Bmw 330xi problems

General information about Bmw 330xi
Bmw 330xi years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
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 Bmw 330xi problems

The BMW 330xi is a popular car model, but like any other vehicle, it has its own set of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners:

Head Bolts, Water Pump, and Thermostat Issues: Some owners have reported problems with head bolts, water pumps, and thermostats in their BMW 330xi cars. These issues can lead to engine overheating and potential engine failure if not addressed promptly.

Cooling System Failure: The cooling system in some BMW 330xi cars has been reported to fail, causing the engine to overheat. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty water pump or thermostat, and can lead to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported transmission problems in their BMW 330xi cars. These issues can include slipping, jerking, and difficulty shifting. These problems can be caused by various factors, such as low transmission fluid levels or a faulty transmission solenoid.

Electrical System Problems: Some BMW 330xi owners have reported electrical system problems, such as issues with the car's lighting, power windows, and power locks. These problems can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty alternator or a blown fuse.

Suspension Issues: Some BMW 330xi owners have reported suspension problems, such as a noisy suspension or a rough ride. These problems can be caused by various factors, such as worn-out suspension components or a faulty steering system.

In conclusion, while the BMW 330xi is a popular and capable car, it is not without its common problems. Owners should be aware of these issues and take preventative measures to avoid them, such as regular maintenance and inspections. If any problems do arise, it is essential to address them promptly to avoid further damage and costly repairs.

What is the problem with the BMW 330i engine?

What kind of engine does a BMW 330xi have?

Engine & Performance

6 Cyl. / 4 V per Cyl.

How fast is a BMW 330xi?

130mph (210km/h) for non sport packages or 155mph (250km/h) for sport packages.

Are 2006 BMW 330i reliable?

For the price these cars sell for they are very reliable luxury sports sedans. I've owned this car for less than a year and I am still finding amazed by some of the options and overall engineering of this vehicle. It is far better than any car I have ever owned even though it is 14 years old now.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 330xi years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 330xi cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 330xi model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 330xi model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 330xi years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Bmw 330xi car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 330xi , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Exterior lighting problems
Air bags problems
Structure problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 330xi vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 330xi model years

A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 330xi model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 330xi model years

There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 330xi . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 330xi vehicles.

List of Bmw 330xi complaints

Bmw 330xi 2001

Date Of Incident: 2015-08-10
Date Complaint: 2015-08-14
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330 XI. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR LIGHT WARNING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TAIL LAMP CONNECTOR WAS MELTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CONNECTOR NUMBER THREE MELTED ON BOTH ENDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

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Bmw 330xi 2001

Date Of Incident: 2014-09-30
Date Complaint: 2015-02-05
VIN: WBAAV53441J
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR OVER 6MONTHS SINCE THE RECALL LETTER WAS RECEIVED. THE DEALER HAS A WAITING LIST OF OVER 300 CARS, AND HAS NOT EVEN STARTED DOING THE WORK REQUIRED FOR THIS RECALL. I AM NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT THE DEALER AS BMW USA HAS NOT STARTED SHIPPING THE PARTS. WHAT IS BEING DONE TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED?? *TR

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Bmw 330xi 2001

Date Of Incident: 2014-01-12
Date Complaint: 2014-01-29
Fire: 1
VIN: WBAAV53441J
Components: ENGINE
Summary: CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN ALL DAY UNTIL EVENING WHEN I DROVE CAR 4-5 MILES TO ONE RESIDENCE, CONTINUED WITH PASSENGER FOR ANOTHER FEW MILES TO ANOTHER RESIDENCE, PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. REMAINED IN CAR BRIEFLY WHILE FINISHING A CONVERSATION WHEN NOTICED GRAY/WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD ON PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR. GOT OUT OF VEHICLE, CALLED FOR HELP FROM RESIDENT. WHEN USE OF 2 PERSONAL EXTINGUISHERS DIDN'T HELP, CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO RESPONDED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT NOTES ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS FULLY INVOLVED WHEN THEY ARRIVED AND APPEARS FIRE STARTED IN RIGHT FRONT CORNER, BUT UNABLE TO MAKE FIRE CAUSE DETERMINATION DUE TO HEAVY FIRE INVOLVEMENT. INSURANCE COMPANY HAS DECLARED IT A TOTAL LOSS. *TR

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Bmw 330xi 2001

Date Of Incident: 2013-11-11
Date Complaint: 2013-12-02
VIN: WBAAV53481J
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: THE BRAKE LIGHTS IN THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAVE PARTIALLY FAILED. ONE SET OF BRAKE LIGHT BULBS, THE DUAL FILAMENT BULBS NO LONGER LIGHT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THE BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND ARE IN WORKING ORDER SO IT APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE WIRING OR THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. *TR

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Bmw 330xi 2001

Date Of Incident: 2012-08-13
Date Complaint: 2012-08-27
Number Of Injuries: 2
Crash: 1
VIN: WBAAV534X1J
Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
Summary: VEHICLE WAS HIT BY ANOTHER DRIVER RUNNING A RED LIGHT. THE OTHER DRIVER CENTERED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL BUT DAMAGED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER'S DOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. WE COULD SEE HIT HANGING FROM THE REAR PILLAR TO THE FRONT PILLAR BUT IT WAS STILL TUBULAR SHAPED AND DID NOT PREVENT THE DRIVER FROM HITTING HER HEAD ON THE SIDE OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE FRONT PANEL WAS COMPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR

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Bmw 330xi 2001

Date Of Incident: 2011-06-30
Date Complaint: 2011-07-06
VIN: WBAAV53491J
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: THE SECONDARY COOLING FAN FAILED CAUSING THE EXPANSION TANK ON OUR 2001 BMW 330XI SPLIT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. WE REPLACED THE EXPANSION TANK AND MANY RELATED PARTS INCLUDING THERMOSTAT. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. WE BELIEVE THIS FAILURE IS CLOSE TO, BUT NOT THE SAME AS, THE FAN FAILURE THAT YOU REPORTED ON MAY 16, 2002. (02V138000 , 01V206000 ). *TR

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Bmw 330xi 2001

Date Of Incident: 2010-02-12
Date Complaint: 2010-03-21
VIN: WBAAV53491J
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
Summary: THE EXPANSION TANK ON OUR 2001 BMW 330XI SPLIT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 48,000 MILES OF USE. WE REPLACED THE ENGINE AND MANY RELATED PARTS INCLUDING THE EXPANSION TANK AND RADIATOR. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON UNTIL AFTER THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND THE CAR WAS IN THE DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP. WE BELIEVE THIS FAILURE IS CLOSE TO, BUT NOT THE SAME AS, THE FAN FAILURE THAT YOU REPORTED ON MAY 16, 2002. *TR

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Bmw 330xi 2001

Date Of Incident: 2006-01-01
Date Complaint: 2006-01-27
VIN: WBAAV53401J
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: 2001 - 330XI - 50000 MILES, REAR SUBFRAME TORN OUT ON LEFT SIDE, RIGHT SIDE CRACKED! *AK

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Bmw 330xi 2001

Date Of Incident: 2004-07-30
Date Complaint: 2004-12-07
VIN: WBAAV53491J
Components: WHEELS
Summary: ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING ON NEW JERSEY ROADS (TWO TIMES ON MAJOR ROADS) MY VEHICLE STRUCK A POT HOLE AND THE INSIDE PORTION OF THE RIM BENT. I HAVE REPLACED THE RIMS WITH AFTERMARKET ALUMINUM ALLOY RIMS. ACCORDING TO WHEEL COLLISION EXPERTS OF ALLENTOWN PA. BMW RIMS ARE THERE BIGGEST CUSTOMER. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING IN N.J. FOR 31 YEARS AND THESE ARE MY FIRST RIM FAILURES. I STILL HAVE THREE RIMS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. THESE FAILURES OCCURED WITH ONLY 22,000 MILES ON THE CAR.*AK

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Bmw 330xi 2001

Date Of Incident: 2003-12-01
Date Complaint: 2004-02-19
VIN: WBAAV53411J
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
Summary: IN SNOWY CONDITIONS THE ANTI-LOCKBRAKES FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SKID. *AK THE TIRES HAD 1/2 TREAD LIFE. THE DEALER BLAMED THE TIRES. (TIRE, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, AND OR AWD WAS THE PROBLEM) *SC

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Bmw 330xi 2001

Date Of Incident: 2001-07-07
Date Complaint: 2001-07-07
VIN: WBAAV53441J
Components: TIRES
Summary: I HAD 2 TIRES GO SUDDENLY FLAT ON THE SAME DAY. CAR HAD ONLY 4500 MILES AT THE TIME. NO OBVIOUS PUNTURE OR DAMAGE. REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE AT LOCAL TIRE DEALER BECAUSE BMW DEALER DID NOT HAVE IN STOCK. 1 WEEK LATER, I READ ABOUT NHTSA RECALL #00V383 AND CONTACTED BOTH DEALER AND BMW USA AFTER DEALER REPLIED THAT HE WAS UNAWARE OF RECALL. AFTER HAVING HIM RESEARCH FURTHER, I WAS SIMPLY TOLD THAT MY BMW 330XI, MANUFACTURED DURING THE QUESTIONED TIMEFRAME WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. I GOT THE SAME FROM BMW USA. I QUESTION HOW 2 VIRTUALLY BRAND NEW TIRES WOULD BOTH GO FLAT ON THE SAME DAY AT THE SAME TIME? I CONTACTED CONTINENTAL TIRES WHO WERE ALSO UNAWARE OF THE RECALL AND AFTER EXPLAINING THEM THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THEY READILY AGREED TO REIMBURSE ME $100 AS A GOOD FAITH GESTURE. I PAID OVER $400 FOR THE TIRES, PLUS BALANCING, PLUS HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR A WEEK SINCE BMW AND LOCAL TIRE CENTER DID NOT HAVE IN STOCK. I'M NOT CONVINCED THAT BMW HAS FAITHFULLY RESOLVED THIS ISSUE WITH ME, SINCE THEY DID NOT EVEN INSPECT THE WHEELS AFTER MY NEW TIRES WERE MOUNTED. I DON'T THINK THEY COULD TELL WHETHER OF NOT THE FIRST SET WERE MOUNTED PROPERLY OR NOT AND HAVE SIMPLY DISMISSED ME WITHOUT ANY ASSURANCE OR VERIFICATION THAT MY BMW WASN'T POSSIBLY AFFECTED BY THIS MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX] IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU CAN PROVIDE OR FOLLOW UP ON TO TRULY SEE WHETHER I AM OWED NEW WHEELS, REIMBURSEMENT, ETC. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE, [XXX]. *AK (TIRESIZE: 17) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

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Latest 5 recalls Bmw 330xi

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 29 recalls for different components of the Bmw 330xi.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Bmw 330xi 2006
Report Received Date: 2024-07-03
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Model: Bmw 330xi 2001
Report Received Date: 2021-05-27
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: 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: 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.

Model: Bmw 330xi 2003
Report Received Date: 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.

Model: Bmw 330xi 2001
Report Received Date: 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.

Model: Bmw 330xi 2004
Report Received Date: 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.