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
- 46
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
59% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 46 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 82 |
| 2002 | 46 |
| 2003 | 18 |
| 2004 | 77 |
| 2005 | 33 |
| 2006 | 34 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
59% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing side/window.
Show 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, 2024-03-03
Also filed under Electrical system and seats
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, 2022-06-02
The incident occurred just after merging onto the inner-loop 495 north-bound from west-bound highway 50, between highway 50 and 66, in fairfax, Virginia.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-13
Electrical system
11% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing rear compartment/trunk.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 2012-06-27
Also filed under Engine
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, 2007-01-28
Exterior lighting
11% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing tail lights and back up lights.
Show 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, 2018-10-24
Seats
7% · 3 reportsTires
7% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt and bead.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2007-04-02Service brakes, hydraulic07E023000 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…
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.
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I
2009-04-08Defect petitionClosed 2009-08-06 Rear lamp illumination
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R
2013-08-09Air bags13V172000 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…
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…
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R
2016-08-19Air bags15V318000 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.
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2020-02-13Air bags20V018000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 BMW 330CI — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 27 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07E023000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 13V172000 · Air bags
- Recall 15V318000 · Air bags
- Recall 20V018000 · Air bags
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 59% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 330CI have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.