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2002 BMW 330XI problems

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

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
66/100
Owner complaints
20
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
17
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
18-20mpg

The worst 2002 BMW 330XI problems

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

  • Airbags
    8
  • Electrical
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Tires
    2
  • Lights
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Airbags
    8
  • Electrical
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Tires
    2
  • Lights
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 5

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

See all 5 recalls for the 2002 BMW 330XI

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 330XI 17

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

See all 17 bulletins for the 2002 BMW 330XI

2002 BMW 330XI fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD16-1823-2518-20

What 2002 BMW 330XI owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 24, 2020 · Electrical · OR

After reading many forum questions and answers my vehicle problem is the gm5 module. This module controls a wide selection of electrical function on this car. The function that is at issue is the central locking/unlocking function initiated by the key, key fob or locking control button on the console. By researching online it is apparent that the bmw e46 model has had a long period that this module has been a problem and they have not done anything to remedy the issue. This faulty module (gm-5) will leave you locked out of your car and or once inside not allow any other doors to open by any means. This can be a very dangerous if you may be threatening situation. The manufacturer know this is a problem as it spans years of production. I am just reporting the most recent incident, this has been an ongoing problem. We happen to keep our cars along time and this is an expensive and frustrating problem.

Filed Feb 16, 2020 · Engine · 190,000 miles · IL

Keeps leaking engine oil even after multiple changes. (city street, chicago illinois) stationary most of the time. Hasn't been moved since leaking oil. (too worried)

Filed Jan 7, 2019 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · PA · fire

The smell of electircal fire and thick black smoke poored out the left side of my stearing colum. Flames started to shoot out and enguffed my bmw to nothing!

Filed Mar 23, 2017 · Airbags · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw 330xi. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 13v172000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags). 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. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jan 8, 2017 · Tires · 89,470 miles · NY

Contiprocontact 205/50 r17 93v / a37p 3pl 3510 has a sidewall bulge. Its mileage is 5,894. It was purchased to replace the same model tire because of a sidewall bulge. That tire had similar mileage. All tires were purchased from sts/mavis tire.

Filed Sep 5, 2016 · Airbags · 144,000 miles · PA

Takato recall - I received recall notice in july 2015 and even with repeated calls to bmw dealer, no repair has been done. I refrain from driving the car and have less than 400 miles in the last year, but still have to pay for insurance, inspection, license. I have been postponing repairs, but I don't want to spend more money on a car that I shouldn't drive.

Filed Jul 27, 2016 · Airbags · MA

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 bmw 330xi. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle 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.

Filed Jun 25, 2016 · Airbags · NY

Date complaint filed: 03/22/2016date of incident: 05/04/2015component(s): air bagsreference number: 10850988consumer location: chappaqua, ny all products associated with this complaint expand details close help 0 available documents crash:no fire:no number of injuries:0 number of deaths:0 manufacturer: bmw of north america, llc vehicle identification no. (VIN): not available summary: takata recall- I assume that you are enabling takata to be off the hook from their responsibility to replace defective airbags because it costs them time and money to manufacture replacements around the clock. The federal government would rather watch deaths for taking money from takata as per obama's orders.I was notified a long time ago that the airbag in my 2002 bmw 330xi was dangerously defective. I have called bmw and have yet to receive an appointment to replace the defective deadly airbag. The car needs to be driven over 2 hours per day to commute to work and back. If anything happens as a negligent result for not replacing the airbag, I will commence legal action and my negligence attorney will rub his hands for you buying him a bigger home, with the airbag manufacturer, bmw, and the federal government for not enforcing the airbag recall. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 22, 2016 · Airbags · NY

Takata recall- I assume that you rae enabling takata to be off the hook from responsibiliity to replace defective airbags becuase it costs them time and money to manufacture replacements around the clock. The federal government would rather watch deaths for taking money from takata as per obamas orders.I was notified a long time ago that the airbag in my 2002 bmw 330xi was dangerously defective. I have called bmw and have yet to receive an appointment to replace the defective deadly airbag. The car needs to be driven over 2 hours per day to commute to work and back. If anything happens as a negligent result for not replacing the airbag, I will commence legal action with the airbag manufacturer, bmw, and the federal government for not enforcing the airbag recall.[xxx] 'information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Feb 3, 2016 · Airbags · PA

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 bmw 330xi. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

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Other model years

200120022003200420052006

Questions about the 2002 BMW 330XI

Is the 2002 BMW 330XI reliable?

Owners have filed 20 complaints about the 2002 BMW 330XI, close to a typical 330XI model year.

What is the 2002 BMW 330XI year score?

The 2002 BMW 330XI scores 66 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 330XI: 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 330XI?

Airbags, with 8 complaints. Next is electrical (3).

How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 330XI have?

5 recalls, covering air bags and exterior lighting.

Was there a recall on the 2002 BMW 330XI 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 330XI have bad airbags?

The BMW 330XI model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (67 complaints) and 2003 (13 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2002 BMW 330XI get?

Official estimates for the 2002 BMW 330XI range from 18 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 16-18 city and 23-25 highway.

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