2003 BMW 330XI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2003 BMW 330XI. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
5 recalls name the 2003 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…
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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…
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions. this could cause a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
While I was driving the air bags went off.
Continental Sport Plus 215/50 ZR17 Replaced Michelin tires with four of this size/brand. Highly unstable at highway speeds. Even more unstable under wet roadway conditions.
Coolant leak from exhaust manifold Reservoir fails All coolant hoses fail
Power windows Power windows broke on 3 windows. Sometimes the glass has shattered. Sometimes the glass just slides down and becomes non operational. Glass shattering has been scary and dangerous. This has occurred while driving. I live in a state with lots of weather. Thunderstorms. Has occurred with child in car seat during a thunderstorm. At highway speed. I have had them repaired at dealerships and at independent bmw repair shops. Cost has been approx $600. This began as early as 2010 and continues to this day.
330I sedan - zkw hid headlights with burnt xenon bulb reflectors rendering the headlights ineffective and the car unsafe to drive at night.
On or around the first week of dec. 2020 after filling up with gas, the car just stopped while in motion without any prior dash warning indicators. I placed the car in park and restarted the car on the first try. At that time I thought it may have been bad gas. Fast forward to jan. 09, 2021 while pulling up to gas station car accelerates while I am applying brakes. Very scary because I could have killed someone. I put the car in park and it revved up as though my foot was on the accelerator. This has started to happen on a regular basis, although. Intermittently. Researching this issue I found this has been discussed in several BMW forums since 2002 and appears to happen in older and newer cars regardless of model types. I have maybe 165,000 miles on my car and the maintenance IS very well documented and consistent.
Power to car was cut. Could not unlock doors or pull door handle to open door/unlock. Stuck inside.
While driving about 50mph I slowed down to make a right turn and during the turn the steering wheel stopped half way during a full rotation and locked up preventing me from making a full right hand turn. once parked I attempted to turn the steering wheel to the right and it stopped halfway through the turn again.
Window broke while driving down highway. Right rear passenger window was being lowered. Hear what sounded like a cracking sound. Window stayed in the down position and could not be raised. Small child was seated in his car seat next to window. We were traveling on highway at a speed of 70 mph. (Hwy 540). A thunderstorm began, no safe way to pull over for about a mile or two. 4 yr old child was scared, wet and hot (north carolina-summer). Child was not harmed, just very scared. Semi trailer trucks hauling by. Very busy time of day. Child was my neighbors son, I was helping pick him up from daycare because her other child was sick I bring this to your attention as this IS the 5TH window on this vehicle that this has occurred. Each time it has been jarring to say the least to hear glass cracking as you lower the window. I've had to leave my car open to the elements, thrived. each time the cost to repair a window has been around $600. I go to very reputable repair shops here and in california. Things have been sucked out of the window due to the force of the wind. This IS ridiculous. One incident was enough, but 5!!! I have owned many vehicles over the years and the windows don't have a problem. It scary and a major distraction for the driver. Unbelievable. BMW has a big problem. My first occurrence was in 2010 and they have continued though 1218. Currently the front passenger window IS also make a glass scraping sound, so we just lease it up. That window had been replaced in 2010.. Something should be done about this. It's all over the internet, I don't have any photos to provide since I was always in such a hurry to get them fixed due to weather conditions. Please help this a big problem for us BMW drivers.(i'm glad the toddler in my car was unharmed, no broken glass got on him. my 1999 ford expedition windows have no problems, even with my 3 boys using them.
All exterior lights comes on when the car IS off, and now the car stays on when the key out out of the ignition. The recall was fixed before about the lights but they started back again I just got the car and I can't even drive it without the battery dying if I go to work or even the store
TL* the contact owned a 2003 BMW 330xi. While the vehicle was parked at the contact's job, the front end caught fire. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering pump was replaced days before the fire, but it was unknown if the repair contributed to the fire. There were no injuries. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed, but not towed. The fire department informed the contact that once a police report was filed, they could disclose specifically where the fire originated. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Takata recall: air bags were replaced on 11/23/16. the air bag red light indicator remained on and was never reset by the dealer. dealer was notified several times to resolve the issue but never resolved the issue. To this day the light IS unresolved, still on
I've had this issue for many years now but never thought about the potential consequences. other people have had these issues as can be found when doing searches on the internet. this problem involves the door not unlocking after being locked via the center console, key fob, or auto lock feature when vehicle IS mobile. this has been reported across multiple build types during the early 2000's. this IS potentially dangerous especially in an accident or fire when occupants cannot safely and quickly exit the car without having the break the window and climb out because the doors will not even unlock when you pull the latch which should disengage the "locked" state. I had go tend to a patient at the hospital today for emergency surgery and could not get out of my car without having to roll down my window, then use my key to unlock my door from the lock cylinder on the outside. however I was unable to retrieve anything else from my car and had to do so from the driver door only. this can be life threatening in the wrong situations. this involves the general module 5 or "GM5" and should be investigated for a potential safety recall as it IS intermittent.
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330xi. The contact received a recall notification for 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 contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 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 not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. updated 06/15/16*lj the consumer stated it has been almost two years, since the recall was first initiated and still no resolution. Updated 06/16/16.*jb
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW 330xi. The contact received a recall notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v3180000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts are unavailable. updated 04/20/16*lj
TL* the contact owns a 2003 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 notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
From the time I bought the car new in early 2003, the air bag sensor light remained on indefinitely. the BMW dealer turned the alert light off several times, and did not fix the underlying problem, indicating that it was only the sensor and that the airbag was working. the light continues to remain on. after several visits to murray BMW in denver the problem was not fixed and the dealership merely turned the alert light off indicating there was nothing wrong, and not repairing the problem. at that time the warranty expired and the repair was never made. Now the air bag light IS still on and the dealership will not take care of the issue with the sensor. when the airbag recall was performed, the air bag light still remained on, and the dealership indicated that the replacement of the airbag was not related to the air bag sensor. this IS not acceptable when purchasing a brand new vehicle!
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330xi. 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.
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330xi. The contact stated that when the front passenger seat was occupied ,the air bag off warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330xi. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the front passenger air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front passenger air bag needed to be replaced. The contact received a 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 notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.
I was in a parking garage the weekend after I had just bought my 2003 BMW 330xi man it was beautiful, I had my girlfriend with me at the time. Upon trying to exit the vehicle we couldn't nothing would unlock the doors, nothing would roll down the windows, this was extremely embarrassing to be happening on a date. She couldn't believe we were stuck in the car and there was no way out. Luckily having my cell phone I was able to call 911 so they could help me. I managed to have the sunroof open at the time and was able to hand them my keys where they could place the key inside of the key hole and manual unlock the doors. this IS only the first experience I ever had. I only called the police so they could take note of the issue of the safety. I have taken family out for outings only to find out they all have to climb out of windows or through the drivers door. I've even had to climb out of my own car I refuse to put a dime into fixing this as its caused me embarrassment to the point I hardly drive it unless I go somewhere alone. I even have a seat belt that doesn't work for no reason. The GM5 needs to be recalled image if I had a child or family back there the car was on fire and the only way to get them out IS to open the door and you can't because of a faulty piece of equipment. *tr
2003 BMW 330xi. Consumer writes in regards to spontaneous catastrophic tire failure *tgw the consumer stated the tire failure occurred on his daughter's vehicle in may of this year. The entire sidewall of the tire failed,creating a void around the outside circumference of the tire, about mid-way between the bead and tread lines. the consumer stated it appeared the sidewall piles simply gave way and without that internal structural integrity, the tire suddenly lost air. The consumer took the vehicle to a local discount tire store for an inspection. The technician did not observe any road trauma or external reason for the sudden failure. The tires were virtually new. the technician concluded, the failure was due to a manufacturing defect on dunplop's part. Dunlop refused to investigate the failure, because the consumer was not the original purchaser and the tires had been purchased by the original owner more than six years ago.
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330 xi. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument panel caught fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The police were contacted and a fire report was on file. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was contacted and they confirmed that the vin qualified for repairs under nhtsa campaign ID number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:brake lights). The failure and current mileages were 110,000.
Drivers seat has seat warmers and the seat overheats when turned on. It has burned a small hole in my seat and probably would cause a fire if left turned on. *tr
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
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.
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.
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.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.