2005 BMW 330CI: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (61% of complaints); the 2003 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The wires inside the headlight assembly have literally snapped rendering the headlight inoperable. I've repaired in places just for them to break where I haven't repaired. Access is very difficult. On a longer trip I wouldn't be able to repair on side of the road. It's a manufacturing defect.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Nov 2023
“The contact owns a 2005 BMW 330CI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was pulled over by law enforcement due to malfunctioning taillights. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that he needed to pay out-of-pocket for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V438000 (Exterior Lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 44,800.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2022
“I have owned this vehicle for a while. I was stationary while I discovered the following. Door locks did not work consistently with the key fob, convertible top also, windows sometimes worked, wipers also. I read forums to realize the general module failed relays is a known problem. This known problem endangers the operator, passengers, and the public, and a recall and redesign should be ordered for the safety of the public. I tried to add pictures, but the form crashes.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2005 bmw 330ci. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v018000(air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called to hendrick bmw (6950 e independence blvd, charlotte, nc 28227, (704) 321-4851) where it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 330ci. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the plastic that covered the front driver's side headlight wiring started to peel. The contact was concerned that the wires could become exposed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,124.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2017
“Takata recall hello, I received a recall notice in the mail for my vehicle. As I checked the NHTSA system, it stated that both passenger and driver airbag system needed a recall. Takata has a settlement open for my vehicle. Please inform me on the next step to take to handle this situation, before the worst could happen. Thank,you for your help. Please contact me at (678)983-6806. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2017
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2005 bmw 330ci. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the glove compartment that contained the air bag failed to open. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,360. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 330ci. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount to time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 08/30/16*lj updated 10/26/16.*jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2016
“The dealer, bmw life quality motor sales inc. Of brooklyn, ny refuses to complete the takata passenger airbag safety recall b65 17 14.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 330ci. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v428000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags) however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2015
Recalls - 3 campaigns
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i 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.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
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.
Remedy: 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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 330CI by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 BMW 330CI reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 BMW 330CI. The most complained-about area is air bags (61% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 BMW 330CI problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 66,612 miles or less.
Does the 2005 BMW 330CI have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.