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2001 BMW 330CI

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 BMW 330CI do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 34.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

62 reports with mileage · 20 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports3 fire reports7 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

17 reports
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180,000 miles · Dec 12, 2022
Air BagsCrashInjury

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330 Ci. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a head-on crash. The contact stated he was not aware of any warning lights. The contact stated that the front end was crumpled past the wheel wells and almost to the firewall. The front end frame had buckled. Th…

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The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330 Ci. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a head-on crash. The contact stated he was not aware of any warning lights. The contact stated that the front end was crumpled past the wheel wells and almost to the firewall. The front end frame had buckled. The contact stated that all the air bags had deployed except for the driver's air bag and both side curtain air bags. The contact had received cuts on both hands and had neck and back pains. The contact stated that emergency medical services had arrived but he was not treated or transported to an ER. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured, and both vehicles were towed away. The contact had his vehicle towed to his residence. The police were on the scene and had written a report. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that he had received NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V047000 (Air Bags) from the manufacturer, however, the dealer would not perform the work on his vehicle when he had attempted to set a recall appointment. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ODI #11497063

Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2017
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHED…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED WITH BMW OF SOUTH ATLANTA (4171 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291, (770) 969-0755). UPON ARRIVAL, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THEY WOULD ARRIVE IN SIX WEEKS, WHICH WAS OVER THREE MONTHS AGO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PATS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT

NHTSA ODI #11055473

184,000 miles · Sep 13, 2017
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

I BOUGHT A USED 2001 BMW 330CI 2DR COUPE ON THE DATE OF MAY 5TH 2017. I HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME APPROXIMATELY 7 WEEKS TIME. THE TAKATA AIR BAG WAS PRESENT IN THIS MODEL, ON TOP OF THAT THE WELL KNOWN OVERHEATING ISSUE CAME MY WAY. MY MODEL WOULD OVERHEAT AT THE POINT WHERE THE AUXILIARY ELECTRICAL FAN WO…

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I BOUGHT A USED 2001 BMW 330CI 2DR COUPE ON THE DATE OF MAY 5TH 2017. I HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME APPROXIMATELY 7 WEEKS TIME. THE TAKATA AIR BAG WAS PRESENT IN THIS MODEL, ON TOP OF THAT THE WELL KNOWN OVERHEATING ISSUE CAME MY WAY. MY MODEL WOULD OVERHEAT AT THE POINT WHERE THE AUXILIARY ELECTRICAL FAN WOULD NOT KICK IN TO AVOID OVERHEATING. ELECTRICAL STABILITY WAS AT LOST DUE TO THESE PRESENT ISSUES. ODDLY ENOUGH THE FAN WOULD ACTUALLY RUN IN REVERSE POLARITY PUSHING AIR OUT OF THE ENGINE WHEN IT SHOULD BE PULLING THE AIR IN. WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET MY CAR OVERHEATED CAUSING ME TO BREAK DOWN, A THERMOSTAT ISSUE COULD BE PRESENT ALL OF THIS OCCURRED IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI #11023362

83,000 miles · Aug 15, 2017
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL - I RECEIVED A NOTICE BY MAIL THAT MY CAR IS SUBJECT TO TWO RECALLS. I WILL HAVE THESE RECALLS PERFORMED AT BMW DEALER SOON. I REQUEST BEING PART OF THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.

NHTSA ODI #11015317

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2016
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE SAFETY RECALL FOR 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 OTHER OCCUPANTS. I HAVE CALLED COGGIN'S BMW, FT PIERCE, FL SIX TIMES SINCE T…

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TAKATA RECALL RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE SAFETY RECALL FOR 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 OTHER OCCUPANTS. I HAVE CALLED COGGIN'S BMW, FT PIERCE, FL SIX TIMES SINCE THEN, AND HAVE BEEN TOLD "THEY ARE STILL AWAITING AIR BAG". GOING ON TWO YEARS, AND HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY SATISFACTION.

NHTSA ODI #10853564

Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury

2001 BMW 330. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO FORCE TO WARRANT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYING. THE FORCE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYING WAS SO FORCEFUL, HE BACK WAS BROKEN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10681244

Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2015
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND INDICATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO SCHEDULE THE R…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND INDICATED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10691545

Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2014
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EX…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10651623

111,500 miles · May 17, 2014
Air Bags

ON FRIDAY, MAY 16TH, 2014, WHILE DRIVING ALONE APPROX 40 MPH ON A CITY STREET, I HIT A POTHOLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. I IMMEDIATELY HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHEN MY WHEEL HIT THE POTHOLE AND AT THE SAME TIME AN EXTREMELY LOUD 'POP'. THE DOOR SIDE AIRBAG HIT MY ARM AND THE PLASTIC COVERING FROM THE CURTAIN AIRBAG ABOVE THE DRIV…

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ON FRIDAY, MAY 16TH, 2014, WHILE DRIVING ALONE APPROX 40 MPH ON A CITY STREET, I HIT A POTHOLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. I IMMEDIATELY HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHEN MY WHEEL HIT THE POTHOLE AND AT THE SAME TIME AN EXTREMELY LOUD 'POP'. THE DOOR SIDE AIRBAG HIT MY ARM AND THE PLASTIC COVERING FROM THE CURTAIN AIRBAG ABOVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW HIT THE SIDE OF MY FACE BUT I WAS NOT INJURED. I SMELLED A 'SMOKEY' SMELL AND MY CAR IMMEDIATELY SHUT ITSELF OFF. I HAVE HIT POTHOLES ON RARE OCCASIONS WHEN I CAN'T AVOID THEM, BUT I WOULD NEVER HAVE EXPECTED MY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, AND A COSTLY ONE FOR THE CONSUMER, BECAUSE I WAS NOT IN AN COLLISION AND THE IMPACT OF THE POTHOLE SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED MY AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10592081

95,748 miles · Jan 14, 2012
Air Bags

DRIVING DOWN STRAIGHT ROAD AND HAD TO SWERVE RIGHT TO AVOID ANIMAL THAT RAN SUDDENLY INTO ROAD. ROAD HAD NO RUN-OFF BEFORE STEEP ROCKY DROP TO DITCH 1-2 FT BELOW. RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE TIRES BARELY GOT INTO ROCKS, WHICH BENT BOTH RIGHT SIDE RIMS AND PUNCTURED RIGHT SIDE REAR TIRE. BOTTOM OF CAR BOTTOMED OUT ON EDGE OF ROAD WITH…

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DRIVING DOWN STRAIGHT ROAD AND HAD TO SWERVE RIGHT TO AVOID ANIMAL THAT RAN SUDDENLY INTO ROAD. ROAD HAD NO RUN-OFF BEFORE STEEP ROCKY DROP TO DITCH 1-2 FT BELOW. RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE TIRES BARELY GOT INTO ROCKS, WHICH BENT BOTH RIGHT SIDE RIMS AND PUNCTURED RIGHT SIDE REAR TIRE. BOTTOM OF CAR BOTTOMED OUT ON EDGE OF ROAD WITH HEAVY BUMP, WHICH SOMEHOW CAUSED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AIRBAG AND DRIVERS SIDE HEAD PROTECTION AIRBAG TO DEPLOY, BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL CAR BACK UP ON ROAD AFTER ROCKY AREA LEVELED BACK UP TO ROAD EDGE. I GOT OUT AND INSPECTED - REAR BUMPER BOTTOM WAS TORN FROM SLIDING ON EDGE OF ROAD, PREVIOUSLY SAID TIRE DAMAGE WAS SEEN. SEEMED TO BE FAIRLY MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE ACTUAL CAR, FRONT BUMPER ONLY HAS DIRT AND NO DAMAGE. THIS WAS AN IMPACT HARD ENOUGH TO BEND RIMS, BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AS THE IMPACT WAS FROM BELOW THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10443773

Official recalls

5

21V401000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

May 27, 2021

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 inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

20V018000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 15, 2020

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 stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V853000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Nov 26, 2019

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result 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: BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

02V138000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

May 16, 2002

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

01V206000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

Jun 21, 2001

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.