My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver when parked in front of my house. He took out six cars in a row. Heard a loud noise about 2 am - looked out the window and saw nothing. But then the fire trucks showed up after someone called them when they heard the bang. according to the firemen, it was probably caused by an electrical fire even though there were no visible flames. but the inside was filled with thick gray smoke which also came out of the trunk when they opened it. , the air bag was activated on the driver's side - the windshield was broken and the interior was a melted mess. The dashboard was melted on the driver’s side and the window was blackened. .the drivers side was where the damage had been from the accident. I do not think it coincidence. It seems i am not the only person whose bmw has spontaneously caught on fire. I did get bmw involved as far as sending documentation and talking to a rep. They of course were blameless. They did say they believe it was caused by an error made during a repair that allowed the rain water to get into the wiring. It had been raining hard for a couple days. But they could not say based on what i sent them if it was the body shop that did the most recent repair that made the error or it was done prior to that by another shop. But that they would not be investigating further. My much loved bmw been totaled and i will never what caused it.
The worst 2002 BMW 330CI problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags27
- Electrical5
- Lights4
- Engine3
- Seats3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags27
- Electrical5
- Lights4
- Engine3
- Seats3
- Transmission3
- Fuel system2
- Tires2
- Acceleration1
- Brakes1
- Seat belts1
- Suspension1
Recalls 3
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 20V018000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 15V318000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. 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].
Recall number 13V172000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 2002 BMW 330CI
Defect investigations
Rear lamp illumination
In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. Mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 bmw 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to bmw in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by bmw in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating bmw complaints and related warranty data.
DP09002
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 BMW 330CI 17
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- Whistling noise is heard coming from the front bumper while driving at highway speeds.
- Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal...
- Service action
- Takata air bag recall-related short-term alternate transportation and consequential repairs
- Takata class action settlement. customer support program. front driver side airbag modules.
- For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?)...
- For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW...
- In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has...
- Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles This Service Information bulletin supersedes...
2002 BMW 330CI fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17-18 | 25-27 | 20-22 |
What 2002 BMW 330CI owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Air bags deployed after collision, vehicle has been released from Falcon Towing 15600 S Main St, Gardena, CA 90248 to Automobile Club for inspection. Injuries sustained from airbag deploying include, but are not limited to, lacerations, abrasions, bruising as a broken rib and collapsed lung.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw 330ci. The contact stated that the driver's side tail light went out. The contact noticed that the brown wire connected to the tail light had melted. The dealer (bmw of fairfax, 8427 lee hwy, fairfax, va 22031) stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was also made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 242,266.
Takata recall. Bmw of fairfax, virginia replaced only one of two bags recalled, even though the appointment and work order said to replace both air bags. They then said the job has been completed. However, the passenger side airbag had not been replaced. Were it not for my subsequent careful review of the invoice and follow up questioning with the dealer, I never would have known I still had a defective air bag. I sent detailed email questions to the service manager and have not had a response.
Takata recall. It has been 14 months since the initial notification of the recall. No communication from bmw. Only response to questions is it is pending soon. Is there justification for length of time to resolve repair to a "dangerous problem"?
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 bmw 330ci. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 bmw 330ci. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Received initial contact from bmw in september 2014. "remedy not yet available". Campaign 14v 428 and 15v 318. When will these recalls be resolved?
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 bmw 330ci. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
It has been two years since my cars as first placed on recall due to faulty airbags, first for the passenger side and since last july the driver side. I am filing this complaint based on this being an unreasonable period of time. I live in north carolina and the takata air bags are more apt to be dangerous in this warm and humid climate.
Compare the 2002 BMW 330CI
Other model years
Questions about the 2002 BMW 330CI
Is the 2002 BMW 330CI reliable?
Owners have filed 46 complaints about the 2002 BMW 330CI, close to a typical 330CI model year.
What is the 2002 BMW 330CI year score?
The 2002 BMW 330CI scores 72 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 330CI: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 BMW 330CI?
Airbags, with 27 complaints, typically around 99,000 miles. Next is electrical (5).
How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 330CI have?
3 recalls, covering air bags.
Was there a recall on the 2002 BMW 330CI airbags?
Yes, 3 recalls: 20V018000, 15V318000, 13V172000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW 330CI have bad airbags?
The BMW 330CI model years with the most airbags complaints are 2004 (31 complaints), 2002 (27 complaints) and 2006 (26 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2002 BMW 330CI get?
Official estimates for the 2002 BMW 330CI range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17-18 city and 25-27 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2002 BMW 330CI?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history