2002 BMW 330CI Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 9%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,451miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 BMW 330CI, 9% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,451 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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 found that my reverse light was out late in july and took it to the nearest Bmw dealership for repair. I've since found out that this is a common defect in the e46 model and I am wondering if there is some kind of recall or compensation for the inadequacy of the rear lights in this model.”
NHTSA complaint #10466509, filed 2012-07, 77,902 miles“This car is 2002 Bmw 330CI. I noticed that the warning light illuminated, which indicated that a tail light or brake light was not working. I replaced the bulbs, however, the warning light remained illuminated. I also noticed that the wiring harness plug had some damage in the middle and lighting assembly on the right had a connector in the middle gone. My mechanic stated that there was a recall on this problem. I contacted the recall center who stated my car was not covered. I noticed a lot of the Bmw models were covered including 330i and the 330xi. …”
NHTSA complaint #10468332, filed 2012-07, 115,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Bmw 330CI. The contact noticed that the warning light illuminated, which indicated that a tail light was not working. He replaced the bulbs, however, the warning light remained illuminated. The contact also noticed that the wiring harness plug was melted. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. The current mileage is 57,626 and failure mileage was 53,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10192762, filed 2007-06, 53,000 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 2002 BMW 330CI
27 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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