BMW 330 owners have reported 6 unknown or other related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common unknown or other problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's unknown or other (6 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other problems |
Upon exiting the freeway a horrible, continuous metallic scraping noise began. I had heard this periodically on my drive, but until now it was not continuous. Looking under the car, I could see the metal gas tank strap hanging and resting on the ground. It was the passenger side front that failed, so the strap was pointing forward. I assume it was only periodically at first because it took some time for my actual gas tank to slip down forcing the strap against the asphalt. Knowing that a metal strap was scraping and possibly sparking against the asphalt next to my sagging gas tank, the car had to be towed to the nearest mechanic.
In August 2011 I got a warning indictor that there may be a problem with my right taillight. In November 2011 (in for routine service and other work) BMW mechanics at my area dealership informed me that my tailight suffered from the same problems identified in the current recall for 2003-2005 3 series taillights that may cause a fire. BMW told me my VIN "did not appear" to be listed on their recall list and that depsite the assessment of their certified mechanics, I would have to file a complaint with NHTSA in order to get you to tell BMW to add my car to the list so that my dealership will fix it. Please do so.
I purchased my 2004 BMW 330i in sept 2010, at least in part because it was advertised as having factory installed xenon lights and I have always wanted brighter headlights than other cars I have owned. Within 3 months I was so disgusted with the dimness of those xenon's that I purchased 2 new d2s bulbs and had them installed at the cost of about $400. (I was told that even xenon's "wear out" over time so I figured I would bite the bullet this one time) I found right away that these new bulbs were no better than I had before. As a matter of fact, the right side lights shined against a wall were actually dimmer than a d cell flashlight. I suffered though trying to drive with my passing lights on at night (you actually have to hold the high beam stick in to get these lights to stay on ) for a year before I decided to replace the whole headlight assembly but no-one sells a replacement for the xenon equiped cars. I then removed the assemblies myself and was shocked to see clear signs of burning or corrsion on the inside of the reflector bowls. No wonder the lights would not shine on the highway. It is so bad that every time I am passed on the highway at night I actually see my car's shadow directly in front of me from the headlights of the car 50-100 feet behind me. I now understand from further investigation this is an ongoing problem with zkw headlights on e46 BMW's. I do not have the technical expertise or extra cash to fix these defects. Can you help?? no accidents or injuries have occured yet but I have seen many pedestians or bikers as I pass them at night on the side of the road that I never saw until I was next to them.
Windows will not function, neither up nor down. The regulators plastic fails prematurely due to fatigue. This occurs on most 3series and 5series.
Separation and delamination of interior cloth on interior header and interior support pillars cloth in rear was obstructing rear view do to dropping down. Cost of replacement $1499. 27.
Since the purchase of my car in may 2001, the gas pedal seems to have a problem when shifting from first gear to second gear. All of a sudden the engine races on its own and the car lunges forward. Several visits to the dealer and road tests have come up with nothing. The dealers have been unable to pinpoint the problem. I still have the car which I drive very cautiously.