2001 BMW 330CI: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 BMW 330CI: 5 recalls, 82 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #01V206000 · 2001 · 76,469 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Why it matters: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #02V138000 · 2002 · 1,550 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Why it matters: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during September 2001 (see recall campaign 01v206).
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V853000 · 2019 · 74,185 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles May have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement nadi inflator May absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag May not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix: Bmw notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020.
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V018000 · 2020 · 292,948 vehicles
What's wrong: These inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020.
Airbags Vehicle recall #21V401000 · 2021 · 4,511 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19v-851, 19v852, or 19v-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the nadi inflator May absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Why it matters: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag May not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #07E023000 · 2007 · 13,128 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987mza, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than dca7078 sold as replacement equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. The seal on master cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid.
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. The recall began during April 2007. Owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (17): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (11): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (4), stalls / loses power (2).
- Exterior lights (9): the most common themes are warning light on (5), electrical failure (4).
- Fuel system (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2001 BMW 330CI has 82 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 7 330CI model years for complaints (2.0× the average 330CI year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 112,171 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (1 complaints, 3 recalls), 2002 (46 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 BMW 330CI.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 BMW 330CI have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2001 BMW 330CI, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 BMW 330CI problems?
Owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (17), transmission & drivetrain (11), exterior lights (9).
What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW 330CI get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 BMW 330CI repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.