2001 BMW 330XI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2001 BMW 330XI. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2001 BMW 330XI. 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 model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the 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 or other occupants.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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
11 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2001 BMW 330 xi. While driving at approximately 30 mph, the rear light warning on the instrument panel illuminated. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the tail lamp connector was melted. the contact stated that connector number three melted on both ends. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 187,000. The vin was not available.
- Air bags
We have been waiting for over 6months since the recall letter was received. The dealer has a waiting list of over 300 cars, and has not even started doing the work required for this recall. I am not complaining about the dealer as BMW USA has not started shipping the parts. what IS being done to get this issue resolved?? *tr
- Engine
Car had not been driven all day until evening when I drove car 4-5 miles to one residence, continued with passenger for another few miles to another residence, parked and turned off the car. Remained in car briefly while finishing a conversation when noticed gray/white smoke coming from under hood…
Car had not been driven all day until evening when I drove car 4-5 miles to one residence, continued with passenger for another few miles to another residence, parked and turned off the car. Remained in car briefly while finishing a conversation when noticed gray/white smoke coming from under hood on passenger side of car. got out of vehicle, called for help from resident. when use of 2 personal extinguishers didn't help, called fire department who responded and put out the fire. fire department report notes engine compartment was fully involved when they arrived and appears fire started in right front corner, but unable to make fire cause determination due to heavy fire involvement. insurance company has declared it a total loss. *tr
- Exterior lighting
The brake lights in the tail light assembly have partially failed. one set of brake light bulbs, the dual filament bulbs no longer light when the brake pedal IS pressed. the bulbs have been replaced and are in working order so it appears to be an issue with the wiring or the tail light assembly. *tr
- Air bags · Seat belts · Structure › Body
Vehicle was hit by another driver running a red light. the other driver centered on the driver's side front wheel but damaged the driver's side door and windshield. the driver's door airbag deployed. the driver's side airbag partially deployed. we could see hit hanging from the rear pillar to…
Vehicle was hit by another driver running a red light. the other driver centered on the driver's side front wheel but damaged the driver's side door and windshield. the driver's door airbag deployed. the driver's side airbag partially deployed. we could see hit hanging from the rear pillar to the front pillar but it was still tubular shaped and did not prevent the driver from hitting her head on the side of the car. the car was totaled. the front panel was compressed all the way to the engine compartment. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
The secondary cooling fan failed causing the expansion tank on our 2001 BMW 330xi split causing the engine to overheat. we replaced the expansion tank and many related parts including thermostat. No warning lights came on. we believe this failure IS close to, but not the same as, the fan failure that you reported on may 16, 2002. (02V138000 , 01v206000 ). *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
The expansion tank on our 2001 BMW 330xi split causing the engine to fail. the vehicle had less than 48,000 miles of use. we replaced the engine and many related parts including the expansion tank and radiator. no warning lights came on until after the engine overheated and the car was in the…
The expansion tank on our 2001 BMW 330xi split causing the engine to fail. the vehicle had less than 48,000 miles of use. we replaced the engine and many related parts including the expansion tank and radiator. no warning lights came on until after the engine overheated and the car was in the dealer's repair shop. we believe this failure IS close to, but not the same as, the fan failure that you reported on may 16, 2002. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
2001 - 330xi - 50000 miles, rear subframe torn out on left side, right side cracked! *ak
- Wheels › Rim
On four separate occasions, while driving on new jersey roads (two times on major roads) my vehicle struck a pot hole and the inside portion of the rim bent. I have replaced the rims with aftermarket aluminum alloy rims. According to wheel collision experts of allentown pa. BMW rims are there…
On four separate occasions, while driving on new jersey roads (two times on major roads) my vehicle struck a pot hole and the inside portion of the rim bent. I have replaced the rims with aftermarket aluminum alloy rims. According to wheel collision experts of allentown pa. BMW rims are there biggest customer. I have been driving in n.j. For 31 years and these are my first rim failures. I still have three rims available for inspection. These failures occured with only 22,000 miles on the car.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
In snowy conditions the anti-lockbrakes failed, causing vehicle to skid. *ak the tires had 1/2 tread life. the dealer blamed the tires. (tire, anti-lock brakes, and or AWD was the problem) *sc
- Tires
I had 2 tires go suddenly flat on the same day. Car had only 4500 miles at the time. No obvious punture or damage. Replaced at my expense at local tire dealer because BMW dealer did not have in stock. 1 week later, I read about nhtsa recall #00v383 and contacted both dealer and BMW USA after…
I had 2 tires go suddenly flat on the same day. Car had only 4500 miles at the time. No obvious punture or damage. Replaced at my expense at local tire dealer because BMW dealer did not have in stock. 1 week later, I read about nhtsa recall #00v383 and contacted both dealer and BMW USA after dealer replied that he was unaware of recall. After having him research further, I was simply told that my BMW 330xi, manufactured during the questioned timeframe was not included in recall. I got the same from BMW USA. I question how 2 virtually brand new tires would both go flat on the same day at the same time? I contacted continental tires who were also unaware of the recall and after explaining them these circumstances, they readily agreed to reimburse me $100 as a good faith gesture. I paid over $400 for the tires, plus balancing, plus had to rent a car for a week since BMW and local tire center did not have in stock. I'm not convinced that BMW has faithfully resolved this issue with me, since they did not even inspect the wheels after my new tires were mounted. I don't think they could tell whether of not the first set were mounted properly or not and have simply dismissed me without any assurance or verification that my BMW wasn't possibly affected by this manufacturing problem. please contact me at [xxx] if there IS anything you can provide or follow up on to truly see whether I am owed new wheels, reimbursement, etc. Thank you in advance, [xxx]. *Ak (tiresize: 17) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *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 330XI model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.