2003 Bmw 330ci problems

General information about Bmw-330ci
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

The fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars is designated under the model code E46, which was produced by the German automaker BMW from 1997 to 2006, and was the successor to the E36 3 Series which ceased production in 2000. First introduced in November 1997, the E46 was available in sedan, coupé, convertible, station wagon and hatchback body styles. The latter has been marketed as the 3 Series Compact.

The M3 performance model was introduced in June 2000 with a 2-door coupé body style, followed by the convertible counterpart in April 2001. The M3 is powered by the BMW S54 straight-six engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission.

The E46 line-up was phased out starting from late 2004, following the introduction of the E90 3 Series sedans. However, the E46 coupé and convertible body styles remained in production until August 2006.

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Common 2003 Bmw 330ci problems

The BMW 330ci, produced in 2003, is a well-regarded vehicle known for its performance and luxury features. However, like any car, it is not immune to issues and problems. Here are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the 2003 BMW 330ci, based on complaints and feedback from the car community:

Cooling System Failure: One of the most common problems reported by 2003 BMW 330ci owners is the failure of the cooling system. This issue is often caused by a disintegrating water pump bearing, which can lead to catastrophic failure of the entire cooling system. When this occurs, all coolant is lost within seconds, causing the engine to overheat instantly. This can result in significant damage to the engine and is a major safety concern. A much better water pump than the stock/OEM unit is available from EMP Steward, which is recommended by many owners.

Timing Belt or Timing Chain Issues: Another common problem reported by 2003 BMW 330ci owners is issues with the timing belt or timing chain. BMW recommends replacement of the timing belt at 90k miles, and failure to replace the timing belt can result in significant damage to the engine. Gaskets, such as those on the oil pan and manifold, should also be replaced, as older BMWs tend to leak oil due to these components.
Oil Leaks: Oil leaks are a common problem reported by 2003 BMW 330ci owners. The valve cover is a common source of oil leaks, and leaks from this component can cause significant damage to the engine. It is recommended to regularly check for oil leaks and address them promptly to prevent further damage.
Suspension and Steering Issues: Suspension and steering issues are also common problems reported by 2003 BMW 330ci owners. Original shocks and struts may need to be replaced, and other components, such as the intake manifold DISA valve, may also need to be replaced.
Electrical Issues: Electrical issues, such as problems with the alternator and A/C drive belts and tensioner/idler pulleys, are also common problems reported by 2003 BMW 330ci owners. These issues can result in significant damage to the car's electrical system and should be addressed promptly.

In summary, the 2003 BMW 330ci is a well-regarded vehicle known for its performance and luxury features. However, like any car, it is not immune to issues and problems. Common problems reported by 2003 BMW 330ci owners include cooling system failure, timing belt or timing chain issues, oil leaks, suspension and steering issues, and electrical issues. It is recommended to regularly maintain and service the car to prevent these issues and address them promptly if they occur.

Is a 330Ci a reliable car?

Great, reliable and affordable BMW to own

Go for the older 330, and we have the convertible 330ci. Reliable, high performance and wears well over time. Great cars. Would buy this over new any day.

How many miles will a 330Ci last?

While a BMW 3 Series can last 200,000-250,000 miles, there are many cases where 3 Series models have been driven more than 300,000 miles with no serious mechanical issues. How many miles can a BMW 3 Series last? It really depends on whether you keep up to date with your BMW maintenance schedule.

What is the most common problem with BMW E46?

Cooling System Leaks

The plastic components in the cooling system on E46 BMWs are prone to becoming brittle and cracking, allowing coolant to make its way out of the cooling system. The resulting loss of coolant can lead to the engine overheating, which can cause catastrophic engine failure.

How much is a BMW 330Ci worth?

Find a Used BMW 3 Series 330Ci Near You

Prices for a used BMW 3 Series 330Ci currently range from $6,300 to $14,999, with vehicle mileage ranging from 34,798 to 160,200. Find used BMW 3 Series 330Ci inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.

Is a 330Ci a reliable car?

Great, reliable and affordable BMW to own

Go for the older 330, and we have the convertible 330ci. Reliable, high performance and wears well over time. Great cars. Would buy this over new any day.

What is the most common problem on BMW 330i?

One of the most common issues across the whole 3 Series range, overheating tends to be a sign of a faulty water pump. These are resilient parts for BMW, but they eventually reach their end of life and need to be replaced.

How long will a BMW 330Ci last?

While a BMW 3 Series can last 200,000-250,000 miles, there are many cases where 3 Series models have been driven more than 300,000 miles with no serious mechanical issues.

What is the most common problem with BMW E46?

Cooling System Leaks

2003 Bmw 330ci complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Bmw 330ci.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2003 Bmw 330ci recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2003 Bmw 330ci.

2020-01-15

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: 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: 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.

2015-05-28

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Park It: 1
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: 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 note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: 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.

2013-05-03

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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: 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 [email protected].

2007-03-29

Manufacturer: CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Bmw 330ci problems:

2003 E46 330ci - What are the most common problems, i seem to be ...

https://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/threads/2003-e46-330ci-what-are-the-most-common-problems-i-seem-to-be-having-all-of-them.42985/

Mar 26, 2010 ... 2003 E46 330ci - What are the most common problems, i seem to be having all of them? · 1: cam cover gasket leak · 2: power steering fluid ...

How good is a BMW e46 330ci ? And what are the common problems?

https://www.quora.com/How-good-is-a-BMW-e46-330ci-And-what-are-the-common-problems

Jul 19, 2020 ... It has been VERY reliable. But, and I can not emphasize this enough, it has had very regular and in depth servicing it's entire life. When a ...

BMW 330Ci Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues

https://repairpal.com/problems/bmw/330ci

Top BMW 330Ci Problems · Oil Leaks From Engine Area · Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank · Front Control Arm Bracket Bushings May Fail · Blower Final ...