Owners have filed 18 complaints
about the 2003 BMW 330CI with NHTSA between 2004 and 2020.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 17
Against the median year of the BMW 330CI. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 57
11.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 19
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2003 BMW 330CI
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
950.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 120,000 mi
Electrical System
316.7%
Median failure at 115,000 miles
Body & Structure
211.1%
Median failure at 69,003 miles
Tires
15.6%
Lights
15.6%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.6%
Median failure at 101,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
15.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
111.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
111.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
777.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2004peak 2Aug 2020
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 146,000 milesAtlanta, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BMW 330CI. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT SUFFERED A STROKE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THAT METAL FRAGMENTS STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE MOUTH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE MOUTH AND LOST A TOOTH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) IN AUGUST OF 2017. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 146,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11024649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Shawnee, KS
ENGINE
THE COOLING FANS EXPLODED AFTER I STARTED MY CAR UP FOLLOWING COOLANT FLUID LEAKING OUT THE BOTTOM OF A HOSE WITH NO WARNING SIGNS SHOWING THE CAR OVER HEATING IN THE END RESULT.
NHTSA complaint #11350004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN 8 YEARS ALL POWER RELATED TO OPENING/CLOSING THE PASSENGER DOOR INCLUDING THE HANDLE DOES NOT WORK, NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT, NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE GAS DOOR, NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE TRUNK WITHOUT HAVING TO USE THE KEY. CONVERTIBLE TOP IS NOT WORKING. WORST OF ALL I'M NOT ABLE TO HAVE A PASSENGER IN THE CAR FOR SAFETY PURPOSES. DEALERS HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL. CAR IS LIKE NEW WITH LESS THAN 80,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11340667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesAlameda, CA
AIR BAGS
WENT THROUGH A POT HOLE IN THE FREEWAY AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED..AIR BAG ONLY SHOW HALF FILL..MY SPEED ABOUT 60 MPH..IS THIS HOW IT WORKS. NO DAMAGED EXCEPT NEEDED WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11287754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,006 milesColorado Springs, CO
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A BUMP IN THE ROADWAY AND THE ROLLOVER PROTECTION SYSTEM ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AND THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ROLLOVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SAFETY LEVER TO RELEASE THE ROLLOVER PROTECTION SYSTEM WAS NEVER INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONVERTIBLE TOP WAS UNABLE TO BE LOWERED OR RAISED. WINSLOW BMW OF COLORADO SPRINGS LOCATED AT 5845 N NEVADA AVE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80918, (719) 387-9650 WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AND INSPECTED WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,006.
NHTSA complaint #11207519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesAtlanta, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BMW 330CI. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT SUFFERED A STROKE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THAT METAL FRAGMENTS STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE MOUTH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE MOUTH AND LOST A TOOTH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) IN AUGUST OF 2017. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 146,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11024649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesEL Paso, TX
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION IN JUNE OF 2016. THE DEALER (BMW OF EL PASO, 6318 MONTANA AVE, EL PASO, TX, 79925) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR, AND THAT THEY WOULD CALL WHEN THEY HAD PARTS AVAILABLE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11021686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamsville, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA 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 NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10899418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long View, WA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10899623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DIX Hills, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT 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 ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10864417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10852203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FT Myers, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA 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.
NHTSA complaint #10837821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
AIR BAGS
2003 BMW 330CI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG RECALL INSTALLATION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HAVING THE AIR BAG PART INSTALLED, THE LIGHT REMAINED ON WITH NO EXPLANATION FROM THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER, WHERE THEY FOUND A MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10744285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesFremont, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GM5 ELECTRIC MODULE STOPPED COMMUNICATING WITH REMOTE CONTROL. VARIOUS INTERMITTENT ACTIVITY FOR DRIVER DOOR UNLOCK MECHANISM AND PASSENGER UNLOCK MECHANISM BY ANY AVAILABLE INTERNAL HARD-WIRED OR REMOTE BUTTON. 100% FAILURE OF FOOTWELL TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON.
NHTSA complaint #10592627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesFalls Church, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DROVE FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. LEFT THE CAR PARKED FOR ABOUT 3 HOURS. WHEN I TRIED TO UNLOCK PASSENGER DOOR VIA REMOTE KEY FOB IT DID NOT. I GOT INSIDE THE CAR AND TRIED TO UNLOCK IT MANUALLY BUT IT STILL DID NOT LET ME. I HAD MY HANDICAPPED SISTER WITH ME AND IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET HER INSIDE THE CAR. I HAD SOMEBODY COME TO PICK HER UP AFTER OVER 3 HOURS. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANOTHER CAR THAT WILL NOT UNLOCK AT LEAST MANUALLY WHEN YOU PULL THE DOOR LEVER ON THE INSIDE OR LIFT THE LOCK MECHANISM MANUALLY. NEXT DAY THE LOCK WORKED IN THE MORNING BUT AS THE DAY GOT HOTTER IT STOPPED WORKING AGAIN AND IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK EVEN MANUALLY.
NHTSA complaint #10505303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesVirginia Beach, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURNING SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULB LIGHT; HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: TURN SIGNAL) THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #10479727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesCleveland, OH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO PUT HER VEHICLE IN REVERSE IT WOULD NOT MOVE. WHILE SHIFTING INTO DRIVE IT MADE A LOUD NOISE BEFORE PROCEEDING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO STATED THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #10378147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesEncino, CA
STRUCTURE
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A TEMPERATURE SENSOR UNDER THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT BUMPER. WHEN PULLING INTO PARKING SPACES WITH A CONCRETE PARKING BLOCK, THE SENSOR WOULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE CONCRETE BLOCK. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE BUMPER WAS TOO LOW TO THE GROUND PUTTING THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR AT RISK OF DAMAGE. UPDATED 10/4/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10167243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CA
TIRES:SIDEWALL
PROBLEMS WITH MICHELIN TIRES ON 2003 BMW 330 CI.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD A DAMAGED MICHELIN TIRE REPLACED BUT ONLY FOUR MONTHS LATER THE NEW TIRE IS EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE OLD TIRE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE TIRES BECAME TOO HOT THEREFORE CREATING 3-4 INCH BUBBLES AROUND THE WALL WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO LOSE AIR.
NHTSA complaint #10083395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.