2001 BMW 330CI Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 11%of 82 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 117,233miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 BMW 330CI, 11% of the 82 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 117,233 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was receiving a intermittent left tail light warning indicator and assumed it was a bulb that was going out. After some time had past I received a steady left tail light indicator and when I was about to replace the bulb I discovered the bulbs was fine and found the wiring/connector in the tail light bulb carrier had a short/melted. I believe this is the same issue/problem on the 2002-2005 Bmw e46 3series which a tail light recall was issued.”
NHTSA complaint #10500549, filed 2013-02, 103,000 miles“Dash indicated left taillight was out when it wasn't, this was random on and off for a few months. After a few months the dash panel indicator light stayed on. As I was driving one day I noticed the smell of smoke coming from the trunk. I stopped, and noticed the melted wires from the tail light harness. As I looked at them I could see them sparking when certain movements occurred., very dangerously and erratic. Both male and female sides melted. This is extremely dangerous as it impedes the ability to warn other drivers when turning or stopping. …”
NHTSA complaint #10855727, filed 2016-04, 90,000 miles“My vehicle in the last week has an tail light indicator illuminated the dash. Upon investigation of the part it looks to have the same issues as many have described with the ground wire being scorched. I contacted Bmw na because of the similar recall on other Bmw vehicles. Unfortunately they were unwilling to help unless I was willing to take the car into a dealership for an 90 dollar diagnosis. Only after that would they be willing to weigh in if they would be willing to cover the cost of the repair or not. This is not a gamble that I'm really willing to take. …”
NHTSA complaint #10662219, filed 2014-12, 133,000 miles“Left tail lights stopped working. Inspection found burnt ground wire at wiring connector. Replacement of ground wire, connector and bulb holder assembly needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10447143, filed 2012-02, 117,233 miles“The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330CI. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH at night, the front headlights were flickering on and off. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11565121, filed 2024-01, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 BMW 330CI
18 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 BMW 330CI
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology