WITHIN MINUTES, THE WHITE VAPOR TURNED INTO HEAVY BLACK SMOKE AND THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. (FLAMES WERE VISIBLE FROM BENEATH THE CAR AS IT WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE) THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AT THE FIRST NOTICE OF VAPOR AND FIREMEN ARRIVED 12 - 18 MIN. LATER, AT WHICH TI…

Look up ODI 10463253 at NHTSA ↗

15.6%
ODI 11350004

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.

Look up ODI 11350004 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.9%
ODI 11066685 · 120,000 mi

THIS ISSUE IS WITH THE PISTON RINGS OF THE BMW M54 ENGINE. IT BURNS OIL AT A CRAZY RATE AND ONLY NOW ARE PEOPLE FINALLY FIGURING OUT THAT THIS IS THE ISSUE. BMW LISTS SEVERAL OTHER FIXES FOR THE OIL BURNING ISSUE, BUT NONE OF THEM SOLVE THE PROBLEM CAUSING THE OWNER TO SEEK REPAIRS THAT DON'T SOLVE THE ISSUE. BMW STATES THAT IT IS "NORMAL" FOR THE M54 ENGINE TO BURN UP TO 1 QUART OF OIL FOR EVERY 1000 MILES. THIS ENGINE IS IN MANY DIFFERENT BMW MODELS AND MANY OWNERS ARE EFFECTED. MY CAR NOW BURNS ABOUT 1 QUART FOR EVERY 500 MILES I DRIVE.…

Look up ODI 11066685 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air BagsToo few reports for a range80,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10350622 · 47,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED SHE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A TRAILER AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FROM ITS HOUSING BUT DID NOT INFLATE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BUT WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.

Look up ODI 10350622 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10575208 · 99,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG AND THE ROOF AIR BAG DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THERE WAS SOME TYPE OF IMPACT MADE WITH THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH TRIGGERED THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

Look up ODI 10575208 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10715944 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, 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 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 NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Look up ODI 10715944 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range110,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10180938 · 61,000 mi

AFTER DRIVING MY 2002 BMW X 5 FIVE BLOCKS FROM MY HOME, I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND PARKED THE CAR. FROM THE TIME IT TOOK ME TO GET OUT AND WALK TO THE REAR OF THE CAR, IT WAS FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE AND IN SHORT ORDER THE CAR BURNED. MY INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED IT A TOTAL LOSS AND HIRED AN INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL COMPANY THAT SPECIALIZES IN VEHICLE FIRES AND CAUSATION. THE CONCLUSSION OF THE REPORT WAS THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, ORIGINATING IN THE CENTER OF THE DASH. I HAVE SINCE RESEARCHED THIS SITUATION WITH BMW FIRES ON DIFFER…

Look up ODI 10180938 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10463253 · 110,000 mi

CAR WAS DRIVEN DAILY. PARKED IN GARAGE AT 6:30PM. AT 7:20AM THE FOLLOWING DAY IT WAS NOTICED THAT A WHITE VAPOR/SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT GRILL OF THE BMW 330CI. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN STARTED SINCE BEING PARKED THE EVENING BEFORE. WITHIN MINUTES, THE WHITE VAPOR TURNED INTO HEAVY BLACK SMOKE AND THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. (FLAMES WERE VISIBLE FROM BENEATH THE CAR AS IT WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE) THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AT THE FIRST NOTICE OF VAPOR AND FIREMEN ARRIVED 12 - 18 MIN. LATER, AT WHICH TI…

Look up ODI 10463253 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10468332 · 115,000 mi

THIS CAR IS 2002 BMW 330CI. I NOTICED THAT THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT A TAIL LIGHT OR BRAKE LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. I REPLACED THE BULBS, HOWEVER, THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS PLUG HAD SOME DAMAGE IN THE MIDDLE AND LIGHTING ASSEMBLY ON THE RIGHT HAD A CONNECTOR IN THE MIDDLE GONE. MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE RECALL CENTER WHO STATED MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED. I NOTICED A LOT OF THE BMW MODELS WERE COVERED INCLUDING 330I AND THE…

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SeatsToo few reports for a range117,250 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10342288 · 135,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 BMW 330CI. THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS AN ELECTRIC SPORT SEAT AND NO LONGER GOES MOVED FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT WOULD RECLINE, BUT HE COULD NOT ADJUST IT FOR THE PROPER LEG ROOM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 135000.

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ODI 10465958 · 99,500 mi

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT, AN ELECTRIC SPORT SEAT UPGRADE, WILL NO LONGER MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE. THE SEAT WILL STILL RECLINE BUT CANNOT BE ADJUSTED FOR PROPER LEG ROOM. THE MILEAGE WAS 99,500. *TR

Look up ODI 10465958 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range109,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10463253 · 110,000 mi

CAR WAS DRIVEN DAILY. PARKED IN GARAGE AT 6:30PM. AT 7:20AM THE FOLLOWING DAY IT WAS NOTICED THAT A WHITE VAPOR/SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT GRILL OF THE BMW 330CI. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN STARTED SINCE BEING PARKED THE EVENING BEFORE. WITHIN MINUTES, THE WHITE VAPOR TURNED INTO HEAVY BLACK SMOKE AND THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. (FLAMES WERE VISIBLE FROM BENEATH THE CAR AS IT WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE) THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AT THE FIRST NOTICE OF VAPOR AND FIREMEN ARRIVED 12 - 18 MIN. LATER, AT WHICH TI…

Look up ODI 10463253 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10484083 · 108,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE SET AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I GOT A SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON. *TR

Look up ODI 10484083 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range96,451 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10466509 · 77,902 mi

I FOUND THAT MY REVERSE LIGHT WAS OUT LATE IN JULY AND TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST BMW DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. I'VE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT IN THE E46 MODEL AND I AM WONDERING IF THERE IS SOME KIND OF RECALL OR COMPENSATION FOR THE INADEQUACY OF THE REAR LIGHTS IN THIS MODEL. *TR

Look up ODI 10466509 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10468332 · 115,000 mi

THIS CAR IS 2002 BMW 330CI. I NOTICED THAT THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT A TAIL LIGHT OR BRAKE LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. I REPLACED THE BULBS, HOWEVER, THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS PLUG HAD SOME DAMAGE IN THE MIDDLE AND LIGHTING ASSEMBLY ON THE RIGHT HAD A CONNECTOR IN THE MIDDLE GONE. MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE RECALL CENTER WHO STATED MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED. I NOTICED A LOT OF THE BMW MODELS WERE COVERED INCLUDING 330I AND THE…

Look up ODI 10468332 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting:Tail LightsToo few reports for a range147,633 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10192762 · 53,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT A TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. HE REPLACED THE BULBS, HOWEVER, THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS PLUG WAS MELTED. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 57,626 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

Look up ODI 10192762 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11142404 · 242,266 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WENT OUT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BROWN WIRE CONNECTED TO THE TAIL LIGHT HAD MELTED. THE DEALER (BMW OF FAIRFAX, 8427 LEE HWY, FAIRFAX, VA 22031) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 242,266.

Look up ODI 11142404 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Side/WindowToo few reports for a range99,477 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10319429 · 99,477 mi

THE INCIDENT OCCURRED JUST AFTER MERGING ONTO THE INNER-LOOP 495 NORTH-BOUND FROM WEST-BOUND HIGHWAY 50, BETWEEN HIGHWAY 50 AND 66, IN FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA. DURING THE MERGE, I ACCELERATED MY VEHICLE TO EQUAL TO THE SPEED OF TRAFFIC WHILE MAINTAINING MY POSITION IN THE ON/OFF-LANE USED FOR THE 50/60 MERGER. BECAUSE I WAS CONTINUING NORTH-BOUND ON 495 TOWARDS TYSON'S CORNER, I STARTED PROCEDURES TO EXIT THE 66 ON-LANE AND MERGE INTO NORTH-BOUND 495 TRAFFIC. THESE PROCEDURES INCLUDED CHECKING BOTH MY SIDE AND REAR-VIEW MIRRORS AS WELL AS MY BLIND SP…

Look up ODI 10319429 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Wiring: Rear Compartment/TrunkToo few reports for a range74,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10194154 · 74,000 mi

DASH INDICATED TAILLIGHT WAS OUT WHEN IT WASN'T, THIS WAS RANDOM ON AND OFF FOR A FEW MONTHS. AFTER A FEW MONTHS THE DASH PANEL INDICATOR LIGHT STAYED ON. AS I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY I NOTICED THE SMELL OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE TRUNK. I STOPPED, AND NOTICED THE MELTED WIRES FROM THE TAIL LIGHT HARNESS. AS I LOOKED AT THEM I COULD SEE THEM SPARKING WHEN CERTAIN MOVEMENTS OCCURRED., VERY DANGEROUSLY AND ERRATIC. BOTH MALE AND FEMALE SIDES MELTED. I HAVE NOTICED THE OTHER SIDE WAS BEGINNING TO HAVE THE SAME SYMPTOMS, RANDOM INDICATIONS OF A TAIL LIG…

Look up ODI 10194154 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 22 reports

2005: 1 complaints · 2006: 2 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2005011
2006122
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20053300
20063400

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsElectrical SystemSeatsEngineExterior LightingExterior Lighting:Tail LightsAir Bags:Side/WindowElectrical System:Wiring: Rear Compartment/Trunk
Air Bags—
1
ODI 11575204

My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver when parked in front of my house. He took out six cars in a row. Heard a loud noise about 2 am - looked out the window and saw nothing. But then the fire trucks showed up after someone called them when they heard the bang. according to the firemen, it was probably caused by an electrical fire even though there were no visible flames. but the inside was filled wit…

Look up ODI 11575204 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11575204

My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver when parked in front of my house. He took out six cars in a row. Heard a loud noise about 2 am - looked out the window and saw nothing. But then the fire trucks showed up after someone called them when they heard the bang. according to the firemen, it was probably caused by an electrical fire even though there were no visible flames. but the inside was filled wit…

Look up ODI 11575204 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Electrical System
1
ODI 11575204

My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver when parked in front of my house. He took out six cars in a row. Heard a loud noise about 2 am - looked out the window and saw nothing. But then the fire trucks showed up after someone called them when they heard the bang. according to the firemen, it was probably caused by an electrical fire even though there were no visible flames. but the inside was filled wit…

Look up ODI 11575204 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 11575204

My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver when parked in front of my house. He took out six cars in a row. Heard a loud noise about 2 am - looked out the window and saw nothing. But then the fire trucks showed up after someone called them when they heard the bang. according to the firemen, it was probably caused by an electrical fire even though there were no visible flames. but the inside was filled wit…

Look up ODI 11575204 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10463253 · 110,000 mi

CAR WAS DRIVEN DAILY. PARKED IN GARAGE AT 6:30PM. AT 7:20AM THE FOLLOWING DAY IT WAS NOTICED THAT A WHITE VAPOR/SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT GRILL OF THE BMW 330CI. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN STARTED SINCE BEING PARKED THE EVENING BEFORE. WITHIN MINUTES, THE WHITE VAPOR TURNED INTO HEAVY BLACK SMOKE AND THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. (FLAMES WERE VISIBLE FROM BENEATH THE CAR AS IT WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE) THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AT THE FIRST NOTICE OF VAPOR AND FIREMEN ARRIVED 12 - 18 MIN. LATER, AT WHICH TI…

Look up ODI 10463253 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10468332 · 115,000 mi

THIS CAR IS 2002 BMW 330CI. I NOTICED THAT THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT A TAIL LIGHT OR BRAKE LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. I REPLACED THE BULBS, HOWEVER, THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS PLUG HAD SOME DAMAGE IN THE MIDDLE AND LIGHTING ASSEMBLY ON THE RIGHT HAD A CONNECTOR IN THE MIDDLE GONE. MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE RECALL CENTER WHO STATED MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED. I NOTICED A LOT OF THE BMW MODELS WERE COVERED INCLUDING 330I AND THE…

Look up ODI 10468332 at NHTSA ↗

000
Seats
1
ODI 11575204

My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver when parked in front of my house. He took out six cars in a row. Heard a loud noise about 2 am - looked out the window and saw nothing. But then the fire trucks showed up after someone called them when they heard the bang. according to the firemen, it was probably caused by an electrical fire even though there were no visible flames. but the inside was filled wit…

Look up ODI 11575204 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11575204

My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver when parked in front of my house. He took out six cars in a row. Heard a loud noise about 2 am - looked out the window and saw nothing. But then the fire trucks showed up after someone called them when they heard the bang. according to the firemen, it was probably caused by an electrical fire even though there were no visible flames. but the inside was filled wit…

Look up ODI 11575204 at NHTSA ↗

—00000
Engine0
1
ODI 10463253 · 110,000 mi

CAR WAS DRIVEN DAILY. PARKED IN GARAGE AT 6:30PM. AT 7:20AM THE FOLLOWING DAY IT WAS NOTICED THAT A WHITE VAPOR/SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT GRILL OF THE BMW 330CI. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN STARTED SINCE BEING PARKED THE EVENING BEFORE. WITHIN MINUTES, THE WHITE VAPOR TURNED INTO HEAVY BLACK SMOKE AND THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. (FLAMES WERE VISIBLE FROM BENEATH THE CAR AS IT WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE) THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AT THE FIRST NOTICE OF VAPOR AND FIREMEN ARRIVED 12 - 18 MIN. LATER, AT WHICH TI…

Look up ODI 10463253 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
Exterior Lighting0
1
ODI 10468332 · 115,000 mi

THIS CAR IS 2002 BMW 330CI. I NOTICED THAT THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT A TAIL LIGHT OR BRAKE LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. I REPLACED THE BULBS, HOWEVER, THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS PLUG HAD SOME DAMAGE IN THE MIDDLE AND LIGHTING ASSEMBLY ON THE RIGHT HAD A CONNECTOR IN THE MIDDLE GONE. MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE RECALL CENTER WHO STATED MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED. I NOTICED A LOT OF THE BMW MODELS WERE COVERED INCLUDING 330I AND THE…

Look up ODI 10468332 at NHTSA ↗

00—000
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights00000—00
Air Bags:Side/Window000000—0
Electrical System:Wiring: Rear Compartment/Trunk0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

3 mentions · 6.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 115,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10192762 · 53,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT A TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. HE REPLACED THE BULBS, HOWEVER, THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS PLUG WAS MELTED. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 57,626 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

Look up ODI 10192762 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10468332 · 115,000 mi

THIS CAR IS 2002 BMW 330CI. I NOTICED THAT THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT A TAIL LIGHT OR BRAKE LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. I REPLACED THE BULBS, HOWEVER, THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS PLUG HAD SOME DAMAGE IN THE MIDDLE AND LIGHTING ASSEMBLY ON THE RIGHT HAD A CONNECTOR IN THE MIDDLE GONE. MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE RECALL CENTER WHO STATED MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED. I NOTICED A LOT OF THE BMW MODELS WERE COVERED INCLUDING 330I AND THE…

Look up ODI 10468332 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10715944 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, 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 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 NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Look up ODI 10715944 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 2.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 138,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10609995 · 138,000 mi

THREE OF THE SIX FUEL INJECTORS STARTED LEAKING AT THE BODY/WIRING TERMINALS. ONE INJECTOR WAS LEAKING ENOUGH TO WITNESS A FREQUENT DRIP (APPROXIMATELY ONE DROP/SECOND) FROM THE BODY, AND THE OTHER TWO WERE VISIBLY WET (HAVE VIDEO OF THIS, AS WELL). LEAK OCCURRED ANY TIME THE FUEL RAIL WAS PRESSURIZED OR THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. SMELL OF FUEL BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WERE WHAT PROMPTED INSPECTION. ISSUE WAS SOLVED BY REPLACING ALL THREE LEAKY INJECTORS WITH NEW ONES (NO ISSUE FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS NOW). AM CONCERNED, NOT O…

Look up ODI 10609995 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 2.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 50,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10373126 · 50,000 mi

2002 BMW 330CIC. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE GEARS DO NOT ALWAYS SHIFT DOWN WHEN NEEDING TO STOP, OFTEN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD AND CONTINUE AT THE SAME SPEED. *TGW THE DEALER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS A DEFECTIVE VANOS UNIT WHICH CONTROLLED THE CAMSHAFT AND IS PART OF THE ENGINE. *JB

Look up ODI 10373126 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 2.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 2,600 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10197111 · 2,600 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON AN EXPRESSWAY APPROX. 55 MPH WHEN THE CAR STALLED. TURNED OFF IGNITION AND RESTARTED CAR. I COULD ONLY DRIVE 30 MPH AND TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER. THE CAR HAS ONLY 26,000 MILES. I WAS TOLD THE WIRING HARNESS AND THROTTLE BODY HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $ 1700.00 BUT THE WARRANTY WAS UP LAST YEAR. THERE WAS TSB ISSUED IN 2003. WHY WEREN'T THE OWNERS TOLD ABOUT THIS? *JB

Look up ODI 10197111 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b