2001 Bmw 330xi problems

General information about Bmw-330xi
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 2001 Bmw 330xi problems

Based on complaints from owners of the BMW 330xi 2001, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

Cooling System Weakness:
- - Weaknesses in the cooling system components like the expansion tank, thermostat (which can leak into the wiring harness), and radiator have been reported.
  - Issues with the cooling system can lead to overheating and potential engine damage, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and inspection.

Engine and Engine Cooling System:
- - Complaints related to the engine and engine cooling system, including leaks and cooling system failures.
  - Regular checks for leaks, proper coolant levels, and addressing any cooling system issues promptly are essential to prevent engine overheating and damage.

Exterior Lighting Problems:
- Reports of issues with exterior lighting, which can affect visibility and safety while driving.
- Regularly checking and replacing faulty bulbs or addressing electrical issues related to the lighting system is crucial for safe driving conditions.
Structure and Body Concerns:
- Complaints regarding the structure and body of the BMW 330xi 2001, highlighting potential weaknesses or damages.
- Ensuring the structural integrity of the vehicle through regular inspections and addressing any body-related issues promptly is essential for safety and longevity.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Issues:
- Problems with the ABS system, affecting the vehicle's braking performance and safety.
- Timely inspection and maintenance of the ABS system, including addressing any issues with the anti-lock braking components, are crucial for safe driving conditions.
Tire and Wheel Problems:
- Complaints related to tires, tread, and wheels, which can impact the vehicle's handling and safety.
- Regularly checking tire tread depth, wheel alignment, and addressing any issues with tires or wheels promptly is essential for safe driving and optimal performance.

These common problems reported by owners of the BMW 330xi 2001 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, timely inspections, and addressing any issues promptly to ensure the vehicle's reliability, safety, and longevity.

Is a 2001 BMW 330i a good car?

Great car for the price if you want a BMW.

This car drives great for those that enjoy a sporty yet luxury feel.

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.

What kind of engine does a BMW 330Xi have?

6 Cyl. / 4 V per Cyl.

How much horsepower does a 2001 BMW 330Xi have?

Used 2001 BMW 3 Series 330xi - Specs & Features

Engine
Cylinders	Inline 6
Base engine type	Gas
Horsepower	225 hp @ 5,900 rpm
Torque	214 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm

What is the most common problem on BMW 330i?

What is the most common problem with 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 horsepower does a 2001 BMW 330xi have?

Used 2001 BMW 3 Series 330xi - Specs & Features

Engine
Cylinders	Inline 6
Base engine type	Gas
Horsepower	225 hp @ 5,900 rpm
Torque	214 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm

What is the top speed of the 2001 330xi?

Performance

0 - 100 kph	5.9 s
0 - 100 mph	15.5 s
Est. 1/8 mile	9.8 s @ 83.9 mph
1/4 mile	14.4 s @ 96.3 mph
Top speed	250 kph (155 mph)

2001 Bmw 330xi car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 330xi problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

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

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Bmw 330xi vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Bmw 330xi complaints

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Bmw 330xi.

2015-08-14

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-08-10
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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2015-02-05

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-09-30
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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2014-01-29

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-01-12
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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2013-12-02

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-11-11
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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2012-08-27

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2012-08-13
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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2011-07-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2011-06-30
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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2010-03-21

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2010-02-12
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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2006-01-27

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

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

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2004-12-07

WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-07-30
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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2004-02-19

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-12-01
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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2001-07-07

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 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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2001 Bmw 330xi recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2001 Bmw 330xi.

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.

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.

2014-07-16

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].

2002-05-16

Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Summary: 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: 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.

2001-06-21

Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Summary: 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: 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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Bmw 330xi problems:

Just bought a 2001 BMW 330xi. Issues already. : r/BMW

https://www.reddit.com/r/BMW/comments/3h1aft/just_bought_a_2001_bmw_330xi_issues_already/

Aug 14, 2015 ... They're known to pop without warning and should be replaced with a new OEM one on roughly a 60k cycle. Whatever you do do not drive it hot! If ...

2001 330i engine issues? | BMW CCA Forum

https://www.bmwcca.org/forum/index.php?threads/2001-330i-engine-issues.1807/

Jul 29, 2008 ... Cooling systems are weak, including the expansion tank, the tstat (which can leak into the wiring harness) and the radiator. VANOS getting ...

BMW 330xi Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues

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

Top BMW 330xi Problems · Oil Leaks From Engine Area · Front Outer CV Boots May Tear and Leak at 60,000 Miles · Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank · Blower ...

common 330i problems | E46 Fanatics Forum

https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/common-330i-problems.814517/

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 ...