2004 BMW 330I Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 9%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,960miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 BMW 330I, 9% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,960 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 purchased my 2004 Bmw 330I in sept 2010, at least in part because it was advertised as having factory installed xenon lights and I have always wanted brighter headlights than other cars I have owned. Within 3 months I was so disgusted with the dimness of those xenon's that I purchased 2 new d2s bulbs and had them installed at the cost of about $400. (I was told that even xenon's wear out over time so I figured I would bite the bullet this one time) I found right away that these new bulbs were no better than I had before. …”
NHTSA complaint #10442869, filed 2012-01, 112,000 miles“The interior wires of the Bmw e46 headlight assemblies have insulation material that readily breaks off of the wire, causing the bear wire conductor to be visible. This results in a failure of the headlights as the wires conductors are allowed to touch. This is also a possible source of a vehicle fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11341318, filed 2020-07, 145,000 miles“Passenger side headlight assembly wires break and cause the headlight to stop emitting light or otherwise working. Repeated attempts to repair the wiring harness eventually fail. This occurs with mere normal use of the car and passage of time. The headlight assembly and bulb are still intact, but simply receive no power due to the broken wires. The assembly can fail at any time, whether stationary, in motion, or on back roads or highways. …”
NHTSA complaint #11315498, filed 2020-03, 120,000 miles“The general module 5 in e46 3 series model years 2004-2006 fail causing failure of turn signals, central locking, wind shield wipers, and hazard lights. This defect is known by bmwna but has not been addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #10479373, filed 2012-10, 99,960 miles“Dear NHTSA, the headlight design of Bmw's e46 bodies are just horrible. Light output is close to none creating a significant problem regarding visibility. The reason is due to Bmw's reflector bowl that deteriorates through out time due to its plastic material and finally ends up burning. It is so bad that the fog lights produce much more light then its low beams. We definitely need your help NHTSA because Bmw sure does not want to help, their solution is that you have to replace the whole headlight which is 1200 a piece. …”
NHTSA complaint #10465613, filed 2012-07, 68,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery…
- 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…
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has…
- 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 2004 BMW 330I
83 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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