2004 BMW 330I Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 10%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 11 complaints about the visibility of the 2004 BMW 330I, 10% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,960 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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 headlights are useless at night. The bulbs all function perfectly, but the reflector housings are worn according to my mechanic. I understand the need to replace bulbs over the lifetime of a vehicle, but $3,000 for a whole new headlight assembly is outrageous! This is a design defect that the NHTSA refuses to investigate. There are thousands of complaints regarding this design defect all over the internet. This is a serious safety issue!”
NHTSA complaint #10761627, filed 2015-09, 150,000 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“E46 Bmw's with zkw xenon head lamps suffer from poor bulb projectors which burn to the point that light output is nearly none. This is defect is known by bmwna but nothing has been done to correct it.”
NHTSA complaint #10479375, 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 miles“Headlights of 2004 Bmw 330I with xenons are made by manufacturing company zkw and bound to fail. Visibility and light output becomes extremely poor, that you must drive around with extra lights, or high beams on. When you open up the reflective case, you will see that both front headlights driver and passenger side have burnt bowls, which do not allow any light output at all. This is extremely dangerous, I have gotten into an accident due to not being able to see far distance at night. Please address and investigate this matter immediately.”
NHTSA complaint #10452919, filed 2012-03, 80,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 4 | 8% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 11 | 10% |
| 2002 | 1 | 2% |
| 2001 | 10 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 330I
83 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsElectrical system
10 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 29, 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