2003 Bmw 330i problems
The seventh generation of the BMW 3 Series range consists of the BMW G20 (sedan version) and BMW G21 (wagon version, marketed as 'Touring') compact executive cars. The G20/G21 has been in production since mid-October 2018 with a facelift in July 2022 and is often collectively referred to as the G20.
The M340i, one of the first models in the range, became available for sale in the spring of 2019, with the 330e plug-in hybrid model scheduled for launch in 2020. The 3 Series Gran Turismo fastback body style was discontinued for the G20 generation.
For the G20 generation, BMW has begun production in Mexico for various world markets including the US, replacing the Rosslyn plant in South Africa where the previous F30 generation vehicles were assembled.
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Common 2003 Bmw 330i problems
The 2003 BMW 330i is a popular vehicle, but like any car, it has its share of common problems. One of the most serious issues is a recall affecting certain model years of the 3 Series, including the 330i from 2002 to 2005. This recall is due to a potential problem with the fuel pump flange that can cause a vehicle crash without warning.
In addition to this recall, there are several other common problems that 330i owners have reported. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is that the car can require random and unnecessary fixes and maintenance, often involving the use of cheap parts. This can lead to ongoing problems and a need for frequent repairs.
Another common problem with the 330i is related to the engine. Some owners have reported issues with the engine misfiring, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty spark plugs or ignition coils. This can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency and a loss of power, as well as potentially causing damage to other parts of the engine.
The cooling system is another area where the 330i can experience problems. Some owners have reported issues with the coolant hoses leaking or bursting, which can lead to overheating and potentially serious engine damage. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, wear and tear, and poor maintenance.
The suspension system is another area where the 330i can experience problems. Some owners have reported issues with the suspension components wearing out or failing prematurely, which can lead to a rough ride and potentially dangerous handling characteristics. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor maintenance, aggressive driving, and the use of cheap aftermarket parts.
The brakes are another area where the 330i can experience problems. Some owners have reported issues with the brake pads wearing out prematurely, which can lead to reduced braking performance and potentially dangerous driving conditions. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including aggressive driving, poor maintenance, and the use of cheap aftermarket parts.
The electrical system is another area where the 330i can experience problems. Some owners have reported issues with the electrical components failing or malfunctioning, which can lead to a variety of problems, including issues with the lights, windows, and other electrical systems. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, wear and tear, and poor maintenance.
In summary, the 2003 BMW 330i is a popular vehicle, but it has its share of common problems. These include a recall affecting certain model years due to a potential problem with the fuel pump flange, as well as issues with the engine, cooling system, suspension, brakes, and electrical system. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, wear and tear, poor maintenance, and the use of cheap aftermarket parts. It is important for 330i owners to be aware of these common problems and to take steps to address them in order to ensure safe and reliable operation of their vehicles.
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.
Is the BMW 330i a reliable car?
Consumer Reports (CR) gives the 2020 BMW 3 Series a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, which is average for luxury compact cars. The most common trouble spots involve the brakes and the potential for major engine work.
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.
Is E46 330ci a good car?
Well, if you are prepared to put the money in on top of the initial purchase and spend the money when you need to these are excellent cars when well maintained. You simply can't defer maintenance, but in return it's a rewarding car own and to drive.
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.
Is 2003 BMW 3 Series reliable?
Mechanically, they are pretty reliable cars. They do tend to have issues with the cooling system (it wouldn't be a BMW if it didn't), but usually nothing serious.
Is the BMW 330i a reliable car?
Consumer Reports (CR) gives the 2020 BMW 3 Series a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, which is average for luxury compact cars. The most common trouble spots involve the brakes and the potential for major engine work.
What is the fuel consumption of a 2003 BMW 330i?
BMW 330i 2003 Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption for the 2003 BMW 330i is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The BMW 330i currently offers fuel consumption from 8.6 to 8.6L/100km. The BMW 330i is available with the following fuel type: ULP.
2003 Bmw 330i complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Bmw 330i.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2003 Bmw 330i recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2003 Bmw 330i.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag 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, 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: 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 [email protected].
- 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].
- Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE MIGHT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.
- Consequence: OCCUPANTS COULD BE PINCHED BY A WINDOW THAT IS BEING CLOSED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 27, 2003. 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Bmw 330i problems:
common 330i problems | E46 Fanatics Forum
Jan 4, 2011 ... One of the most common problems I see on the 330 is that it causes the owner to do random and unnecessary fix and maintenance to it using cheap ...
2003 BMW 330i Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Top 2003 BMW 330i Problems · Oil Leaks From Engine Area · Blower Final Stage Fan Resistor May Fail · Front Control Arm Bracket Bushings May Fail · Coolant Loss ...
BMW 3 Series Questions - I just bought 330, it has 89,000 miles and ...
Feb 29, 2012 ... Major problem areas are: Cooling system - The cooling system will eventually fail catastrophically due to a disintegrating water pump bearing.
Is a 2003 BMW 330i a good first car? - Quora
May 11, 2017 ... 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 ...
Looking at a 2003 BMW 330xi
Jun 19, 2011 ... no rust, no dings. I'm a little nervous about 99,000 miles on any car, much less a BMW. Not sure what the reliability of the x drive is ...
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