CarRecallDB

2005 BMW 330CI recalls and problems

2 recalls and 33 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 BMW 330CI.

2
recalls
33
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2005 BMW 330CI recalls

Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 20V018000 · reported January 15, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC · 292,948 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 15V318000 · reported May 28, 2015 · BMW of North America, LLC · 419,235 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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. 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 11, 2024 · Exterior lighting

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.

Jun 28, 2022 · Exterior lighting · 44,800 miles

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…

Jan 26, 2021 · Structure · fire reported

HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WIRING INSULATION DISINTEGRATED.

Oct 3, 2020 · Electrical system · 84,000 miles

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…

May 22, 2020 · Air bags

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, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED…

330CI model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 34634
2003 31810
2004 27761
2005 23301
2006 23410

Across all years, the 2001 330CI has the most complaints (82). All BMW 330CI years →

Questions

Does the 2005 BMW 330CI have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 BMW 330CI, the most recent reported on January 15, 2020 (Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 BMW 330CI?
Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (20 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (7).
How many 2005 BMW 330CI complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 33 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 11, 2024.