2002 BMW 330CI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2002 BMW 330CI. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2002 BMW 330CI. Newest first.
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 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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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.
Owner complaints
46 complaints3 involved a crash4 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seats
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…
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 with thick gray smoke which also came out of the trunk when they opened it. , the air bag was activated on the driver's side - the windshield was broken and the interior was a melted mess. The dashboard was melted on the driver’s side and the window was blackened. .the drivers side was where the damage had been from the accident. I do not think it coincidence. It seems i am not the only person whose bmw has spontaneously caught on fire. I did get bmw involved as far as sending documentation and talking to a rep. They of course were blameless. They did say they believe it was caused by an error made during a repair that allowed the rain water to get into the wiring. It had been raining hard for a couple days. But they could not say based on what i sent them if it was the body shop that did the most recent repair that made the error or it was done prior to that by another shop. But that they would not be investigating further. My much loved bmw been totaled and i will never what caused it.
- Air bags
Air bags deployed after collision, vehicle has been released from Falcon Towing 15600 S Main St, Gardena, CA 90248 to Automobile Club for inspection. Injuries sustained from airbag deploying include, but are not limited to, lacerations, abrasions, bruising as a broken rib and collapsed lung.
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
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…
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.
- Air bags
Takata recall. BMW of fairfax, virginia replaced only one of two bags recalled, even though the appointment and work order said to replace both air bags. They then said the job has been completed. However, the passenger side airbag had not been replaced. Were it not for my subsequent careful review…
Takata recall. BMW of fairfax, virginia replaced only one of two bags recalled, even though the appointment and work order said to replace both air bags. They then said the job has been completed. However, the passenger side airbag had not been replaced. Were it not for my subsequent careful review of the invoice and follow up questioning with the dealer, I never would have known I still had a defective air bag. I sent detailed email questions to the service manager and have not had a response.
- Air bags
Takata recall. It has been 14 months since the initial notification of the recall. No communication from BMW. Only response to questions IS it IS pending soon. IS there justification for length of time to resolve repair to a "dangerous problem"?
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Received initial contact from BMW in september 2014. "Remedy not yet available". campaign 14V 428 and 15V 318. when will these recalls be resolved?
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
It has been two years since my cars as first placed on recall due to faulty airbags, first for the passenger side and since last july the driver side. I am filing this complaint based on this being an unreasonable period of time. I live in north carolina and the takata air bags are more apt to be dangerous in this warm and humid climate.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v428000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v428000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags). The part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received a recall notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the parts or remedy for the recall were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received a recall notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the parts or remedy for the recall were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was invalid. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Updated 06/15/16*lj *tr
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall 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. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
Takata recall was notified earlier this year of a recall via letter. Contacted BMW numerous times about this but no further updates. No dealer has the parts available. Just ignoring customers requests for the repair. No explanation or plan from BMW although they were supposed to have an answer by sept 1, 2015. Car has not had failure yet.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330ci. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) was received in june of 2015. after contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330ci. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) was received in june of 2015. after contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be given. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v428000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags) were received in 2014. After contacting the dealer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v428000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags) were received in 2014. After contacting the dealer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be given. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
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…
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.
- Power train
Code p0741 was read from vehicle. Torque converter. From forums and discussions online there IS a known problem with a faulty seal on the E46 BMW. My vehicle cannot pass a emissions test with the light on and it IS a safety hazard to me. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. updated 4/21/15*cn
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received a notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags). The contact stated that the part needed to remedy the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. updated 4/20/15*cn
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received a notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to repair the vehicle. The dealer was unable to inform when the part would become available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. updated 3/31/15*cn
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) in september of 2014. The dealer informed the contact that the part was not available and the recall remedy was unable to be performed. The manufacturer was notified of the delay. The contact had not experienced a failure. updated 4/13/15*cn updated 04/16/15*jb
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330ci. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 13v172000 (air bags) in may of 2013; 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear lamp illumination
In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. Mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 BMW 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to BMW in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp…
In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. Mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 BMW 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to BMW in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by BMW in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating BMW complaints and related warranty data.
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.