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2001 BMW 330I engine problems

11 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 81,000.

owner complaints
11
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
81,000
crashes
0
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Cooling system: fan
    2
  • Cooling system
    2
  • Exhaust system: emission control
    1
  • Engine: gasoline
    1
  • Cooling system: radiator assembly
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

BMW 330I engine problems in other years

200120022003200420052006201720182019202020212025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 BMW 330I engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Overheating 6

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported May 16, 2002 · 1,550 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 02V138000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported June 21, 2001 · 76,469 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 01V206000 · Recall details

What 2001 BMW 330I owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · MD

-My infrastructure system management has been affected overtime—which covers electronic control units (ECUs), software, and network architecture—are driven by the need to manage increasing system complexity, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and electronic malfunctions. -My De-icing fluid management system-Has been affected by potential engine damage, reduced structural integrity, and risk of in-flight failure due to overheating. -My vehicle has been affected sense March 3, 2025 - Major Terminal Outage: A massive power outage, traced to a fire and downed power line near the airport, I [XXX] [XXX] believe my Power failures and component-level are faulty… -My vehicles brake lines are not meeting specifications, which could cause leaks & affect the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), increasing the risk of a crash god forbid… I [XXX] [XXX] believe my brake system is faulty. -My Takata driver-side airbag inflators has been affected that can explode upon deployment, spraying metal shrapnel and causing severe injury or death, (Models affected)~2000-2015 series with urgent "Do Not Drive" warnings requiring free, immediate dealer replacement required by (NHSTA)… I [XXX] [XXX] believe my Takata system is faulty. -My water pump system is electrical connector, authorized by the federal safety agency. Insufficient sealing allows fluid ingress, posing a short circuit and fire risk to prevent hazards… in conclusion, there has been several major BMW safety recall been mandated by the federal safety agency. Remedy plan must be completed within 5 days & I would like a copy of reports via email for my lawyer to review my vehicles standards. In conclusion, I need an evaluation appointment & determination assessment asap due to moving after Valentine’s Day to prevent serious safety issues on my journey to Florida. I’m currently 15min from 6312 Aaron Ln Clinton,Md closest & more convenient service center. Thanks for your understanding! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA

Filed Jul 28, 2016 · Engine, Tires · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw 330i. The contact stated that all four tires randomly lost tire pressure and that there was an internal failure associated with the rims and tires. The contact had a repair shop replace all four tires three times. When the air pressure was low, the TPMS warning light was not illuminated to indicate a failure. In addition, the fan failed to work properly and the vehicle was running hot to the point that it could overheat. The contact was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 02v138000 (engine and engine cooling), 01v206000 (engine and engine cooling), and 00v383000 (wheels). The manufacturer was contacted to determine if they may be able to provide a repair solution to prevent the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Dec 20, 2010 · Engine, Steering · 50,000 miles · NJ

Engine stalls on a few occasions when vehicle was turning left at low speed, causing temporary loss of power steering. Was able to quickly re-start the engine every time but could have caused crash otherwise. This occurred more frequently after 2008 (and after 60k miles), both at low speed on local roads and at 45 ~ 55 MPH on highways, summer or winter conditions, with or without AC turned on. Occurrences are infrequent and unpredictable. Reported to my bmw dealer several times but dealer was unable to replicate the problem and unable to diagnose the issue. Otherwise, the vehicle drives perfectly fine and I love it.

Filed Mar 30, 2009 · Engine · 81,000 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 bmw 330i. The contact stated that the coolant fan was not working and the engine would not cool down. As a result, the vehicle was overheating. The head gasket was blown and the engine was cracked. The dealer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and the contact would be responsible for the repairs. The failure and current mileages were less than 81,000.

Filed Dec 7, 2004 · Engine, Suspension · 85,000 miles · FL

Passenger front window came off track. Back window does not go up or down. It is obvious that other two windows will do the same very soon. This has happened throughout the life of the car... Too many times, too much and too often. My car is a 2001 bmw 330i, I've had a problem with my radiator resorvior, the water pump and cooling fan, the emmisions system, and my car has shut down on me while driving, usually when I am on a turn (which is very dangerous because I was at a one way stop making a right turn and almost got into an accident because the car shut down). I have almost 85k miles now and the problems continue to arise. Just got a new transmission, new lower control arm for the driver side, and the windows continue to break down every 6 months. Very disappointed in this "bmw experience"!

Filed May 10, 2004 · Acceleration, Engine · 64,000 miles · VA

I drive a 2001 bmw 330i. It stalled on me a few times already. One time, I was slowing down to make a turn and it stalled on me while the car was slowing down. Also, sometimes the accelerator hesitates on me, and it happened twice when I was crossing an intersection and almost got into an accident because of it.

Filed Apr 27, 2004 · Engine · 49,000 miles · TX

2001 bmw 330i. Engine stalled any time.happened after engine already warm up (after drove about 1 hour).

Filed Dec 10, 2001 · Engine, Visibility · NV

Windows would go off track when trying to go up or down. Would make weird noises when using the windows.

Filed Oct 25, 2001 · Engine · MA

While driving 55 MPH, saw smoke coming from under the hood, consumer pulled over and shut off engine. At that time she saw green liquid pouring out from underneath vehicle. Consumer had vehicle towed to dealer who replaced thermostat.

Filed Aug 9, 2001 · Engine · CA

Engine cooling fan inoperative. Same problem repaired twice! Once @ 282mi and 2715mi. Out of service for 19 days.

Questions about the 2001 BMW 330I engine

Does the 2001 BMW 330I have engine problems?

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the engine of the 2001 BMW 330I, 9% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2001 BMW 330I engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 81,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2001 BMW 330I engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 02V138000, 01V206000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the BMW 330I have bad engine?

The BMW 330I model years with the most engine complaints are 2006 (26 complaints), 2017 (23 complaints) and 2020 (20 complaints).

Other 2001 BMW 330I problems

Airbags 35Transmission 23Electrical 15Visibility 10Fuel system 9Body 7Lights 7Tires 6Acceleration 5Suspension 5Wheels 5Locks 3Brakes 1Steering 1

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