Owners have filed 20 complaints
about the 2002 BMW 330XI with NHTSA between 2004 and 2020.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 24
Against the median year of the BMW 330XI. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% 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 2002 BMW 330XI
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
840.0%
Median failure at 144,000 miles
Electrical System
315.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 101,000 mi
Engine & Cooling
315.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 150,000 mi
Tires
210.0%
Median failure at 89,470 miles
Seats
15.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 63,000 mi
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
15.0%
Median failure at 100 miles
Lights
15.0%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
Suspension
15.0%
Median failure at 55,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
19.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
436.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
218.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
218.2%
150,000+ miles
218.2%
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.
May 2004peak 1Aug 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 BMW 330XI
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA09019Opened 18 Dec 2009Closed 28 Sep 2011EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Rear Lamp Illumination
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 th...
PE09036Opened 7 Aug 2009Closed 22 Dec 2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
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 T...
DP09002Opened 8 Apr 2009Closed 6 Aug 2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
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 WIRI...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 120,000 milesLancaster, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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!
NHTSA complaint #11164893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSalina, KSFire1 killed
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
MY SON PARKED HIS 2002 BMW 330XI IN A PARKING LOT EARLY AM TO SLEEP. IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN APPROXIMATELY ONE AND A HALF HOURS WHILE IDLING, KILLING HIM. HE WAS LAYING DOWN IN FRONT SEATS. EVENT WAS CAUGHT ON SURVEILLANCE CAMERA, NO FOUL PLAY WAS DETECTED. CLAIMED TO BE "ACCIDENTAL FIRE" BY POLICE REPORT. NOTICED 2001 BMW 3-SERIES HAD MAJOR RECALL FOR SAME TYPE OF EVENT WITH FAILURE OF COOLING FANS.
NHTSA complaint #10288865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesWichita, KSFire
SEATS
PASSENGER SEAT HEATER BURNING THROUGH LEATHER SEAT COVER INTO MY PANTS AND BURNING THE UNDERSIDE OF MY THIGH. THERE WAS VISIBLE SMOKE AND A VERY STRONG BURNING SMELL.
NHTSA complaint #10257202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Summer Lake, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11350918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesChicago, IL
ENGINE
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)
NHTSA complaint #11309563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLancaster, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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!
NHTSA complaint #11164893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saltville, VA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA 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.
NHTSA complaint #10968000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,470 milesNEW York, NY
TIRES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10943697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesBreinigsville, PA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10903623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlington, MA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA 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.
NHTSA complaint #10888902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chappaqua, NY
AIR BAGS
DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 03/22/2016DATE OF INCIDENT: 05/04/2015COMPONENT(S): AIR BAGSNHTSA ID 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).
NHTSA complaint #10876549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chappaqua, NY
AIR BAGS
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).'
NHTSA complaint #10850988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twinsburg, PA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. 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 MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10824066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crystal BAY, NV
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. 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. UPDATED 04/04/16
NHTSA complaint #10807753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, MI
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). 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 #10779370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesRancho Cucamonga, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED TO 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED SLOWLY TO THE SHOULDER AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THERE WERE SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING AND PREVIOUSLY WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE CONTACT HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED, AT THE DEALER'S RECOMMENDATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
NHTSA complaint #10459231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesFlushing, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FAILURE OF THE GENERAL MODULE 5 WHICH RESULTS IN FAILING TO OPENING THE DOOR VIA THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE CENTER CONSOLE AND KEY REMOTE. THIS WILL ALSO RESULT IN THE DOUBLE LOCKING MECHANISM TO ACTIVATE TO WHICH PASSENGERS ARE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE PROPERLY EITHER ELECTRONICALLY OR MECHANICALLY (MANUAL LOCKS DO NOT WORK) FORCED TO LEAVE EITHER THROUGH THE WINDOW, TRUNK THROUGH REAR SEAT IF THE CAR HAS THIS FEATURE OR POSSIBLY ONLY THROUGH DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, IF THE LOCKS FAIL ELECTRONICALLY THE PASSENGERS INSIDE SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRIGGER A MECHANICAL WAY OF EXITING THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10403008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesStamford, CT
SUSPENSION:REAR
BOTH REAR SPRINGS HAVE CRACKED/BROKEN AT APPROX 55,000 MILES. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. BMW WILL NOT WARRANTY A REPLACEMENT SET OF SPRINGS.
NHTSA complaint #10370312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesMiami, FL
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO REPLACE THE LIFT REGULATOR AND POWER WINDOW MOTOR ON EVERY WINDOW EVERY SIX MONTHS SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,192. UPDATED 1/19/2010 *CN UPDATED 01/27/11
NHTSA complaint #10362760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesReno, NV
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
8-PIN CONNECTOR AT REAR TAIL LIGHTS IN 2002 BMW 330XI HAS PARTIALLY MELTED, CONTACTS APPEAR CORRODED. "LIGHT OUT" INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH TURNS ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #10307488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSalina, KSFire1 killed
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
MY SON PARKED HIS 2002 BMW 330XI IN A PARKING LOT EARLY AM TO SLEEP. IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN APPROXIMATELY ONE AND A HALF HOURS WHILE IDLING, KILLING HIM. HE WAS LAYING DOWN IN FRONT SEATS. EVENT WAS CAUGHT ON SURVEILLANCE CAMERA, NO FOUL PLAY WAS DETECTED. CLAIMED TO BE "ACCIDENTAL FIRE" BY POLICE REPORT. NOTICED 2001 BMW 3-SERIES HAD MAJOR RECALL FOR SAME TYPE OF EVENT WITH FAILURE OF COOLING FANS.
NHTSA complaint #10288865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesWichita, KSFire
SEATS
PASSENGER SEAT HEATER BURNING THROUGH LEATHER SEAT COVER INTO MY PANTS AND BURNING THE UNDERSIDE OF MY THIGH. THERE WAS VISIBLE SMOKE AND A VERY STRONG BURNING SMELL.
NHTSA complaint #10257202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
White Plains, NY
TIRES
SAFETY DEFECT WITH LOW PROFILE TIRES AND WHEELS. (NAR) *MR *LA
NHTSA complaint #10073371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.