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BMW 330i Repair and Maintenance

Image for BMW 2001 2006 BMW 325i Image for BMW 2001 2006 BMW 330i

BMW 330i Questions and Answers

ahihara, 2001 BMW 330i, San Mateo, CA

Red battery light and orange check engine light came on, but battery still has juice. Car is stuttering. Loss of power.

etjosey, 2001 BMW 330i, Atlanta, GA

my car will not start but the battery is ok. Whwn I try and start it the power comes on but nothing happens. It will not even turn over

sbonos, 2001 BMW 330i, Manchester, CT

my engine is getting loud. Thier is also a loud ticking sound while the engine is running, it also is hesitating to acclerate when i hit the gas. what is wrong??

hudsont, 2006 BMW 330i, Fredericksburg, VA

I'm not able to use the manual shifter side of the transmission. When I move the shifter over to the left, nothing happens. But my automatic side is working properly. What could be causing this?

terryt0wnstealth, 2001 BMW 330i, Gretna, LA

How do you get to the light bulb to change it ? It is the drivers side front parking light/blinker You can't see any wires or the bulb holder

330i_Pumpkin, 2001 BMW 330i, Renton, WA

I recently acquired a 330i. Everything is good. Just when it speeds up to 20 mph, I can hear a high pitch sound. It goes to a higher frequency when I push the gas paddle. On freeway, it comes a...

lonijsmith, 2001 BMW 330i, Wichita, KS

What could be the problem if white smoke sometimes comes out the exhaust when the car is first started?

normanchapa, 2001 BMW 330i, Spring, TX

loud screeching/glass broken noise. one side opens and closes with noise. other side opens but won't close, have to manually raise it. Is it regulator or motor?

administrator, 2001 BMW 330i, Ajo, AZ

Hello All,

my wifes car 330icabrio is super smooth and she loves to drive it. But in summer, hot weather the hydraulic stops functioning and it does not close or open anymore? Anyone a clue? As ...

vjosh42, 2002 BMW 330i, North Hills, CA

when brakes applied;
driver side upper light is on, lower light is off,
passenger side upper light is off, lower light is on.

hunoska, 2002 BMW 330i, Ashburn, VA

Today the engine symbol came on in my car. I drove it for about 40 minutes. After I parked slight hot air was visibly coming from under the hood, there was a mild burnt smell as well with a hissing...

jonzee, 2006 BMW 330i, Womelsdorf, PA

found water leaking from the interior roof light after a hard rain. Where could this be coming from?

Dory, 2003 BMW 330i, Viroqua, WI

I hear a valve noise when i am driving my car. What could be the problem ?

dogchat, 2006 BMW 330i, Pinole, CA

how do you get to the parking light bulb on the front to change a bad bulb? the front near the left headlamp

dogchat, 2006 BMW 330i, Pinole, CA

how do you get to the paking light bulb on the front left side.

reba, 2002 BMW 330i, Cedar Hill, TX

2002 BMW 330i still running hot after replacing thermostat & housing, fan,fan clutch, auxiliary fan and flushing radiator

mayank, 2001 BMW 330i, Dayton, NJ

in my car i have everything working the only thing is the air is not comming out of the vent?

fideo, 2002 BMW 330i, Plano, TX

In the lower part of the speedometer, there several indicators, for example the Trip (miles indicator). In the same area, there is a light indicator "INSPECTION" that comes up when the c...

moralecorrupt, 2004 BMW 330i, Aliso Viejo, CA

Just had my car serviced and the radiator lite come on twice . Is the system closed?

DWeems, 2006 BMW 330i, Hope Mills, NC

Transmission sensors maybe causing gauges to report numerous errors,sluggish idling and acceleration. Able to drive,however at under 40MPH. Car stalled and jumped thus causing all the probable afor...

BMW 330i Car Reviews (4)

2004 BMW 330i, Quantum Mechanics, Miami, FL, February 11, 2010 12:37

This car is still my daily driver. I have experienced all the problems that can be mentioned about it, but it is still a great car.....after all the repairs!

2002 BMW 330i, Kitz, Richmond, VA, July 30, 2009 09:58

This car drives amazingly.

As far as repairs are concerned, outside standard repairs and replacements, I've had a few problems with the window regulator motors. Otherwise, this car has been great!

2006 BMW 330i, JerryM, Columbus, GA, April 28, 2009 10:16

53,000 mi hearing sqeeling noise front brakes.
Local BMW service acknowledges noise but won't replace pads as they do not qualify for replacement as yet. I must live with the squeeling until the brakes qualify for replacement. That's another 16,000 miles. I hope I still have my sanity by then???? Anyone come across this problem? BMW Customer Service has received other calls regarding this. They give the same answer as the Repair Service. Seems to me someone's design is a little faulty but as they don't have to listen to it, I guess it doesn't matter.

2006 BMW 330i, David Sturtz, Berkeley, CA, December 28, 2008 05:28

I was able to spend 4 months using this as a daily driver. Overall great car, easy to see why the 3-series is so popular with the press and populace. Engine is strong and flexible - nice power range (but not quite enough power for me - need the twin turbo), automatic transmission shifts smoothly and delivers power as it's needed (including manual shifting). The non-sports package seats were a disappointment - not nearly enough support. I find the run-flat tires to be a big downer - they cup as they wear, so they give the driver a grinding feeling when braking hard. Lights and electrical system performed well, as did the interior controls. I'll write another review of the 335i once I get it.

BMW 330i Problems

Engine
Suspension & Steering
  • Power steering hoses are known to fail occasionally, and it is not uncommon for multiple hoses to be leaking at the same time.
  • Failure of the front control arm bracket bushingsoften referred to as thrust rod bushingsis moderately common. One symptom is a clunk or jolt felt in the steering when braking.
Heating & Air Conditioning The blower final stage fan resistor is known to fail. Symptoms are the heater fan speed varies regardless of the setting, the fan will not turn off when the car is switched off, or the fan will not switch on at all.

BMW 330i Recalls and TSBs

BMW 330i Recalls (Recent)

Body, Interior & Misc.: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Campaign Number: 08V384000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 200,000
Model Years Affected: 2006

Defect Summary: BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED.

Consequence Summary: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING LATE SEPTEMBER 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Recall Notes: BMW IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT TO THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES:MY 2006 6-SERIES, 3-SERIES (STANDARD SEAT), MY 2004-2005 Z4, MY 2004-2006 7-SERIES, MY 2006 X5, AND MY 2004-2006 5-SERIES (COMFORT SEAT).UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT IN A VEHICLE THAT EXPERIENCES THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Body, Interior & Misc.: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Campaign Number: 03V160000
Dates Manufactured: 08/2002 to 11/2002
Number of Vehicles Affected: 13,100
Model Years Affected: 2003
Date Owner Notified: 05/2003

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE MIGHT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.

Consequence Summary: OCCUPANTS COULD BE PINCHED BY A WINDOW THAT IS BEING CLOSED.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 27, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Recall Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Brakes: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Campaign Number: 07E023000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 13,128
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Date Owner Notified: 04/2007

Defect Summary: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Consequence Summary: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary: 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.

Recall Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Drive Train: WHEELS:RIM
Campaign Number: 00V383000
Dates Manufactured: 09/2000 to 10/2000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 1,914
Model Years Affected: 2001
Date Owner Notified: 12/2000

Defect Summary: 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.

Consequence Summary: THIS COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE AFFECTING HANDLING AND VEHICLE CONTROL.

Corrective Summary: 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.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 22, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Engine: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Campaign Number: 01V206000
Dates Manufactured: 11/2000 to 09/2001
Number of Vehicles Affected: 76,469
Model Years Affected: 2001
Date Owner Notified: 09/2001

Defect Summary: 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 CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Consequence Summary: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Corrective Summary: 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 WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Recall Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Engine: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Campaign Number: 02V138000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 1,550
Model Years Affected: 2001

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.

Consequence Summary: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Corrective Summary: 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). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Recall Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Suspension & Steering: SUSPENSION
Campaign Number: 02V057000
Dates Manufactured: 11/2001 to 11/2001
Number of Vehicles Affected: 4,672
Model Years Affected: 2002
Date Owner Notified: 03/2002

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE STRUT MOUNT MANUFACTURING PROCESS, THE THRUST BEARING WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONS AND SECURED. IF THE SUSPENSION IS FULLY UNLOADED, THE FRONT STRUT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE UPPER MOUNT.

Consequence Summary: THIS COULD AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRING STRUT UPPER MOUNTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Recall Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Suspension & Steering: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
Campaign Number: 06V400000
Dates Manufactured: 06/2006 to 07/2006
Number of Vehicles Affected: 25
Model Years Affected: 2006
Date Owner Notified: 11/2006

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ONE OF THE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM AND SWIVEL BEARING CONNECTION BOLTS WAS NOT TIGHTENED CORRECTLY. THE BOLTED CONNECTION COULD LOOSEN.

Consequence Summary: THE BOLTED CONNECTION COULD BREAK WHICH COULD IMPAIR VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BOLTED CONNECTION AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CONNECTION. IN SOME CASES, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM AND THE SWIVEL BEARING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Recall Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

BMW 330i Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

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