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2002 BMW 330I problems

The most common problem on the 2002 BMW 330I is airbags. Its complaint count is close to a typical 330I model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
65/100
Owner complaints
45
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
23
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
20-22mpg

The worst 2002 BMW 330I problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    13
  • Lights
    10
  • Electrical
    7
  • Transmission
    4
  • Engine
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Seats
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 6

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 15, 2020 · 292,948 vehicles affected
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 bagsReported June 11, 2018 · 574,007 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. 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].

Recall number 14V428000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported May 28, 2015 · 419,235 vehicles affected
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 bagsReported May 2, 2013 · 43,204 vehicles affected
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

Exterior lighting: turn signalReported August 26, 2011 · 241,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 11V438000 · Recall details

SuspensionReported February 19, 2002 · 4,672 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, during the strut mount manufacturing process, the thrust bearing was not properly positions and secured. If the suspension is fully unloaded, the front strut could separate from the upper mount.
Risk
This could affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both front spring strut upper mounts. Owner notification began march 15, 2002. 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 02V057000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2002 BMW 330I

Defect investigations

Rear Lamp IlluminationOpened December 18, 2009, closed September 28, 2011

In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

EA09019

Rear lamp illuminationOpened August 7, 2009, closed December 22, 2009

Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly is not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue is with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are allegedly overheating and melting due to excessive electrical current that runs through the system.bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 on february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.odi is upgrading to an ea to further investigate the issue.

PE09036

Rear lamp illuminationOpened April 8, 2009, closed August 6, 2009

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 330I 23

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 23 bulletins for the 2002 BMW 330I

2002 BMW 330I fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cylRWD17-1825-2720-22

What 2002 BMW 330I owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 21, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 120,000 miles · CA · crash

Loss of power the battery dies quick and alarm system goes off randomly and the car has lost acceleration air bag needs replaced and the car makes noises

Filed Apr 2, 2020 · Electrical · NC

Having a problem with my gm5 module which controls locking/ unlocking doors, windshield wipers and interior lights. Got stranded today because I could not unlock my car. The key fob wouldn't unlock it and even using the key in the door didnt work. This is a big safety problem.

Filed Nov 2, 2019 · Driver assistance, Seats · 180,000 miles · AZ

The car's windows do not open or close all 4 of them are not working also this powering steering is hard and the power steering is not working.

Filed Oct 2, 2017 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · AZ · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw 330i. While the vehicle was parked, the contact was advised that the front passenger side caught fire. The contact extinguished the fire and called the fire department. The contact was unsure if a fire report was filed, but stated that the fire department advised that a fault in the wiring harness may have caused the fire. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Dec 13, 2016 · Airbags · 109,000 miles · TN

"takata recall" dealer has failed to replace airbag.

Filed Nov 18, 2016 · Lights · 40,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw 330i. When the vehicle was started, the passenger side brake light seized without warning. The failure recurred randomly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear light panel and plug failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Oct 28, 2016 · Airbags · MI

Takata recall I received a notice that my driver's side airbag was to be replaced under the takata recall in june 2015. I have made over a dozen requests with my local bmw dealer to have the recall performed but each time I have been told there are no airbags available. My complaint is that I drive my car every day with what is a known defective (and possibly deadly) safety device and while I know the replacement airbags are being produced I am not able to have one allocated for my vehicle. This is not an acceptable situation!

Filed Aug 30, 2016 · Airbags · CA

Takata recall - I have called all the bmw centers in my local area and none have been able to replace the drivers side airbag. They have no clue when and act as if it is not a real safety issue.

Filed Aug 29, 2016 · Airbags · TX

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 bmw 330i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The contact called two dealers and they did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Aug 25, 2016 · Airbags · KS

It's been 15 months since being notified about the recall and I still have not been notified that the part is available for the repair. I'm concerned because my car is one of the oldest in the recall date range and it is the driver air bag, which is the one position always occupied in the vehicle and by me. There is already 140,000 miles on this vehicle and it's my daily driver so I believe it is at risk. Humidity is high in the kansas city area where this car has been for it's life. I'm concerned that the air bag in the car has not even been disconnected to prevent it from going off given I always wear a seat belt until such time as a repair can be made.

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Questions about the 2002 BMW 330I

Is the 2002 BMW 330I reliable?

Owners have filed 45 complaints about the 2002 BMW 330I, close to a typical 330I model year.

What is the 2002 BMW 330I year score?

The 2002 BMW 330I scores 65 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 330I: 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 330I?

Airbags, with 13 complaints. Next is lights (10).

How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 330I have?

6 recalls, covering air bags, exterior lighting and suspension.

Was there a recall on the 2002 BMW 330I airbags?

Yes, 4 recalls: 20V018000, 14V428000, 15V318000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the BMW 330I have bad airbags?

The BMW 330I model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (133 complaints), 2001 (35 complaints) and 2003 (24 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2002 BMW 330I get?

Official estimates for the 2002 BMW 330I range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17-18 city and 25-27 highway.

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