← New search

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.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all 330CI years →

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

Structure complaints

7 reports
Clear category filter
122,000 miles · Jun 8, 2017
Structure

THE RUBBER OR SEALS AROUND MY WINDSHIELD HAS DETERIORATED BADLY AS WELL AS SIDE WINDOWS TO. IT SHOULD BE THE COMPANY'S RESPONSIBILTY TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AS SO MANY OTHER BMW OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE IT'S AN OBVIOUS DEFECT FOR THIS MODEL. ALSO THE CLEAR COAT OF THE PAINT ON THIS MODEL HAS PEELED REALLY BAD. IF SO MANY PEOPLE…

Read full complaint

THE RUBBER OR SEALS AROUND MY WINDSHIELD HAS DETERIORATED BADLY AS WELL AS SIDE WINDOWS TO. IT SHOULD BE THE COMPANY'S RESPONSIBILTY TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AS SO MANY OTHER BMW OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE IT'S AN OBVIOUS DEFECT FOR THIS MODEL. ALSO THE CLEAR COAT OF THE PAINT ON THIS MODEL HAS PEELED REALLY BAD. IF SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THESE ISSUES IT'S AN OBVIOUS RECALL. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER BMW. TAKE CARE OF YOUR CUSTOMERS. 2001 BMW 330 CI

NHTSA ODI #10993928

166,181 miles · Oct 8, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemStructure

SUPPORT STRAP FOR GAS TANK BROKE OFF ON PASSENGER SIDE AND WAS DRAGGING ON GROUND. VEHICLE WAS IN RESIDENTIAL AREA AND MADE LOUD METAL DRAGGING NOISE. THE WELDS BROKE AWAY FROM THE FRAME LEAVING THE GAS TANK UNSUPPORTED ON PASSENGER SIDE. DEFINITE FUEL FIRE HAZARD CAR IS NOW IN DRIVEWAY UNTIL REPAIR. THIS IS MY COMMUTER …

Read full complaint

SUPPORT STRAP FOR GAS TANK BROKE OFF ON PASSENGER SIDE AND WAS DRAGGING ON GROUND. VEHICLE WAS IN RESIDENTIAL AREA AND MADE LOUD METAL DRAGGING NOISE. THE WELDS BROKE AWAY FROM THE FRAME LEAVING THE GAS TANK UNSUPPORTED ON PASSENGER SIDE. DEFINITE FUEL FIRE HAZARD CAR IS NOW IN DRIVEWAY UNTIL REPAIR. THIS IS MY COMMUTER CAR AND DEALER SHOULD FIX. HOW IS A GAS TANK SUPPORTED BY WELDS THAT SIMPLY BREAK? DESIGN FLAW..

NHTSA ODI #10780949

75,600 miles · Jun 19, 2013
Structure

DOOR RELAY SYSTEM MALFUNCTION CAUSES DOOR TO BE INOPERABLE, CLOSED AND LOCKED. POTENTIALLY DEADLY IF TRAPPED IN VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10520753

112,342 miles · Jun 9, 2013
Fuel System, GasolineStructure

WHILE ENTERING THE FREEWAY I HEARD A POP FROM UNDER MY CAR AND IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD METALLIC SCRAPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR AS IF I WERE DRAGGING SOMETHING. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND FOUND THE METAL BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE GAS TANK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD COME LOOSE FROM AN AREA WHERE IT HAD…

Read full complaint

WHILE ENTERING THE FREEWAY I HEARD A POP FROM UNDER MY CAR AND IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD METALLIC SCRAPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR AS IF I WERE DRAGGING SOMETHING. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND FOUND THE METAL BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE GAS TANK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD COME LOOSE FROM AN AREA WHERE IT HAD BEEN SPOT WELDED TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR. THIS EFFECTIVELY CAUSED THE GAS TANK TO LOWER ITSELF A FEW INCHES OFF THE GROUND. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY HOME AS IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10515885

113,207 miles · Apr 1, 2010
Structure

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A LOCAL ROAD, THE FUEL TANK STRAP OF MY 2001 BMW 330CI SUDDENLY BROKE OFF. IT FAILED AT THE WELD POINTS. THE FUEL TANK DID REMAIN IN TACT. I BROUGHT IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND BMW REPAIRED IT. PLEASE NOTE THAT OTHER SIMILAR INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED ON BMW INTERNET FORUMS.

NHTSA ODI #10323268

70,000 miles · Mar 16, 2005
Structure

1. NORMAL DRIVING. 2. SUB-FRAME FAILURE CAUSING MAJOR CLANKING IN AND LARGE UNDUE STRESS ON DRIVE TRAIN. THE DRIVETRAIN IS LIKELY TO FAIL. DEALERSHIP NOT HELPING. PERVASIVE PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. WELL DOCUMENTED IN BMW FORUMS. 3. THE DEALER DOES NOT ADMIT THE PROBLEM. MAY COST MANY OWNERS THOUSANDS TO REPAIR. …

Read full complaint

1. NORMAL DRIVING. 2. SUB-FRAME FAILURE CAUSING MAJOR CLANKING IN AND LARGE UNDUE STRESS ON DRIVE TRAIN. THE DRIVETRAIN IS LIKELY TO FAIL. DEALERSHIP NOT HELPING. PERVASIVE PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. WELL DOCUMENTED IN BMW FORUMS. 3. THE DEALER DOES NOT ADMIT THE PROBLEM. MAY COST MANY OWNERS THOUSANDS TO REPAIR. THERE WAS A EUROPEAN RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10114194

35,000 miles · Oct 19, 2004
Structure

SUBFRAME FAILURE IN 2001 E46 330CI, REAR SUBFRAME TEARING NEAR SPARE TIRE STORAGE AND MOUNTS. NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND I WAS BASICLLY TOLD TO GO SCREW MYSELF BY BMWNA.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10096075

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.