MYRModel Year Report

2004 BMW 330CI

○ Not enough data
2004 BMW 330CI
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:33:47.366Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
77
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

40% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 82 complaints 2001 2002: 46 complaints 2002 2003: 18 complaints 2003 2004: 77 complaints 2004 77 2005: 33 complaints 2005 2006: 34 complaints 2006
2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 82 complaints 2001 2002: 46 complaints 2002 2003: 18 complaints 2003 2004: 77 complaints 2004 77 2005: 33 complaints 2005 2006: 34 complaints 2006
2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 82 complaints 2001 2002: 46 complaints 2002 2003: 18 complaints 2003 2004: 77 complaints 2004 77 2005: 33 complaints 2005 2006: 34 complaints 2006

2004: 77 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20001
200182
200246
200318
200477
200533
200634

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

40% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing side/window and frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2024-03-02

Also filed under Service brakes and vehicle speed control

"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, 2017-12-27

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, 2016-07-21

Engine and engine cooling

17% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing engine.

Power train

12% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Exterior lighting

10% · 8 reports
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, 2019-02-17

Electrical system

10% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and wiring.

FIRE
Show 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, 2017-03-10

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, 2018-10-07

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2004-02-03Defect petitionClosed 2004-05-27 Delayed transmission engagement
  2. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2014-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-03-02 Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  4. I
    2015-02-24Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  5. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 BMW 330CI — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 31 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 07E023000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 15V318000 · Air bags
  • Recall 20V018000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 BMW 330CI have?
3 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.