U.S. public vehicle records

2004 Bmw 330CI: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

77 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

51,673 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 48 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 28 of 77 complaints (36.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	11	14.3%
Engine operation	10	13.0%
Braking behavior	6	7.8%
Electrical and battery issues	6	7.8%
Fuel system concerns	4	5.2%
Steering behavior	2	2.6%

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

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Exterior Lighting

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Electrical System

Engine And Engine Cooling

Fuel System, Gasoline

Air Bags:Side/Window

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Air Bags	28
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	10
Exterior Lighting	8
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	8
Electrical System	5
Engine And Engine Cooling	3
Fuel System, Gasoline	3
Air Bags:Side/Window	2

Air Bags: 28; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 10; Exterior Lighting: 8; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 8; Electrical System: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling: 3; Fuel System, Gasoline: 3; Air Bags:Side/Window: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 16; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 9; 150,000 and above: 4

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (16). 29 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.

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2024

2025

2004: 21; 2005: 1; 2006: 1; 2007: 1; 2008: 3; 2009: 2; 2010: 4; 2011: 3; 2012: 3; 2013: 2; 2014: 3; 2015: 13; 2016: 12; 2017: 4; 2018: 1; 2019: 1; 2024: 1; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 11 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 10 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 6 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 10054249 · 2004-01-16 (January 16, 2004)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 190 miles reported. Look up ODI 10054249 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10058256 · 2004-02-16 (February 16, 2004)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10058256 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10058416 · 2004-02-18 (February 18, 2004)

I OWN A 2004 BMW 330CI. DRIVING IN REVERSE OUT OF MY GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, THEN SHIFTING TO DRIVE WHEN I REACH THE STREET, THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE UNTIL ABOUT 3-10 SECONDS. THE CAR WILL ROLL FREELY DURING THIS TIME AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. I HAVE NOT HAD AN INCIDENT OR CRASH, BUT FEAR IT IS A POSSIBILITY IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR ON A HILL OR IF A CAR WERE TO APPROACH AND I COULDN'T GET OUT OF THE WAY. I CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP CONCERNING THIS AND THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT, DESPITE NUMEROUS REPORTS I HAVE R…

Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10058416 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10058565 · 2004-02-20 (February 20, 2004)

TRANSMISSION DOES NOT INGAGE IN FORWARD DIRECTION FOR 30 SECONDS WHEN CAR IS COLD.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 1,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10058565 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10058567 · 2004-02-20 (February 20, 2004)

CAR HAS DELAY WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD ON COLD STARTS. CAR DOWNSHIFT HARD UNDER BRAKING. CAR REVS HIGH ON QUICK ACCELERATION.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10058567 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10058875 · 2004-02-24 (February 24, 2004)

CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AT LOW, INTERMIDIATE AND HIGH SPEED. CAR WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY, SPUTTERED, THEN BECOME UNDRIVABLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. BROUGHT IN TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD CAR HAS MISFIRED. DEALER PROCEEDED TO REPAIR PROBLEM BY REPROGRAMMING COMPUTER CHIP PER MANUFACTURER'S SERVICE BULLETIN. WAS TOLD THE CAR IS FIXED AND SAFE TO DRIVE. 200 MILES AND ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEED, THE PROBLEM RESURFACED. WAS TOWWED BACK TO THE DEALER NAD WAS TOLD THAT THE AIR FLOW SENSOR AND SOEMTHING ELSE WAS THE ISSUE. REPLACES BOTH PARTS. …

Owner-reported narrative. 1,499 miles reported. Look up ODI 10058875 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10059016 · 2004-02-26 (February 26, 2004)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEM OF BMW 2004 330CI. AFTER COLD START TRANSMISSION ENGAGED WITH SIGNIFICANT DELAY (~5 SEC.) . *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10059016 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10060205 · 2004-03-02 (March 2, 2004)

WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD (TYPICALLY IN THE MORNING) WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, ONCE THE CAR IS THEN SHIFTED FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE THERE IS A VERY NOTICEABLE DELAY IN THE TIME IT TAKES FOR THE CAR TO ACTUALLY ENGAGE INTO DRIVE (5 TO 7 SECONDS OR SO). DEALER FOUND AN INTERNAL FAILURE AND REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. DEALER STATED THAT AT LEAST 12 OTHER 3-SERIES BMW'S HAD A FAILED TRANSMISSION AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR DEALER. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10060205 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

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

77 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

62.3%Usable mileage48 / 77 records

100.0%Valid incident date77 / 77 records

100.0%Valid filing date77 / 77 records

98.7%Ordered incident and filing dates76 / 77 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.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
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
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Air Bags	58,000–147,000 mi	76,926 mi	9	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 ↗ ODI 10261311 · 45,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATORS REMAIN ILLUMINATED FOR BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. Look up ODI 10261311 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10631541 · 150,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE SENSOR TURNED ON AND OFF WHILE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. Look up ODI 10631541 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	3,000–35,643 mi	5,000 mi	9	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 ↗ ODI 10062056 · 6,100 mi I HAVE A 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION 330CIC AND WHEN I PUT THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL AT A STOP THE ENGINE RPM WOULD DIP DRASTICALLY AND STALLS SEVERAL TIMES IN TRAFFIC. PERIODICALLY THE ENGINE RPM WOULD DIP SO RAPIDLY THAT THE ENGINE STALLS FROM IDLE POSITION. THIS CAN HAPPEN IN THE DRIVEWAY OR ON A ROAD AT AN 4-WAY LIGHT. BASICALLY ANYTIME THE ENGINE IS AT IDLE THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR STALLING. I EXPERIENCED STALLS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AS WELL AS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT.AK Look up ODI 10062056 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10064439 · 3,000 mi CAR STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AT RED LIGHTS. RPM DROPPED WITH NO WARNING. ALSO EXPERIENCE ROUGH IDLING WHEN AT COMPLETE STOP. *JB Look up ODI 10064439 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	83,500–117,000 mi	108,000 mi	7	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 ↗ ODI 10449431 · 35,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL WOULD BEGIN TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. Look up ODI 10449431 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10520696 · 108,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BLINKER WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000. *TR Look up ODI 10520696 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Too few reports for a range	2,050 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10058416 · 3,000 mi I OWN A 2004 BMW 330CI. DRIVING IN REVERSE OUT OF MY GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, THEN SHIFTING TO DRIVE WHEN I REACH THE STREET, THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE UNTIL ABOUT 3-10 SECONDS. THE CAR WILL ROLL FREELY DURING THIS TIME AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. I HAVE NOT HAD AN INCIDENT OR CRASH, BUT FEAR IT IS A POSSIBILITY IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR ON A HILL OR IF A CAR WERE TO APPROACH AND I COULDN'T GET OUT OF THE WAY. I CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP CONCERNING THIS AND THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT, DESPITE NUMEROUS REPORTS I HAVE R… Look up ODI 10058416 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10058565 · 1,100 mi TRANSMISSION DOES NOT INGAGE IN FORWARD DIRECTION FOR 30 SECONDS WHEN CAR IS COLD.AK Look up ODI 10058565 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10058567 · 1,000 mi CAR HAS DELAY WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD ON COLD STARTS. CAR DOWNSHIFT HARD UNDER BRAKING. CAR REVS HIGH ON QUICK ACCELERATION.AK Look up ODI 10058567 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	121,127–145,000 mi	135,000 mi	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 ↗ ODI 10822765 · 145,000 mi IGNITION SYSTEM: VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY STALLED WHILE IN MOTION AT LOW AND HIGH VELOCITY SPEED. HAD TO COMPLETELY TURN THE IGNITION TO OFF POSITION TO BE ABLE TO RESTART. I HAVE BEEN KEEPING TRACK ON HOW OFTEN THIS HAPPENS. SO FAR 11 TIMES SINCE OWNERSHIP. Look up ODI 10822765 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10885741 · 150,000 mi HEADLIGHT WIRING JACKETS FLAKED OFF. HAD THE BALLAST AND BULB REPLACED IN PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT, BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHT NO LONGER WORKED. NOTICED THAT THE WIRING WAS BARE & LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE HAD CLIPPED 2 OF THE WIRES. AFTER REPLACING BOTH THE BALLAST & HEADLIGHT IT STILL DID NOT WORK. BUT A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER, TURNED ON THE HEADLIGHTS AND NOW IT WORKS AGAIN. I KNOW THIS IS NOT SAFE, I SEE WHERE OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. NOT SURE HOW TO GET THE NEW WIRING FOR THE HEADLIGHT OR DOES THE WHOLE THING NEED REPLACED? IT SHOULD BE A… Look up ODI 10885741 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	Too few reports for a range	3,010 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10058875 · 1,499 mi CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AT LOW, INTERMIDIATE AND HIGH SPEED. CAR WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY, SPUTTERED, THEN BECOME UNDRIVABLE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. BROUGHT IN TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD CAR HAS MISFIRED. DEALER PROCEEDED TO REPAIR PROBLEM BY REPROGRAMMING COMPUTER CHIP PER MANUFACTURER'S SERVICE BULLETIN. WAS TOLD THE CAR IS FIXED AND SAFE TO DRIVE. 200 MILES AND ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEED, THE PROBLEM RESURFACED. WAS TOWWED BACK TO THE DEALER NAD WAS TOLD THAT THE AIR FLOW SENSOR AND SOEMTHING ELSE WAS THE ISSUE. REPLACES BOTH PARTS. … Look up ODI 10058875 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10065933 · 3,010 mi BMW 330I EXHIBITS FREQUENT ERRATIC IDLE WHEN STOPPED, AS WELL AS ENGINE STALLING. ERRATIC IDLE IS IN THE FORM OF ENGINE SPEED DROPS BELOW 400-500 RPM. STALLING SOMETIMES OCCURS AS A RESULT OF THESE IDLE SPEED DROPS. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AMONG RECENT 330 MODEL BMW'S, AND APPARENTLY THERE IS NO KNOWN SOLUTION AT THIS TIME. JB Look up ODI 10065933 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10067889 · 5,500 mi 2004 BMW 330CI 6 SPEED MANUAL - 3.0L INLINE 6 CYL. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM - IDLE BECOMES ERRATIC AND CAR STALLS. THIS HAS HAPPENED APPROX 6-8 TIMES OVER 8 MONTHS/5000 MILES. NORMALLY HAPPENS ON WARM DAYS AND AT A STOP LIGHT/STOP SIGN. IT ONCE HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN WHICH CAUSED ME TO LOSE POWER STEERING. DEALER HAS SEEN THE CAR 3+ TIMES AND UPDATED IDLE CONTROL VALVE, AND ENGINE SOFTWARE BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS. IT IS VERY INTERMITTENT AND DOESN'T THROW ANY COMPUTER FAULT CODES.AK Look up ODI 10067889 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	Too few reports for a range	110,000 mi	3 (sparse)	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 ↗ ODI 10381165 · 122,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ON THE INSTERSTATE AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT START. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND REQUIRED A NEW FUEL PUMP WHICH COST $1,135.13. PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM, THE GAS MILEAGE DECREASED ALTHOUGH THE CAR HAD BEEN TUNED UP BY THE SAME DEALER. THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 122,000 MILES. A REQUEST WAS MADE TO RETURN THE OLD PART. TR Look up ODI 10381165 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10456649 · 110,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE SIMILAR FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10456649 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Side/Window	Too few reports for a range	40,045 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10343767 · 40,045 mi SPONTANEOUS DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG. NO POT HOLE; NO COLLISION. SPONTANEOUS DEPLOYMENT. ONSTAR (OR BMW EQUIVALENT) ACKNOWLEDGED DEPLOYMENT. ASKED IF I NEEDED AN AMBULANCE OR TOW TRUCK. I FELT LIKE I WAS "SHOT" THROUGH THE DRIVER'S DOOR. VEHICLE BECAME "DISABLED". IT STARTED RIGHT UP AND I CONTINUED TO MY DESTINATION. WHEN BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO BMW WITH MY STORY, THEY TOLD ME I MUST HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT (NO OBVIOUS DAMAGE); THEN THEY SAID, I MUST HAVE HIT A "POT HOLE" (SMOOTH STREET OF OCCURRENCE); THEN THEY SAID MY… Look up ODI 10343767 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10378278 · 40,045 mi WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 BMW 330I, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIR BAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED. NO ACCIDENT, NO COLLISION, NO POT HOLE. NOTHING TO EXPLAIN THE DEPLOYMENT. THE DEALERSHIP FIRST CLAIMED, "THERE WAS A COLLISION". WHEN IT WAS DISCERNED THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A COLLISION, THEIR STORY WAS "THERE WAS A 'POT HOLE' HIT". AFTER DESCRIBING THE SMOOTH DRIVING CONDITIONS ON THE STREET THIS OCCURRED, THEIR STORY WAS " THE VEHICLE WENT 'AIR-BORNE'". ALL OF THE DEALERSHIPS CONCLUSIONS WERE SUPPOSED TO BE BASED ON "COMPUTER" EVIDENCE. ONCE I REA… Look up ODI 10378278 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

ComponentPeriod

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
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	1	None	ODI 11664996 · 10,000 mi The contact owns a 2004 BMW 330CI. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting to the reverse position, the engine began to rev very high, and the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove reverse into the side of the home. During the incident the vehicle the destroyed. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic but the cause of the failure was not determined and no repairs were performed. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacte… Look up ODI 11664996 at NHTSA ↗
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	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.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2005: 1 complaints · 2006: 2 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2005	0	1	1
2006	1	2	2

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2005	33	0	0
2006	34	0	0

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
Component	Air Bags	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Exterior Lighting	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Electrical System	Engine And Engine Cooling	Fuel System, Gasoline	Air Bags:Side/Window
Air Bags	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Air Bags:Side/Window	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

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.

Search patterns

6 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

13 mentions · 16.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 5,500 mi (11 usable records).

ODI 10058875 · 1,499 mi

Look up ODI 10058875 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10062056 · 6,100 mi

I HAVE A 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION 330CIC AND WHEN I PUT THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL AT A STOP THE ENGINE RPM WOULD DIP DRASTICALLY AND STALLS SEVERAL TIMES IN TRAFFIC. PERIODICALLY THE ENGINE RPM WOULD DIP SO RAPIDLY THAT THE ENGINE STALLS FROM IDLE POSITION. THIS CAN HAPPEN IN THE DRIVEWAY OR ON A ROAD AT AN 4-WAY LIGHT. BASICALLY ANYTIME THE ENGINE IS AT IDLE THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR STALLING. I EXPERIENCED STALLS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AS WELL AS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT.*AK

Look up ODI 10062056 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10064439 · 3,000 mi

CAR STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AT RED LIGHTS. RPM DROPPED WITH NO WARNING. ALSO EXPERIENCE ROUGH IDLING WHEN AT COMPLETE STOP. *JB

Look up ODI 10064439 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Hard or delayed shifting

3 mentions · 3.9% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10064525

I PURCHASED A 330I BMW IN DECEMBER OF 2003. THE CAR HAS LESS THEN 1500 MILES ON IT AND HAS DEVELOPED A HUGE PROBLEM. IN THE MORNINGS WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD, THE ENGINE WILL REV WHEN ITS IN DRIVE AND NOT GO INTO GEAR. IT TAKES QUITE A FEW SECONDS FOR IT TO ENGAGE INTO 'D'. THE CAR WILL ALSO JERK INTO 1ST GEAR AFTER IT FINALLY STARTS TO DRIVE. I HAVE JUST TAKEN MY BRAND NEW BMW INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR TEST ON IT AND UNBELIEVABLE TO MY EARS.....I GOT A PHONE CALL FROM THEM SAYING THE WHOLE ENGINE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED...."THERE IS SOME…

Look up ODI 10064525 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10189400

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE - I STARTED MY CAR, LET IT WARM UP AND MOVED THE SHIFTER TO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE JERKED (MY GLASSES FLEW OFF MY FACE) AND MADE A ROUGH GRINDING SOUND. I MOVED THE SHIFTER BACK TO PARK AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME GRINDING SENSATION AND NOISE. IT WAS TOWED AND DEALER SAID THAT THE 330CI WAS ONLY USING TWO GEARS DUE TO THE MALFUNCTION. *TR

Look up ODI 10189400 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11575028

While backing out of a short driveway and placed t to drive, the vehicle revved and started speeding out of control with brakes applied. The vehicle sideswiped a neighbors vehicle before crashing head on into a tree causing it to stop. I had jerked up the emergency brake and ripped the key out of the ignition. The replaced airbags did not deploy.

Look up ODI 11575028 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

3 mentions · 3.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 190 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10054249 · 190 mi

Look up ODI 10054249 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10058875 · 1,499 mi

Look up ODI 10058875 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10064475 · 50 mi

THE CAR (2004 330I ZHP) OFTEN SHUDDERS AT START UP WITH AN ERRATIC IDLE AND CONTINUES TO DO SO EVEN WHEN WARM. THERE ARE NO COMPUTER FAULT CODES AND NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. IT FEELS AS IF IT IS READY TO STALL AT ANY GIVEN TIME WITH SEVERE IDLE FLUCTUATIONS OF 100-200 RPM'S DURING STOPS. PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD ACROSS DOZENS OF ZHP (PERFORMANCE PACKAGE) OWNERS AS WELL AS MANY 2003 AND 2004 3 SERIES CAR OWNERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. *NM

Look up ODI 10064475 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 48,381 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10067889 · 5,500 mi

2004 BMW 330CI 6 SPEED MANUAL - 3.0L INLINE 6 CYL. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM - IDLE BECOMES ERRATIC AND CAR STALLS. THIS HAS HAPPENED APPROX 6-8 TIMES OVER 8 MONTHS/5000 MILES. NORMALLY HAPPENS ON WARM DAYS AND AT A STOP LIGHT/STOP SIGN. IT ONCE HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN WHICH CAUSED ME TO LOSE POWER STEERING. DEALER HAS SEEN THE CAR 3+ TIMES AND UPDATED IDLE CONTROL VALVE, AND ENGINE SOFTWARE BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS. IT IS VERY INTERMITTENT AND DOESN'T THROW ANY COMPUTER FAULT CODES.*AK

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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

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Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 122,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10381165 · 122,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INSTERSTATE AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT START. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND REQUIRED A NEW FUEL PUMP WHICH COST $1,135.13. PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM, THE GAS MILEAGE DECREASED ALTHOUGH THE CAR HAD BEEN TUNED UP BY THE SAME DEALER. THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 122,000 MILES. A REQUEST WAS MADE TO RETURN THE OLD PART. *TR

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Matching rule

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 120,000 mi (1 usable records).

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.

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Matching rule