2004 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
36% of complaints: air bags — 28 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
While backing out of a short driveway and placed t to drive, the vehicle revved and started speeding out of control with brakes applied. The vehicle sideswiped a neighbors vehicle before crashing head on into a tree causing it to stop.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240302
"TAKATA RECALL" I'VE RECEIVED CONFIRMATION MY VEHICLE IS ONE OF THE VEHICLE APART OF THE TAKATA RECALL. I'M A SINGLE FATHER OF A 13 YR OLD SON. KNOWING THE DANGER MY SON HAS BEEN IN ALL OF THIS TIME HAS SHAKEN MY CORE COMFORT ZONE TO DUST.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171227
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330CI. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160721
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: exterior lighting — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE ADAPTIVE BIXENON HEADLIGHTS USE BIODEGRADABLE WIRING. THIS WIRING CANNOT WITHSTAND THE HEADLIGHTS ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT MOVEMENT. THESE WIRES CAN TEAR OR WORSE THE INSULATION CAN CRUMBLE OFF. THIS LEADS TO A HUGE FIRE RISK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190217
6% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING PARKED FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, LOW BATTERY 9.8 VOLTS. SPONTANEOUSLY HEADLIGHTS CAME ON SMOKE FILLED CAR, DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK MANUALLY OR BY REMOTE. SHATTERED DOOR GLASS WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER .
NHTSA ODI report, 20170310
THE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS ARE FLICKERING (STATIONARY OR IN MOTION). THIS POINTS TO A FAULTY WIRING ISSUE, ACCORDING TO MANY OTHER OWNERS REPORTING THIS ON INTERNET FORUMS FOR THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181007
SAFETY TIMELINE
DELAYED TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT
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
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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
2004 BMW 330CI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V318000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V018000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2004 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 2004 BMW 330CI?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 BMW 330CI have?
3 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.