2002 BMW 330CI
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 82 |
| 2002 | 46 |
| 2003 | 18 |
| 2004 | 77 |
| 2005 | 33 |
| 2006 | 34 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
57% of complaints: air bags — 26 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver when parked in front of my house. He took out six cars in a row.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240303
Air bags deployed after collision, vehicle has been released from Falcon Towing 15600 S Main St, Gardena, CA 90248 to Automobile Club for inspection.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220602
9% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver when parked in front of my house. He took out six cars in a row.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240303
CAR WAS DRIVEN DAILY. PARKED IN GARAGE AT 6:30PM. AT 7:20AM THE FOLLOWING DAY IT WAS NOTICED THAT A WHITE VAPOR/SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT GRILL OF THE BMW 330CI. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN STARTED SINCE BEING PARKED THE EVENING BEFORE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120627
AFTER DRIVING MY 2002 BMW X 5 FIVE BLOCKS FROM MY HOME, I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND PARKED THE CAR. FROM THE TIME IT TOOK ME TO GET OUT AND WALK TO THE REAR OF THE CAR, IT WAS FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE AND IN SHORT ORDER THE CAR BURNED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070128
7% of complaints: seats — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
My car had been sitting across the street from my house for about 3 weeks after i had gotten it back from the body shop. It had been hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver when parked in front of my house. He took out six cars in a row.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240303
4% of complaints: exterior lighting — 2 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WENT OUT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BROWN WIRE CONNECTED TO THE TAIL LIGHT HAD MELTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181024
4% of complaints: exterior lighting — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Campaign 07E023000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
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 safe
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 p
Campaign 13V172000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 15V318000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 20V018000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 BMW 330CI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V172000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V318000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V018000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2002 BMW 330CI reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW 330CI?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 330CI have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.