IllustrationGAS TANK METAL STRAP/BRACE WELD CAME LOOSE CAUSING IT TO HANG FROM BOLT TOWARD REAR OF THE CAR LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
2001 BMW 330CI
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2001 BMW 330CI do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 34.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 330CI years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
00–25K
225–50K
1250–75K
1075–100K
27100–150K
11150K+
62 reports with mileage · 20 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports3 fire reports7 injury reports
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints
8 reportsTHERE IS A METAL STRAP THAT RUNS UNDER THE RIGHT GAS TANK AND HOLDS THE GAS TANK TO THE CAR. ONE END IS BOLTED. THE OTHER END IS HOOKED TO A BRACKET THAT IS WELDED TO THE FRAME OF THE CAR. AS I WAS GETTING OFF THE FREEWAY THE 4 WELDS ON THE BRACKET FAILED. THE COMPLETE STRAP AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY DRAGGED ON THE ROAD. THIS MA…
Read full complaint
THERE IS A METAL STRAP THAT RUNS UNDER THE RIGHT GAS TANK AND HOLDS THE GAS TANK TO THE CAR. ONE END IS BOLTED. THE OTHER END IS HOOKED TO A BRACKET THAT IS WELDED TO THE FRAME OF THE CAR. AS I WAS GETTING OFF THE FREEWAY THE 4 WELDS ON THE BRACKET FAILED. THE COMPLETE STRAP AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY DRAGGED ON THE ROAD. THIS MADE A GROWLING NOISE SO LOUD THAT I HAD TO PULL OVER, GET UNDER THE CAR TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THE RIGHT GAS TANK WAS NOW DANGLING FROM THE CAR. THIS BRACKET FAILURE SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OTHERS WITH THE SAME CAR: HTTP://FORUM.E46FANATICS.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=669079. BMW SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND PAY ALL AFFECTED PARTIES FOR THIS REPAIR. THIS IS A DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING FLAW IN THIS CAR. *TR
ARRIVING TO MY HOUSE DRIVEWAY I STARTED TO HEAR A METAL SOUND AGAINST THE PAVEMENT. IMMEDIATELY I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE THERE WAS A METAL STRAP THAT HOLDS THE FUEL TANK HANGING OUT. *TR
WHILE ENTERING THE FREEWAY I HEARD A POP FROM UNDER MY CAR AND IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD METALLIC SCRAPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR AS IF I WERE DRAGGING SOMETHING. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND FOUND THE METAL BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE GAS TANK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD COME LOOSE FROM AN AREA WHERE IT HAD…
Read full complaint
WHILE ENTERING THE FREEWAY I HEARD A POP FROM UNDER MY CAR AND IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD METALLIC SCRAPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR AS IF I WERE DRAGGING SOMETHING. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND FOUND THE METAL BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE GAS TANK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD COME LOOSE FROM AN AREA WHERE IT HAD BEEN SPOT WELDED TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR. THIS EFFECTIVELY CAUSED THE GAS TANK TO LOWER ITSELF A FEW INCHES OFF THE GROUND. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY HOME AS IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
FUEL TANK RETAINING STRAP BRACKET BROKE FREE FROM UNDER BODY LEAVING THE TANK HANGING FROM THE CAR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. *TR
THERE IS A METAL STRAP THAT SUPPORTS THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. THE BRACKET TO WHICH THE FORWARD END OF THIS STRAP MOUNTS TO HAS BROKEN FREE FROM THE UNDERBODY. THE STRAP AND BRACKET SEEM TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE. IT'S JUST THE WELDS THAT HOLD THE BRACKET TO THE UNDERBODY HAVE BROKEN. THERE IS VERY MINIMAL RUST ON THE UND…
Read full complaint
THERE IS A METAL STRAP THAT SUPPORTS THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. THE BRACKET TO WHICH THE FORWARD END OF THIS STRAP MOUNTS TO HAS BROKEN FREE FROM THE UNDERBODY. THE STRAP AND BRACKET SEEM TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE. IT'S JUST THE WELDS THAT HOLD THE BRACKET TO THE UNDERBODY HAVE BROKEN. THERE IS VERY MINIMAL RUST ON THE UNDERBODY COMPONENTS. IT APPEARS THAT THE TACK WELDS JUST FAILED. THE LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP WANTED $1200 TO REPAIR THE ISSUE AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. I THEN TOOK IT TO A LOCAL AUTO BODY SHOP. THEY REMOVED THE TANK AND WELDED THE BRACKET BACK IN PLACE. *TR
CAR BMW 2001 330 CI- MY GAS TANK STRAP BROKE OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND STARTING DRAGGING ON THE GROUND, CREATING A LOUD SCRAPING NOISE. I IMMEDIATELY WENT TO A SHOP SPECIALIZING IN BMW'S, THEY SAID THEY JUST FIXED ONE OF THESE LAST WEEK. THE ARE CUSTOM WELDING ON A BRACE FOR ME. MY BILL IS $500 PLUS FOR THIS CRUCIAL SAFET…
Read full complaint
CAR BMW 2001 330 CI- MY GAS TANK STRAP BROKE OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND STARTING DRAGGING ON THE GROUND, CREATING A LOUD SCRAPING NOISE. I IMMEDIATELY WENT TO A SHOP SPECIALIZING IN BMW'S, THEY SAID THEY JUST FIXED ONE OF THESE LAST WEEK. THE ARE CUSTOM WELDING ON A BRACE FOR ME. MY BILL IS $500 PLUS FOR THIS CRUCIAL SAFETY ISSUE. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL AND THE COMPANY SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR. *TR
FUEL GAUGE READS 1/4 TANK OFF FROM THE CORRECT LEVEL. THIS CAUSE DRIVERS TO ASSUME THAT THEY STILL HAVE GAS BUT THEY REALLY EMPTY AND IF HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS AND KILL PEOPLE. IT HAPPENED TO ME GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE SO IT WAS ON LOW SPEED SO THE CAR STOPPED AND LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND KEPT DISTANCE AND COULD…
Read full complaint
FUEL GAUGE READS 1/4 TANK OFF FROM THE CORRECT LEVEL. THIS CAUSE DRIVERS TO ASSUME THAT THEY STILL HAVE GAS BUT THEY REALLY EMPTY AND IF HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS AND KILL PEOPLE. IT HAPPENED TO ME GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE SO IT WAS ON LOW SPEED SO THE CAR STOPPED AND LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND KEPT DISTANCE AND COULD STOP WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENTS. CONTACT THE DEALER AND INDEPENDENT BMW SERVICE REVEAL THAT IT IS A COMMON ISSUE ON THOSE YEARS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL GAGE FLOATERS ( THERE ARE 2 OF THEM) BUT BMW DECIDED NOT TO RECALL THEM AND FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Official recalls
521V401000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
May 27, 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
20V018000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 15, 2020
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
19V853000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Nov 26, 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result 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.
Remedy: BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
02V138000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan
May 16, 2002
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
01V206000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan
Jun 21, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.