2002 BMW 330XI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2002 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 2002 BMW 330XI. 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 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.
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.
BMW IS recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325I, 325xi, 330I, and 330xi vehicles manufactured from september 1, 2001, through march 1, 2005. over time, resistance in the electrical contacts may cause one or more rear lamp functions (tail light, brake light, and/or turn-signal), within the vehicle's body panel, to stop working.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions. this could cause a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. the safety recall began on february 15, 2012. owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Owner complaints
20 complaints3 involved a fire1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
After reading many forum questions and answers my vehicle problem IS the GM5 module. This module controls a wide selection of electrical function on this car. The function that IS at issue IS the central locking/unlocking function initiated by the key, key fob or locking control button on the…
After reading many forum questions and answers my vehicle problem IS the GM5 module. This module controls a wide selection of electrical function on this car. The function that IS at issue IS the central locking/unlocking function initiated by the key, key fob or locking control button on the console. By researching online it IS apparent that the BMW E46 model has had a long period that this module has been a problem and they have not done anything to remedy the issue. this faulty module (GM-5) will leave you locked out of your car and or once inside not allow any other doors to open by any means. This can be a very dangerous if you may be threatening situation. The manufacturer know this IS a problem as it spans years of production. I am just reporting the most recent incident, this has been an ongoing problem. We happen to keep our cars along time and this IS an expensive and frustrating problem.
- Engine
Keeps leaking engine oil even after multiple changes. (city street, chicago illinois) stationary most of the time. hasn't been moved since leaking oil. (Too worried)
- Electrical system
The smell of electircal fire and thick black smoke poored out the left side of my stearing colum. Flames started to shoot out and enguffed my BMW to nothing!
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330xi. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 13v172000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags). 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.
- Tires
Contiprocontact 205/50 R17 93V / A37P 3PL 3510 has a sidewall bulge. Its mileage IS 5,894. it was purchased to replace the same model tire because of a sidewall bulge. That tire had similar mileage. All tires were purchased from sts/mavis tire.
- Air bags
Takato recall - I received recall notice in july 2015 and even with repeated calls to BMW dealer, no repair has been done. I refrain from driving the car and have less than 400 miles in the last year, but still have to pay for insurance, inspection, license. I have been postponing repairs, but I don't want to spend more money on a car that I shouldn't drive.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 330xi. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (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 notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Date complaint filed: 03/22/2016date of incident: 05/04/2015component(s): air bagsnhtsa ID number: 10850988consumer location: chappaqua, ny all products associated with this complaint expand details close help 0 available documents crash:no fire:no number of injuries:0 number of deaths:0…
Date complaint filed: 03/22/2016date of incident: 05/04/2015component(s): air bagsnhtsa ID number: 10850988consumer location: chappaqua, ny all products associated with this complaint expand details close help 0 available documents crash:no fire:no number of injuries:0 number of deaths:0 manufacturer: BMW of north america, llc vehicle identification no. (Vin): not available summary: takata recall- I assume that you are enabling takata to be off the hook from their responsibility to replace defective airbags because it costs them time and money to manufacture replacements around the clock. The federal government would rather watch deaths for taking money from takata as per obama's orders.i was notified a long time ago that the airbag in my 2002 BMW 330xi was dangerously defective. I have called BMW and have yet to receive an appointment to replace the defective deadly airbag. The car needs to be driven over 2 hours per day to commute to work and back. If anything happens as a negligent result for not replacing the airbag, I will commence legal action and my negligence attorney will rub his hands for you buying him a bigger home, with the airbag manufacturer, BMW, and the federal government for not enforcing the airbag recall. [Xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags
Takata recall- I assume that you rae enabling takata to be off the hook from responsibiliity to replace defective airbags becuase it costs them time and money to manufacture replacements around the clock. The federal government would rather watch deaths for taking money from takata as per obamas…
Takata recall- I assume that you rae enabling takata to be off the hook from responsibiliity to replace defective airbags becuase it costs them time and money to manufacture replacements around the clock. The federal government would rather watch deaths for taking money from takata as per obamas orders.i was notified a long time ago that the airbag in my 2002 BMW 330xi was dangerously defective. I have called BMW and have yet to receive an appointment to replace the defective deadly airbag. The car needs to be driven over 2 hours per day to commute to work and back. If anything happens as a negligent result for not replacing the airbag, I will commence legal action with the airbag manufacturer, BMW, and the federal government for not enforcing the airbag recall.[xxx] 'information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).' *bf
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 330xi. 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 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 2002 BMW 330xi. 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 2002 BMW 330xi. 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. updated 04/04/16*lj
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330xi. The contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags). 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.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330xi. The contact was driving 65 mph when the vehicle independently decelerated to 30 mph. The vehicle was merged slowly to the shoulder and the engine was turned off. Once the vehicle was restarted, there were several warning lights illuminated on the instrument…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330xi. The contact was driving 65 mph when the vehicle independently decelerated to 30 mph. The vehicle was merged slowly to the shoulder and the engine was turned off. Once the vehicle was restarted, there were several warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer advised that the engine wiring harness would need to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was recurring and previously when the failure occurred, the contact had the throttle body replaced, at the dealer's recommendation. the vehicle was not further repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 58,000.
- Electrical system
Failure of the general module 5 which results in failing to opening the door via the unlock button on the center console and key remote. this will also result in the double locking mechanism to activate to which passengers are unable to exit the vehicle properly either electronically or…
Failure of the general module 5 which results in failing to opening the door via the unlock button on the center console and key remote. this will also result in the double locking mechanism to activate to which passengers are unable to exit the vehicle properly either electronically or mechanically (manual locks do not work) forced to leave either through the window, trunk through rear seat if the car has this feature or possibly only through driver side door. this IS a safety hazard, if the locks fail electronically the passengers inside should be able to trigger a mechanical way of exiting the vehicle.
- Suspension › Rear
Both rear springs have cracked/broken at approx 55,000 miles. This IS a known issue. BMW will not warranty a replacement set of springs. *Tr
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 BMW 330xi. The contact stated that he had to replace the lift regulator and power window motor on every window every six months since purchasing the vehicle. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 100 and the current mileage was 63,192. updated 1/19/2010 *cn updated 01/27/11
- Exterior lighting
8-PIN connector at rear tail lights in 2002 BMW 330xi has partially melted, contacts appear corroded. "light out" indicator light on the dash turns on and off intermittently.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
My son parked his 2002 BMW 330xi in a parking lot early am to sleep. it caught on fire in approximately one and a half hours while idling, killing him. he was laying down in front seats. event was caught on surveillance camera, no foul play was detected. claimed to be "accidental fire" by police report. noticed 2001 BMW 3-series had major recall for same type of event with failure of cooling fans. *Tr
- Seats
Passenger seat heater burning through leather seat cover into my pants and burning the underside of my thigh. there was visible smoke and a very strong burning smell. *Tr
- Tires
Safety defect with low profile tires and wheels. (Nar) *mr *la *cb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear Lamp Illumination
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and…
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
- Rear lamp illumination
Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly IS not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue IS with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are…
Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly IS not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue IS with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are allegedly overheating and melting due to excessive electrical current that runs through the system.bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 on february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.odi IS upgrading to an ea to further investigate the issue.
- 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 330XI model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.