2002 BMW 330I Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 16%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 BMW 330I, 16% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 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.
“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 miles“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 miles“A/c blows extremely hot when set on maximum cooling power about 40% of the time (intermittently). Problem seems to be inherent in the model...Bmw says if they cant duplicate the problem at a service center in front of a technician, then it must not exist.”
NHTSA complaint #10049287, filed 2003-12, 3,500 miles“Failure of the turn signals, brake lights and rear parking lamps of the 1999-2005 Bmw 3 series ( e46 ). Also noted are forward turn signal lighting failures. The problem may involve two unrelated component failures: chronically overheating/partially melted 7-pin wiring connectors (at the rear lamp cluster) and corroded bulb sockets (at the front turn signals). (the first problem may be more common in warm weather states.) by way of background, I have owned three e46 model Bmw's, all purchased new. All have had repeated, yet intermittent turn signal and exterior lighting problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10197639, filed 2007-07, 48,000 miles“Having a problem with my gm5 module which controls locking/ unlocking doors, windshield wipers and interior lights. Got stranded today because I could not unlock my car. The key fob wouldn't unlock it and even using the key in the door didnt work. This is a big safety problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11320075, filed 2020-04Related service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10225115Sep 1, 2022Customer 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…
- 10218384Jun 1, 2022Vehicle 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…
- 10218380Jun 1, 2022On 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…
- 10149558Oct 1, 2018For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata…
- 10149557Oct 1, 2018For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2024 | 2 | 33% |
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 13 | 45% |
| 2020 | 20 | 38% |
| 2019 | 7 | 17% |
| 2018 | 4 | 13% |
| 2017 | 4 | 10% |
| 2006 | 34 | 16% |
| 2005 | 3 | 11% |
| 2004 | 10 | 9% |
| 2003 | 10 | 13% |
| 2002 | 7 | 16% |
| 2001 | 15 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2002 BMW 330I
13 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsTires
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 BMW 330I
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology