2001 BMW 330I
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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 |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 116 |
| 2002 | 45 |
| 2003 | 77 |
| 2004 | 113 |
| 2005 | 28 |
| 2006 | 219 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2017 | 41 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2019 | 38 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
16% of complaints: air bags — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH HER VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. CONTACT'S REAR LEFT TIRE BROKE OFF FROM HER CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200204
-My infrastructure system management has been affected overtimeâwhich covers electronic control units (ECUs), software, and network architectureâare driven by the need to manage increasing system complexity, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and...
NHTSA ODI report, 20260128
13% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL FOR 2002-2005 BMW (VARIOUS MODELS) REGARDING THE REAR LIGHTS. WE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS IN OUR 2001 330I.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120425
12% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WE WERE DRIVING MY 2001 BMW 330I THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT (70 MPH) IN MISSOURI ON HWY 57 NORTHBOUND IN THE RIGHT-HAND LANE WHEN SUDDENLY, AT MILE MARKER 19, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CAUSING THE DRIVER TO TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTROL OF...
NHTSA ODI report, 20090305
AT AROUND 5:30PM AT THE STOP LIGHT OF THE BRUCKNER BLVD 138TH ST EXIT. I STEP ON THE GAS ...AND AT AROUNG 25 YARDS RAN OVER A POT HOLE PUNCTURING THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE, ALSO THE DEPLOYING THE RIDE SIDE AND PASSENGER HEAD AIRBAGS.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020109
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING THE SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER AND THEY WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
NHTSA ODI report, 20030102
7% of complaints: visibility — 8 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE INNER RIM FLANGE OF THE WHEELS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FIVE WHEELS FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE. IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND ON ANY WHEEL, ALL FIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 00V383000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRC
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY
Campaign 01V206000 — check if this car was fixed
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
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports...
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014.
Campaign 14V428000 — 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
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata.
Remedy: BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 19V853000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI)...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 21V401000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206).
Campaign 02V138000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 BMW 330I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V138000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V383000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V206000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V428000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V018000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V853000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V401000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 BMW 330I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 BMW 330I is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 330I?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 BMW 330I have?
8 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.