2001 BMW 330CI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2001 BMW 330CI. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2001 BMW 330CI. Newest first.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987mza, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than dca7078 sold as replacement equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. the seal on master cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. the recall began during april 2007. owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.
On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, IS electronically controlled. failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. in addition, it IS possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fan. owner notification began september 28, 2001. this IS a supplement to a recall that began during september 2001 (see recall campaign 01v206). owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, IS electronically controlled. failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. in addition, it IS possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fan. owner notification began september 28, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Owner complaints
82 complaints6 involved a crash3 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330CI. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH at night, the front headlights were flickering on and off. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330 Ci. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a head-on crash. The contact stated he was not aware of any warning lights. The contact stated that the front end was crumpled past the wheel wells and almost to the firewall. The…
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330 Ci. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a head-on crash. The contact stated he was not aware of any warning lights. The contact stated that the front end was crumpled past the wheel wells and almost to the firewall. The front end frame had buckled. The contact stated that all the air bags had deployed except for the driver's air bag and both side curtain air bags. The contact had received cuts on both hands and had neck and back pains. The contact stated that emergency medical services had arrived but he was not treated or transported to an ER. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured, and both vehicles were towed away. The contact had his vehicle towed to his residence. The police were on the scene and had written a report. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that he had received NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V047000 (Air Bags) from the manufacturer, however, the dealer would not perform the work on his vehicle when he had attempted to set a recall appointment. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Gas tank strap that holds up the gas tank tore off on the part that is supposed to be welded on the car. One end is bolted on, the other has a welded bracket. That bracket broke off and my gas tank and bracket were dragging until I pulled off of the road. Luckily the entire gas tank didn’t fall out…
Gas tank strap that holds up the gas tank tore off on the part that is supposed to be welded on the car. One end is bolted on, the other has a welded bracket. That bracket broke off and my gas tank and bracket were dragging until I pulled off of the road. Luckily the entire gas tank didn’t fall out because if it would have, the tank would’ve broke and caused a massive spill of gas, since the tank was full of fuel. There is no warning lamps for this, a weld shouldn’t just break off, and I can’t find any replacements to fix it or replace it at all.
- Tires
Tire exploded and completely blew off the wheel while driving at 45 MPH. Yes, there are two exact Luckily the position of the vehicle, time of day, and other vehicles all aligned to prevent further destruction/collision. Yes, it was inspected today, 5.26.2021.
- Fuel/propulsion system
The welds on the front strap that holds the gas tank in place broke while driving,resulting in gas tank dropping half way during driving. There IS no other device holding the gas tank making the vehicle unsafe and inoperable.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Strap that suspends the fuel tank broke causing the fuel tank to hang and almost touch the ground. The vehicle was in motion at a slow rate of speed on a city street.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
My car had been sitting unused since 6:00pm the previous day. At 6:30am I had entered my car parked at pacific coast highway and anaheim street in long beach,ca. (Which IS a surface street). I started my car then drove a half of a block then stopped and turned off my car at the store 7/11. I went…
My car had been sitting unused since 6:00pm the previous day. At 6:30am I had entered my car parked at pacific coast highway and anaheim street in long beach,ca. (Which IS a surface street). I started my car then drove a half of a block then stopped and turned off my car at the store 7/11. I went in made a purchase came out my car. I started my car and then left 7-eleven driving down anaheim about .2-.3 miles. I came to the light at anaheim street and park. Both surface streets. I was in the turn lane to turn left onto park. I began smelling something electrical. The time was 6:40 am. I leaned my head out the window and could not smell the electrical smell outside. I discerned that this was coming from inside the car. There was no visible reason for the smell at this time.the light changed I turned left onto park. As I began to turn left white to grey smoke began coming out of the driver side vent which IS lower by door and that faces the driver. I got out of my car. I ran over to another vehicle to see if they had a fire extinguisher. He said he would find it. I returned to my car and black smoke began rolling out of the drivers side door. Flames began engulfing the dashboard. two gentleman came over, one with a fire extinguisher and began spraying into the dashboard. The other gentleman went around to the trunk and disconnected the battery. The last time I had something done to the vehicle was BMW replacing the airbag for a recall. There was no reason for the fire.
- Electrical system
Ground wire to twilights can't handle current and therefore blows out and triggers the light control module which makes the headlights flicker and die prematurely and causes lights on the dash that are in accurate
- Power train
In motion transmission down shifts, clunk then exclamation point appear next to dashboard gear indicator.1st gear disappears-therefore dangerously slow takeoff speed.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
The spark plugs and coils that where installed in my BMW at the BMW service center did not work proplerly or where installed properly they didn't even give me a warranty time frame it only ran 4,000 more miles since they did a service on it my car just stoped working it wouldn't turn on anymore I…
The spark plugs and coils that where installed in my BMW at the BMW service center did not work proplerly or where installed properly they didn't even give me a warranty time frame it only ran 4,000 more miles since they did a service on it my car just stoped working it wouldn't turn on anymore I don't want this happening to anyone else they put my life at risk and anyone in the car with me or around it could have just stoped in the middle of the street but thankfully I was at a parking lot I just would like the BMW service center to be more cautious about what they do and to repair my car the right way they used parts that stoped working.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v047000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v047000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that an appointment was scheduled with BMW of south atlanta (4171 jonesboro rd, union city, ga 30291, (770) 969-0755). Upon arrival, the contact was informed that the parts were not available and they would arrive in six weeks, which was over three months ago. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact back to the dealer. The contact had not experienced a failure. Pats distribution disconnect. *Tt
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
I bought a used 2001 BMW 330ci 2DR coupe on the date of may 5TH 2017. I had this vehicle for a very short amount of time approximately 7 weeks time. The takata air bag was present in this model, on top of that the well known overheating issue came my way. My model would overheat at the point where…
I bought a used 2001 BMW 330ci 2DR coupe on the date of may 5TH 2017. I had this vehicle for a very short amount of time approximately 7 weeks time. The takata air bag was present in this model, on top of that the well known overheating issue came my way. My model would overheat at the point where the auxiliary electrical fan would not kick in to avoid overheating. Electrical stability was at lost due to these present issues. Oddly enough the fan would actually run in reverse polarity pushing air out of the engine when it should be pulling the air in. While driving on a city street my car overheated causing me to break down, a thermostat issue could be present all of this occurred in motion.
- Air bags
Takata recall - I received a notice by mail that my car IS subject to two recalls. I will have these recalls performed at BMW dealer soon. I request being part of the class action lawsuit.
- Structure › Body
The rubber or seals around my windshield has deteriorated badly as well as side windows to. It should be the company's responsibilty to repair this problem as so many other BMW owners have the same issue it's an obvious defect for this model. Also the clear coat of the paint on this model has…
The rubber or seals around my windshield has deteriorated badly as well as side windows to. It should be the company's responsibilty to repair this problem as so many other BMW owners have the same issue it's an obvious defect for this model. Also the clear coat of the paint on this model has peeled really bad. If so many people are having these issues it's an obvious recall. I will not buy another BMW. Take care of your customers. 2001 BMW 330 ci
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Dash indicated left 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…
Dash indicated left 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. this IS extremely dangerous as it impedes the ability to warn other drivers when turning or stopping. this was brought to the dealerships attention but they do not consider this an important enough issue to replace it as part of a recall or service recovery.
- Air bags
Takata recall received notice of the safety recall for passenger's frontal air bag. excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant other occupants. I have called coggin's BMW…
Takata recall received notice of the safety recall for passenger's frontal air bag. excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant other occupants. I have called coggin's BMW, ft pierce, fl six times since then, and have been told "they are still awaiting air bag". going on two years, and have not gotten any satisfaction.
- Suspension
Rear subframe cracked despite normal driving.
- Unknown or other
Yesterday, 12/12/15, my reverse stopped working while at the gas station. It only revved when I attempted to use the reverse gear to move closer to a pump. I'm retired and need this car for my only source of getting around. And yesterday was my 73RD birthday. Recent cost to fix the car to pass smog tests cost: $2900 and 7 months without the car.
- Air bags
2001 BMW 330. consumer writes in regards to airbag recall. *smd the consumer stated she rear ended another vehicle. However, there was no force to warrant the air bags deploying. the force of the air bags deploying was so forceful, he back was broken. *jb
- Fuel/propulsion system · Structure › Body
Support strap for gas tank broke off on passenger side and was dragging on ground. vehicle was in residential area and made loud metal dragging noise. the welds broke away from the frame leaving the gas tank unsupported on passenger side. definite fuel fire hazard car IS now in driveway…
Support strap for gas tank broke off on passenger side and was dragging on ground. vehicle was in residential area and made loud metal dragging noise. the welds broke away from the frame leaving the gas tank unsupported on passenger side. definite fuel fire hazard car IS now in driveway until repair. this IS my commuter car and dealer should fix. how IS a gas tank supported by welds that simply break? design flaw..
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 BMW 330ci. While driving at 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition air lock needed to be removed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. The vin was not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2001 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) and indicated that the dealer was unable to determine when the part would become available. The manufacturer was also contacted and was unable to determine when the part would become available to schedule the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
My vehicle in the last week has an tail light indicator illuminated the dash. Upon investigation of the part it looks to have the same issues as many have described with the ground wire being scorched. I contacted BMW na because of the similar recall on other BMW vehicles. Unfortunately they were…
My vehicle in the last week has an tail light indicator illuminated the dash. Upon investigation of the part it looks to have the same issues as many have described with the ground wire being scorched. I contacted BMW na because of the similar recall on other BMW vehicles. Unfortunately they were unwilling to help unless I was willing to take the car into a dealership for an 90 dollar diagnosis. Only after that would they be willing to weigh in if they would be willing to cover the cost of the repair or not. This IS not a gamble that I'm really willing to take. Recall nhtsa action number: pe09036 should be extend to the 2001 330ci bmws. Please open a investigation into this as it IS a widely known issue with these cars. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2001 BMW 330ci. The contact received a notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags). However, the part needed was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall part. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Fuel/propulsion system
The bracket holding the strap that supports the gas tank on the passenger side broke off at the welds, leaving the gas tank hanging and the strap dragging on the ground. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10218369Whistling noise is heard coming from the front bumper while driving at highway speeds.
- 10194296Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.
- 10184591SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven roadway.
- 10160287TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10160244TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10154816In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs.
- 10153726Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
- 10150160State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due To an Invalid VIN Number. The customer of an affected vehicle may fail to pass an I/M test due to a non-compliant 17digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Motor Electronic). The VIN read out and displayed on the state test printout does not match the actual VIN of the vehicle. If the DME was reprogrammed using the previously available BMW service equipment (e.g., Progman, GT1), it is possible that only the last 7 digits of the VIN were entered into the DME, and positions 4 through10 may only contain default characters. For example: The state I/M tester or OBD scan tool may read out WBAAA00000A123456 instead of the correct full 17-digit VIN, WBAZZ03492A123456.
- 10149558For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata passenger?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
- 10149557For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata driver?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
- 10148179Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles. INFORMATION 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form. These surface hairline cracks are usually spread over the entire brake disc friction area, and have no negative influence on the durability or braking performance. The rotors should not be replaced only for their appearance reasons. When performing routine service on the brake system (pad replacement due to wear), the brake discs should be replaced if surface cracks are found to be greater than 13 mm, or if the brake disc thickness is below the minimum thickness. Always replace brake discs in pairs (per axle). Install new brake pads when replacing discs. By doing this, the service life of the friction pad surface is increased, and an even material loss is ensured. 2. Vibrations and/or steering wheel torsional vibrations during braking are caused by applying the brakes on discs with minimal to heavy corrosion. These vibrations are most noticeable when braking from high speeds with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F), and will diminish with normal everyday operation. Parts replacement is not required. 3. After high brake loads, running noises can be heard when applying the brakes, and may also be heard to a limited extent after the brakes are released. (See the note in the Owner's Manual). These noises are reduced during normal everyday operation, due to further erosion of the brake pad friction lining. Visible surface cracks or craterlike recesses on the brake pad surface are caused by a minor difference in the material of the pad lining, which will decrease with further operation and should not be replaced due to their appearance.
- 10148100Special Technical Campaign. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has urged vehicle manufacturers to conduct an investigation into air bags which may not deploy correctly. BMW is cooperating with this request. Takata is a supplier of air bags to several automotive manufacturers. They have informed NHTSA of a small number of cases of improperly deploying air bags in a few specific areas of the US. None of the reported cases involve any BMW vehicles. No determination has been made by BMW and Takata that a safety issue exists.This program involves the driver and front passenger air bag system. Specifically, the air bag system may have been manufactured with an inflator that was not produced to specification. After long-term exposure in high absolute humidity environments, in a crash in which air bag system deployment occurs, the air bag system housing may rupture. To assist Takata with their determination, BMW will be collecting air bags from a limited number of customer vehicles. Once the affected vehicle population has been determined, owners of affected vehicles will be notified by letter to visit their authorized BMW center to have their air bag(s) replaced. Additional information will be provided at that time. A press release from NHTSA on this topic is expected to be issued on Monday, June 23, 2014.
- 10147242Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 04 14 dated December 2014. Designates changes to the bulletin. INFORMATION 1.Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form. These surface hairline cracks are usually spread over the entire brake disc friction area, and have no negative influence on the durability or braking performance. The rotors should not be replaced only for their appearance reasons.When performing routine service on the brake system (pad replacement due to wear), the brake discs should be replaced if surface cracks are found to be greater than 13 mm, or if the brake disc thickness is below the minimum thickness. Always replace brake discs in pairs (per axle). Install new brake pads when replacing discs. By doing this, the service life of the friction pad surface is increased, and an even material loss is ensured. 2. Vibrations and/or steering wheel torsional vibrations during braking are caused by applying the brakes on discs with minimal to heavy corrosion. These vibrations are most noticeable when braking from high speeds with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F), and will diminish with normal everyday operation. Parts replacement is not required. 3.After high brake loads, running noises can be heard when applying the brakes, and may also be heard to a limited extent after the brakes are released. (See the note in the Owner's Manual). These noises are reduced during normal everyday operation, due to further erosion of the brake pad friction lining. Visible surface cracks or craterlike recesses on the brake pad surface are caused by a minor difference in the material of the pad lining, which will decrease with further operation and should not be replaced due to their appearance.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10036979BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10033130BMW vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it IS necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet assembly) do not need to be replaced as well. In some cases, epc does not show that the repair kit IS available separately in the illustration, but it IS available in the parts description. All models. No model years listed.
Every BMW 330CI model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.