2003 BMW 330CI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2003 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 2003 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
18 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
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.
- Electrical system
It has been more than 8 years all power related to opening/closing the passenger door including the handle does not work, not able to open the glove compartment, not able to open the gas door, not able to open the trunk without having to use the key. Convertible top IS not working. Worst of all…
It has been more than 8 years all power related to opening/closing the passenger door including the handle does not work, not able to open the glove compartment, not able to open the gas door, not able to open the trunk without having to use the key. Convertible top IS not working. Worst of all I'm not able to have a passenger in the car for safety purposes. dealers have not been helpful. car IS like new with less than 80,000 miles.
- Air bags
Went through a pot hole in the freeway and the driver side door air bags deployed..air bag only show half fill..my speed about 60 mph..is this how it works. No damaged except needed wheel alignment.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330ci. The contact stated that while driving at 25-30 mph, the vehicle went over a bump in the roadway and the rollover protection system activated. The contact stated that there was no accident and that the vehicle did not rollover. The contact stated that safety…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330ci. The contact stated that while driving at 25-30 mph, the vehicle went over a bump in the roadway and the rollover protection system activated. The contact stated that there was no accident and that the vehicle did not rollover. The contact stated that safety lever to release the rollover protection system was never installed in the vehicle. The contact stated that the convertible top was unable to be lowered or raised. Winslow BMW of colorado springs located at 5845 n nevada ave, colorado springs, co 80918, (719) 387-9650 was contacted by phone and an appointment was schedule to have the vehicle diagnosed and inspected which was still pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,006.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2003 BMW 330ci. While driving 50 mph, the contact suffered a stroke and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags deployed and that metal fragments struck the contact in the mouth. The contact sustained injuries to the mouth and lost a tooth. Medical attention was required.…
TL* the contact owned a 2003 BMW 330ci. While driving 50 mph, the contact suffered a stroke and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags deployed and that metal fragments struck the contact in the mouth. The contact sustained injuries to the mouth and lost a tooth. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a junk yard. A police report was filed. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) in august of 2017. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000. The vin was not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW 330ci. The contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact received the notification in june of 2016. The dealer (BMW of el paso, 6318 montana ave, el paso, tx, 79925)…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW 330ci. The contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact received the notification in june of 2016. The dealer (BMW of el paso, 6318 montana ave, el paso, tx, 79925) stated that the parts were unavailable for the repair, and that they would call when they had parts available for the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted or made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v428000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags); however, the parts for the recall repairs were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v428000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags); however, the parts for the recall repairs were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 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 not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. 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
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW 330ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 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
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
- Electrical system
GM5 electric module stopped communicating with remote control. various intermittent activity for driver door unlock mechanism and passenger unlock mechanism by any available internal hard-wired or remote button. 100% failure of footwell trunk release button. *tr
- Electrical system
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.…
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 the day got hotter it stopped working again and it would not unlock even manually. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330ci. The contact stated that the turning signals and brake lights failed. The contact replaced the bulb light; however the failure was not corrected. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330ci. The contact stated that the turning signals and brake lights failed. The contact replaced the bulb light; however the failure was not corrected. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: turn signal) the approximate failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 104,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
- Structure
Dt*: the contact stated there was a temperature sensor under the right side of the front bumper. when pulling into parking spaces with a concrete parking block, the sensor would come in contact with the concrete block. the contact also indicated that the bumper was too low to the ground putting the temperature sensor at risk of damage. updated 10/4/2006 - *nm
- Tires › Sidewall
Problems with michelin tires on 2003 BMW 330 ci.*mr the consumer had a damaged michelin tire replaced but only four months later the new tire IS exhibiting the same symptoms as the old tire. the consumer believes the tires became too hot therefore creating 3-4 inch bubbles around the wall which caused the tire to lose air. *nm
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.