2004 BMW 330XI
Only 13 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 11 |
| 2002 | 20 |
| 2003 | 33 |
| 2004 | 13 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 104 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 13 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW 330XI. WHILE AT DRIVING AT 5 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO VEER TO THE LEFT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150618
AIR BAG TROUBLE COD LIGHT ON THE DASH DRIVING CAR ON STREET AND HIGHWAY
NHTSA ODI report, 20180125
3 of 13 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMED ERRONEOUSLY WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REFLECTORS HAD DETERIORATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130503
1 of 13 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TAKES A LONG TIME TO ENGAGE WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE BUT ONCE IT GETS GOING, IT SHIFTS SMOOTHLY. I SPOKE TO A TECHNICIAN AND THERE IS NO KNOWN FIX FOR IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210205
1 of 13 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
SECURITY LOCK SYSTEM FAILED TO ALLOW PASSENGERS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK AND THE PASSENGERS HAD TO CLIMB OUT OF THE WINDOWS TO EXIT. IF THERE WERE AN EMERGENCY (E.G.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120610
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CA
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 11V438000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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
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 330XI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V438000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V428000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V318000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V018000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2004 BMW 330XI 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 330XI?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 BMW 330XI 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.