2002 BMW 330I Problems
- Complaints
- 45filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles, 24 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 64 do-not-drive
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl RWD · 18 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 BMW 330I (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 45 consumer complaints for the 2002 BMW 330I. The part named most often is air bags, with 13 complaints (29% of the total), followed by exterior lighting (10) and electrical system (7). 24 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 79,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns (4 marked do-not-drive) and 23 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 4 recall campaigns covering the inflator module and 8 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Exterior lighting complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags13 29%
- Exterior lighting10 22%
- Electrical system7 16%
- Equipment4 8.9%
- Tires3 6.7%
- Engine cooling2 4.4%
- Seats2 4.4%
- Steering2 4.4%
Also reported: Engine (1), Fuel system (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Possible takata inflators - my husband and I were traveling down I-40 westbound in midwest city, oklahoma at approximately 65 MPH when the driver side, side airbag and overhead airbag deployed without provocation. Plastic and debris flew in our faces/bodies, white powder filled the car, and I swerved across two lanes of traffic almost hitting another car in the process because my eyes were watering and I could not see very well, not to mention was in a daze because I had no idea what had just happened. My husband and I have both sustained injuries and the car is not driveable. …”
NHTSA complaint #10819463, filed 2016-01, 177,000 milesExterior lighting: “After the recall, NHTSA action number: ea09019 , I brought in my car and they added a ground wire that was to fix the issue with an intermittent lights-out warning at the dashboard. After several months, the issue was still there. I brought the vehicle back to Bmw and they said that they already added the ground cable and that's all they could do. The same issue still exists. Upon reading further regarding this issue, it appears the wiring harnesses had melted due to excessive heat created by a faulty ground cable. …”
NHTSA complaint #10494395, filed 2013-01, 65,000 milesElectrical system: “The battery of the car drains out every morning and I need to jump start my car everyday in the morning. I have got the battery, alternator and the charging circuit checked and there are no faults with those. The battery is only an year old. I suspect that something is running in the background after engine stop or there may have been a short circuit which is draining out the battery.”
NHTSA complaint #10504950, filed 2013-03, 86,900 milesEquipment: “I have a 2002 330ci. I have had so many issues with the navigation system from the time I drove it home I get a popping noise when the navigation tries to mute the radio. I also cannot adjust the navigation volume at all. In addition when I turn the radio power off the navigation volume comes on at a very high volume level. I have been round after round with the Bmw dealership and customer relations the executive office, etc. Bmw has been useless. After replacing numerous parts and multiple weeks in service Bmw has only made it worse. …”
NHTSA complaint #10052916, filed 2004-01, 138 milesMileage when problems were reported
25% of the 24 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 63,500 and 109,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 BMW 330I. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Series · sedan | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 BMW 330I version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330i RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 27 | 22 | $3,750 |
| 330i RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,100 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: BMW 330I 2000–2005, 330CI 2000–2006, M3 2000–2006 +11 more
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…
- Air bagsCovers: BMW 330I 2001–2006, 325I 2001–2006, M3 2001–2006 +4 more
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 Wagons…
- Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: BMW 330I 2002–2005, M3 2002–2006, 330CI 2002–2006 +9 more
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 Sedan, and…
- Air bagsCovers: BMW 330I 2002–2003, M3 2002–2003, 325I 2002–2003 +6 more
BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may…
- 11V438000Aug 26, 2011Exterior lighting › Turn signalCovers: BMW 330I 2002–2005, 325I 2002–2005, 325XI 2002–2005 +1 more
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 cause one or more rear lamp functions (tail light, brake…
- 02V057000Feb 19, 2002SuspensionCovers: BMW 330I 2002, 525I 2002, 325I 2002 +1 more
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.
Recall details for the 2002 BMW 330I → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 23 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Electrical system. The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10225126Sep 1, 2022Equipment. Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
- 10225115Sep 1, 2022Electrical system. Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant downward hand pressure…
- 10218384Jun 1, 2022Equipment, Electrical system. Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and…
- 10218380Jun 1, 2022Equipment, Electrical system. On these Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), the air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a standstill. The vent outlet temperatures vary by 25 degrees Fahrenheit…
- 10218378Jun 1, 2022Engine cooling, Equipment. A rattling/droning noise is heard in the vehicle interior when the air conditioning (AC) is activated. Vibrations are felt in the driver's footwell.
- 10218369Jun 1, 2022Body and structure. Whistling noise is heard coming from the front bumper while driving at highway speeds.
- 10218367Jun 1, 2022Tires. Starting mid-May 2022, the QR code on the tite sidewalls of Pirelli tires has been omitted due to patent reasons.
- 10194296Apr 1, 2021Steering, Brakes. Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with…
- 10184591Nov 1, 2020Equipment, Air bags. SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven…
Other model years of the BMW 330I
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | — | 1 | — | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 6 | 8,000 | 2 | — | 29 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 6 | — | 3 | 5 | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 29 | 32,270 | 7 | 5 | 30 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 53 | 34,000 | 11 | — | 30 | 68 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 41 | 13,000 | 9 | 5 | 30 | 68 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 32 | 36,500 | 1 | 5 | 27 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 42 | 30,200 | 0 | 5 | 27 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2006 | 219 | 85,500 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 28 | 77,250 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 113 | 99,480 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 77 | 81,500 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 45 | 79,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 116 | 91,453 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All BMW 330I model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 BMW 330I have?
NHTSA recorded 45 consumer complaints for the 2002 BMW 330I as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 BMW 330I is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 13 complaints (29% of the total), followed by exterior lighting with 10.
Has the 2002 BMW 330I been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year, 4 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 BMW 330I get?
The EPA rates the 2002 BMW 330I (330i, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 BMW 330I reported?
Among the 24 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 79,000 miles and the middle half falls between 63,500 and 109,000 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.