2003 BMW 330I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 BMW 330I: 6 recalls, 77 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
6 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #03V160000 · 2003 · 13,100 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the window lifting anti-pinching device might not function properly.
Why it matters: Occupants could be pinched by a window that is being closed.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the electronic control unit for the window lifting anti-pinching device. Owner notification began May 27, 2003.
Exterior lights, Exterior lights Vehicle recall #11V438000 · 2011 · 241,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Over time, resistance in the electrical contacts May cause one or more rear lamp functions (tail light, brake light, and/or turn-signal), within the vehicle's body panel, to stop working.
Why it matters: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions. This could cause a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on February 15, 2012.
Airbags Vehicle recall #13V172000 · 2013 · 43,204 vehicles
What's wrong:
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. Bmw intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V318000 · 2015 · 419,235 vehicles
What's wrong: 0i and 4.4i sports activity vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and x5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that May be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began aug 2016.
Airbags Vehicle recall #14V428000 · 2018 · 574,007 vehicles
What's wrong:
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts…
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.
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. 4 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Exterior lights (28): the most common themes are fire / smoke (5), stalls / loses power (4), warning light on (4).
- Airbags (24): the most common themes are warning light on (6).
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are door / lock issues (5), stalls / loses power (3).
- Engine & cooling (8): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (8).
The 2003 BMW 330I has 77 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 23 330I model years for complaints (2.2× the average 330I year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 81,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (45 complaints, 6 recalls), 2004 (113 complaints, 4 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 | 22 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 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 2003 BMW 330I.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 BMW 330I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2003 BMW 330I, 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 2003 BMW 330I problems?
Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (28), airbags (24), electrical (10).
What gas mileage does the 2003 BMW 330I get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 BMW 330I 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.