2001 BMW 330I Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 117,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 BMW 330I, 6% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 117,500 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.
“My headlights are very dim due to a a plastic reflector in the headlight housing manufactured by zkw that burns out prematurely. This causes a very serious road hazard as visibility is greatly diminished. I have nearly struck sever pedestrians, other vehicles and dark objects at night on the highway such as large tire debris.”
NHTSA complaint #10846484, filed 2016-03, 60,000 miles“My 2001 Bmw 330I is experiencing tail light problems. The right rear turn signal light does not work and when activating it, it blinks twice as fast on the front and side marker. On the display panel it shows the rear right signal is out. The left rear brake light is also out. This problem has been going on for a few months now at least. The car display on the dash indicates that the rear right brake light is out. I have changed everybulb in the rear of the car which fixed nothing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10467637, filed 2012-07, 117,500 miles“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. The right rear tail lights do not work and the turn signal blinks and the turn signal sound is twice as fast as normal. I am writing to make your department aware that the model years should be expanded to include the 2001 Bmw 330I.”
NHTSA complaint #10456432, filed 2012-04“The contact owns a 2001 Bmw 330I. The contact stated that a warning indicator illuminated for the exterior lighting. The contact observed that the passenger side tail light failed. In addition, the contact attempted to switch the light bulb and observed a burn hole. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to submit a complaint through NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 208,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10972307, filed 2017-04, 208,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 BMW 330I. The contact stated that an indicator light had appeared on the instrument panel indicating that the rear taillights were inoperable. Upon investigation, the contact discovered a service bulletin (SIB630611) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was then notified of the service bulletin and the dealer informed him that his vehicle was not manufactured during the eligible period for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and gave the contact the same information as the dealer; he was then referred to the NHTSA for assistance. …”
NHTSA complaint #11456992, filed 2022-03Related 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 330I
35 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 BMW 330I
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