2001 BMW 330XI: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 BMW 330XI: 5 recalls, 11 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
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Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. 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 #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.
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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (2): the most common themes are warning light on (2), overheating (2).
- Airbags (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Exterior lights (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2001 BMW 330XI has 11 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 13 330XI model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 15). Complaints peaked in 2015 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 88,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (0 complaints, 2 recalls), 2002 (20 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | 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 330XI.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 BMW 330XI have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2001 BMW 330XI. 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 330XI problems?
Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (2), engine & cooling (2), airbags (2).
What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW 330XI get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 BMW 330XI 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.