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2003 BMW 330I problems

The most common problem on the 2003 BMW 330I is lights, typically around 90,000 miles. It has 1.8 times the complaints of a typical 330I model year.

Typical year1.8x the typical complaints
Year score
44/100
Owner complaints
77
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
24
Worst area
Lights
Fuel economy
20-22mpg
Typical repair
$1,200

The worst 2003 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.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 BMW 330I

Headlights 20Stalling 11Airbag light 6

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

Visibility: power window devices and controlsReported April 29, 2003 · 13,100 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the window lifting anti-pinching device might not function properly.
Risk
Occupants could be pinched by a window that is being closed.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the electronic control unit for the window lifting anti-pinching device. Owner notification began may 27, 2003. 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 03V160000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2003 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 2003 BMW 330I 24

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

See all 24 bulletins for the 2003 BMW 330I

2003 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‑cylRWD1825-2720-22

What 2003 BMW 330I owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 7, 2020 · Airbags, Body · 75,000 miles · LA · crash · fire · 5 injuries

The car was being driven by my house and the transmision started slipping as well as it catching and breaking one of the axles leaving the car to be stuck not being able to move period surely the most important thing this resulted in the car getting hit and the fuel tank exploding my aunt want not able to make it out of the car to get out of the way and again this car didn't allow the air bags to deploy the location is unkown

Filed Jan 3, 2018 · Body, Electrical · 130,000 miles · MO

All passenger doors except driver door cannot be unlocked or opened using any method--the key or any unlock button, or using either inside or outside door handles. This leaves only the front driver door openable. This is a huge safety risk. I can't drive the car this way--I would not be able to get my kids out of the back seat. It happens whether the car is running or not, and moving or not.

Filed Oct 30, 2017 · Tires · 180,000 miles · GA

My 4th gt radial tire side wall blow out. On 10/29/2017, my 4th tire blew out the side wall on the highway doing 70 MPH. I have saved the this tire and the 3rd one that blew out a few months back for investigation. I also have pictures.

Filed Sep 18, 2017 · Tires · GA

I purchased a set of 4 gt radial tires from discount tire direct and 3 of the 4 tires have now blown the sidewalls due to air leak at the sidewall. Tire #1- right front blew out on 9/28/2016. Tire #2- left rear- blew out on 7/28/2017, tire #3- left rear ( moved the tire from left front to rear) blew out on 8/19/2017. When I called gt radial tire to file a complaint (sept 7, 2017 4:12pm est), I only got to leave a voice mail to their consumer service person. I never got a call back. After the 3rd tire blew out, I questioned the safety of the tire and that's when I looked up tire recall by gt radial and found their touring tires of the same model as mine had the same defect and was recalled. I believe my tires are also defective. The following are the tire information from the sidewall of the tire. I am saving the tire and also have pictures. Dot code- 9upe-00a-2114, e4 0257209-s, gt radial- champiro uhp1, size= 255-35-18 94w xl

Filed Sep 18, 2017 · Tires · GA

I purchased a set of 4 gt radial tires from discount tire direct and 3 of the 4 tires have now blown the sidewalls due to air leak at the sidewall. Tire #1- right front blew out on 9/28/2016. Tire #2- left rear- blew out on 7/28/2017, tire #3- left rear ( moved the tire from left front to rear) blew out on 8/19/2017. When I called gt radial tire to file a complaint (sept 7, 2017 4:12pm est), I only got to leave a voice mail to their consumer service person. I never got a call back. After the 3rd tire blew out, I questioned the safety of the tire and that's when I looked up tire recall by gt radial and found their touring tires of the same model as mine had the same defect and was recalled. I believe my tires are also defective. The following are the tire information from the sidewall of the tire. I am saving the tire and also have pictures. Dot code- 9upe-00a-2114, e4 0257209-s, gt radial- champiro uhp1, size= 255-35-18 94w xl

Filed Sep 12, 2017 · Airbags · 183,000 miles · NJ

Hi I have two bmw's that qualify for this recall. I learned about it 6 weeks ago. My fianc and I havnt been able to use our vehicles in almost 2 months! I even called and went to the bmw of and they said they would order the air bag for the one and our second car they would write the order up when I left the dealership . Needless to say I even brought over a dealership memo from bmw because I work in the auto industry and have acesss to identifix.com, I showed them the notice where they have to give customers loaner vehicles or pay up to $68 a day for a rental car. They keep ignoring my calls.

Filed Jul 19, 2017 · Airbags, Lights · 150,000 miles · LA

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 bmw 330i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 11v438000 (exterior lighting), 14v428000 (air bags), and 15v318000 (air bags); however, the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the air bag and seat belt warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the turn signal on the driver's side malfunctioned by blinking intermittently while in use. The contact called the hixson bmw and walker bmw dealers who both stated that the parts were not available for the repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed May 10, 2017 · Airbags · 67,000 miles · FL · crash

Takata recall I was involved in a traffic accident on 05/05/2017. I was hit by another vehicle on the passenger side of my vehicle while I was making a left hand turn. I was hit so hard that I was driven into an automobile that was waiting at the traffic light to make a turn. Both sides of my automobile were damaged. The windshield on the passenger side was broken. The air bags did not deploy. I had taken the automobile to the dealer when I received the air bag recall approximately one year ago.

Filed Jan 6, 2017 · Airbags · 208,000 miles · CA

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 bmw 330i. While driving various speeds, the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v318000 (air bags). The part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 208,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Oct 28, 2016 · Airbags · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 330i. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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Questions about the 2003 BMW 330I

Is the 2003 BMW 330I reliable?

Owners have filed 77 complaints about the 2003 BMW 330I, 1.8 times a typical 330I model year.

What is the 2003 BMW 330I year score?

The 2003 BMW 330I scores 44 out of 100 (below 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 2003 BMW 330I?

Lights, with 28 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles. Next is airbags (24).

How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 330I have?

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

Was there a recall on the 2003 BMW 330I lights?

Yes, 1 recall: 11V438000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the BMW 330I have the most lights problems?

The BMW 330I model years with the most lights complaints are 2004 (83 complaints), 2003 (28 complaints) and 2005 (17 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2003 BMW 330I get?

Official estimates for the 2003 BMW 330I range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 25-27 highway.

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