33 of the
1,076 complaints filed about the BMW 330I
are about the glass, mirrors and wipers —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2004.
33
Complaints
3%
Share of all complaints
1
Crashes
2
Fires
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers complaints by model year
My car was parked overnight, and the windshield had a huge crack from the bottom left (meeting at the hood) all the way to the middle of the windhsield. There is no sign of a physical impact that caused the damage such as a rock. I took the car to the dealership, and they confirmed it was a clean break and they don't see any impact damage either. They called in BMW North America's master tech to try and approve the warranty claim, and he ultimately denied the claim as I had a radar detector on my windshield, and the small suction cup had enough tension to crack the windshield from the hood of the car to about 3 inches where the radar detector sits. I believe if a suction cup from a small radar detector that weighs about .5 pounds was powerful enough to break the windshield, there is a serious safety concern of the reliability of the windshield.
NHTSA complaint #11739017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Within days of purchasing the vehicle, multiple warning lights and safety-related alerts appeared, including repeated check engine warnings, an alert stating “Driver Assistance Support Reduced,” and a wrench indicator referencing an auto lighting and wiping system malfunction. While driving, the vehicle felt unstable and would sway side to side, making it difficult to maintain confident control. The vehicle was brought in for service shortly after purchase due to these concerns and was removed from my possession because of the seriousness of the issues. During the service process, I was informed that the vehicle had previously been involved in an accident and that a critical structural safety component (the front crash bar) was damaged. This damage had not been disclosed prior to purchase. The crash bar is a key part of the vehicle’s body structure designed to absorb impact and protect occupants in a collision. Driving a vehicle with damage to this component posed a potential safety risk. The combination of structural damage, reduced driver assistance alerts, visibility system warnings, and unstable handling raised concerns about crash protection, vehicle control, and overall safety. The issues were identified by the selling dealer during inspection after the vehicle was returned for service and are available for further inspection if requested.
NHTSA complaint #11706202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Failed Component: Driver Side (Left) Exterior Mirror Available for Inspection: Yes Safety Risk: The mirror does not stay securely unfolded, requiring manual adjustment while driving, which creates a major distraction and increases the risk of an accident. If not manually secured, it shifts unpredictably due to wind resistance at city speeds, creating a dangerous blind spot that makes lane changes and merging hazardous. Glass isn't adjustable with buttons.The heating function is non-operational, which may impact visibility in cold/wet conditions. Problem Reproducibility: The issue is persistent. Dealer or Independent Confirmation: The problem has not been diagnosed by a dealer, but has been check for DTC and there are no faults. Multiple reset attempts have been performed, including iDrive reset, manual folding/unfolding, and a BMW battery reset procedure, CLS was allowed to shut down fully, with no resolution Inspection by Manufacturer, Police, or Insurance: No Warning Lamps or Symptoms Prior to Failure: None. The mirror was working perfectly before it failed suddenly with no warning signs, noises, or gradual malfunction. No known fault codes prior to the issue. Additional Details: The mirror does not respond to electronic adjustments and must be manually repositioned. The glass will not adjust either unless by hand. When fully open or fully folded manually, makes a loud, forceful clunk and becomes slightly harder to move, but can still be adjusted moved with some effort. It opens far past the normal open position. In any other position other than fully extended or fully closed, it moves freely due to any external forces such as wind force while driving or lightly pushing it. The passenger-side mirror functions normally, including folding, heating, and glass adjustment. No OBD error codes, warning lights, or system messages have appeared related to the failure. Mirror has not had any physical damage or abuse in any manner.
NHTSA complaint #11640030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
It's been about 3 weeks since the most BMW recent software update, (11/2023.50) has downloaded to my vehicle via the BMW connected drive services. This is the second time that over the air, BMW connected drive upgrades have failed to install on my vehicle. As before, the upgrade has downloaded to the automobile but will not activate as has happened successfully in the past. The above upgrade is supposed to solve a safety/visability problem, a stated legal requirement, pertaining to the position of the heads up display. I have consulted with BMW customer relations and Technical advisors. I received and followed several sets of recommended self-install procedures without success. I was the advised to contact my BMW Service Center in Seattle who would be able to install the update. However, they, in turn, advised me the problem was related to a weak battery. My local mechanic subsequently test the batter and indicated no discernible problem and no current need for its replacement. I’ve seen a variety of internet comments indicating other owners with similar unresolved problems with the BMW system. There appears to be no hardware or direct software install alternative. There is nothing like a recall in place to solve this problem. Given this latest update is required in part to meet safety requirements related to the vehicle heads up display, I am hoping your assistance will resolve this matter quickly. Thank you in advance -
NHTSA complaint #11607130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW 330I. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a loud boom that came from the sunroof. The contact pulled over and noticed that the sunroof had shattered. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11542566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While I was driving down the highway, sunroof has exploded without any apparent reason. I really didn’t realize what had happened at first, all I heard was a loud bang which could’ve lead to distraction and cause an accident. Luckily it wasn’t the case for me. Although, broken pieces of the sunroof has came off and flown to roadway. I brought the vehicle to BMW dealership, by the time I got there there was an apparent hole in the sunroof, they inspected it and saying it happened because something making contact with sunroof but when I asked for a proof for their claim they told me there is no physical evidence to provide.
NHTSA complaint #11509033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 55-65 MPH ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY WHEN THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. THE MAJORITY OF GLASS BLEW UP AND OUT OF THE CAR, BUT SMALL PIECES WERE FALLING BACK INTO THE CAR. THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66 DEGREES. TRAFFIC WAS MOVING WELL, BUT HEAVY.
NHTSA complaint #11132463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WAS ON THE CAPITAL BELTWAY OUTSIDE WASHINGTON DC GOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND MY SUNROOF SUDDENLY SHATTERED. IT WAS EXTREMELY SCARY BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT GOING OFF. IT WAS A VERY HOT DAY, LOW 90S. LUCKILY I HAD JUST CLOSED THE SUN VISOR SO THE GLASS DID NOT POUR DOWN ON ME OR MY PASSENGERS. WHEN WE PULLED OVER, WE FOUND A LARGE HOLE IN THE FRONT PANEL OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF AND SHATTERED GLASS SITTING ON THE FABRIC SUN VISOR.THE REMAINING GLASS WAS CRACKLED. I JUST GOT THIS CAR, BRAND NEW, 2 WEEKS AGO AND I KNOW IT HAD BEEN IN A HAIL STORM AND HAD DENTS THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED JUST BEFORE I LEASED IT. I'M SUSPICIOUS THAT HE HAIL STORM MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE SUNROOF GLASS AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #11114422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AND THE DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED, A POPPING NOISE WAS HEARD UNDER THE HOOD AND AN UNUSUAL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VENTS. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. WITHIN SECONDS, FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE SPREAD AND DAMAGED THE PLASTIC TAIL LIGHT COVER AND PAINT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE NEAR THE MOTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. AN UNKNOWN DEALER STATED THAT PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING). THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11089563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT BURST INTO FLAMES. A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11052226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE HEADLIGHTS ARE USELESS AT NIGHT. THE BULBS ALL FUNCTION PERFECTLY, BUT THE REFLECTOR HOUSINGS ARE "WORN" ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC. I UNDERSTAND THE NEED TO REPLACE BULBS OVER THE LIFETIME OF A VEHICLE, BUT $3,000 FOR A WHOLE NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS OUTRAGEOUS! THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT THE NHTSA REFUSES TO INVESTIGATE. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS DESIGN DEFECT ALL OVER THE INTERNET. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE!
NHTSA complaint #10761627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE HEADLIGHT REFLECTORS ON THIS CAR (AND OTHER OF THIS YEAR MODEL) ARE MANUFACTURED BY ZKW AND THEY HAVE FAILED CAUSING VERY LOW, UNSAFE LEVELS OF LIGHT OUTPUT. THE REFLECTORS ARE BURNT AND CRACKED. THE ONLY WAY TO GET ANY REASONABLE OR SAFE LIGHT OUTPUT FOR NIGHT DRIVING IS TO USE THE FOG LIGHTS AND THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION AND I AM SURPRISED THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM. UNSAFE LIGHTING AND PROCEED WHILE UNKNOWINGLY ENDANGERING THEMSELVES AND OTHERS. DO NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION LIGHT OUT PUT IN SOME STATES, THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE ADDRESS, IF YOU LOOK ON THE INTER NET PEOPLE ARE MODIFYING THEM TO GIVE MORE LIGHT WITCH MAKES IT MORE UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10701521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I PURCHASED THE CAR, I NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS WHERE DIM. I WENT OUT AND GOT NEW BULBS FOR MY CAR. I DIDN'T HELP AT ALL! I CAN BARELY SEE AT NIGHT AND I HAVE TO USE TO FOG LIGHTS JUST TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. IT IS ALSO UNLAWFUL TO DRIVE WITH MY FOG LIGHTS ON. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THAT THE ROOT CASE OF MY HEADLIGHT BEING AS DIM AS THEY ARE, DO TO THE REFLECTIVE BOWL BEING BURNT OUT IN THE HEADLIGHT IT UNIT. THE COST TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS IS INSANE $1000.00 FOR A SET, JUST TO BE ABLE TO SEE AT NIGHT. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. IT IS SO BAD, THAT I OFTEN DON'T DRIVE AT NIGHT BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO PUT MY SAFE IN A BAD SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10676863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I'VE REPLACED THE WINDOW REGULATORS IN MY CAR SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE MATERIAL BEING CHEAP. THE GEARS WEAR OUT AND/OR BREAK APART. EACH TIME IT'S BETWEEN $150 AND $300 TO REPAIR. THE WINDOW STOPS HALF-WAY DOWN AND CAN'T BE MOVED. THIS PRESENTS ISSUES WITH SAFETY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER AND MAKES IT VERY EASY TO GET INTO THE CAR TO TAKE VALUABLES AND POTENTIALLY STEAL THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10676695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I'VE HAD UPWARDS OF 10 WINDOW REGULATORS REPLACED IN MY CAR OVER THE LAST 12-13 YEARS. THEY HAVE CHEAP PLASTIC GEARS THAT WEAR OUT OR BREAK APART BECAUSE THEY'VE BECOME SO BRITTLE BECAUSE OF THE HEAT. EACH TIME IT'S BETWEEN $100 AND $250 TO FIX DEPENDING ON WHO FIXES IT AND IT'S A PAIN IF THE WINDOW STOPS HALF-WAY DOWN AND CAN'T BE MOVED.
NHTSA complaint #10672675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE GENERAL MODULE 5 IN E46 3 SERIES MODEL YEARS 2004-2006 FAIL CAUSING FAILURE OF TURN SIGNALS, CENTRAL LOCKING, WIND SHIELD WIPERS, AND HAZARD LIGHTS. THIS DEFECT IS KNOWN BY BMWNA BUT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10479373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
E46 BMW'S WITH ZKW XENON HEAD LAMPS SUFFER FROM POOR BULB PROJECTORS WHICH BURN TO THE POINT THAT LIGHT OUTPUT IS NEARLY NONE. THIS IS DEFECT IS KNOWN BY BMWNA BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10479375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DEAR NHTSA, THE HEADLIGHT DESIGN OF BMW'S E46 BODIES ARE JUST HORRIBLE. LIGHT OUTPUT IS CLOSE TO NONE CREATING A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM REGARDING VISIBILITY. THE REASON IS DUE TO BMW'S REFLECTOR BOWL THAT DETERIORATES THROUGH OUT TIME DUE TO ITS PLASTIC MATERIAL AND FINALLY ENDS UP BURNING. IT IS SO BAD THAT THE FOG LIGHTS PRODUCE MUCH MORE LIGHT THEN ITS LOW BEAMS. WE DEFINITELY NEED YOUR HELP NHTSA BECAUSE BMW SURE DOES NOT WANT TO HELP, THEIR SOLUTION IS THAT YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT WHICH IS 1200 A PIECE. MILLIONS OF E46 OWNERS HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM AND IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. NHTSA INVESTIGATORS MUST GO AND INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM SO THEY KNOW HOW BAD IT REALLY IS. YES THAT MEANS BMW WILL LOOSE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS BUT IT IS SAFETY THAT MATTERS, WE DON'T WANT ANY PERSON OR CHILD TO BE KILLED JUST BECAUSE OF A POOR HEADLIGHT DESIGN. ONLY SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM IS UP TO YOUR GUYS, NHTSA. THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO READ MY MESSAGE, I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10465613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BOTH BIXENON HEADLAMPS ASSEMBLIES HAVE FAILED ON THE VEHICLE THEY EMIT LITTLE TO NO LIGHT DUE TO THE KNOWN BOWL BURN ISSUES WITH THE PLASTIC REFLECTORS (SHOULD HAVE BEEN FABRICATED FROM METAL), INSIDE THESE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. IN LOOKING AT THE LIGHT ASSEMBLIES, THEY SEEMED TO HAVE FAILED A LONG TIME AGO. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE AND HAZARDOUS SITUATION THAT RENDERS THE VEHICLE BASICALLY INOPERATIVE AT NIGHT TO THE OWNER, BECAUSE FELLOW DRIVERS, PEDESTRIANS, AND/OR BICYCLIST MAY BE NOT ABLE TO SEE YOUR HEADLIGHTS. THIS COULD CAUSE OR MAY HAVE ALREADY LEAD TO FATAL VEHICULAR ACCIDENT(S) OR THE DEATH OF A PEDESTRIAN(S) AND/OR BICYCLIST(S) BECAUSE OF THE LOW TO NO LIGHT EMITTED BY THESE FAULTY HEADLAMPS. WHILE PERFORMING IN DEPTH RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON AND KNOWN PROBLEM ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL AT ALL MILEAGES. THE BMW FORUMS ARE FULL OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND AN OPEN COMPLAINT SEEMS TO BE OPEN AND IN PROCESS WITH NHTSA SINCE 2009 SOME THREE YEARS AGO. NEITHER BMW OR ITS SUPPLIER OF THIS FAULTY PART MAKE A REASONABLY PRICED SERVICE PART THAT CAN BE PURCHASED TO CORRECT THIS KNOWN PRODUCT AND SAFETY PROBLEM. NOT EVEN THE AFTERMARKET INDUSTRY MAKES A SERVICE PART TO CORRECT THIS PRODUCT PROBLEM. TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE, YOU MUST PURCHASE TWO NEW COMPLETE HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLIES AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $ 1,200.00 EACH FROM BMW WHICH IS OUTRAGEOUS ESPECIALLY FOR SUCH A KNOW PRODUCT AND SAFETY PROBLEM. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN INITIATED FOR SUCH A KNOWN PROBLEM ON SO MANY VEHICLES THAT HAS BEEN ON GOING FOR SO LONG.. I CONTACTED BMW NORTH AMERICA FOR RELIEF WITH THIS KNOW SAFETY AND PRODUCT PROBLEM AND THEY COULD NOT HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE BECAUSE THERE IS NO OPEN RECALL FOR THIS KNOWN PRODUCT AND SAFETY PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10464008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.