Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 218 of 219 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 167 of 219 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Air bags
142 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM I'M MY BMW FAILED TO WORK AND HAD NUMEROUS REPAIRS MADE. AIRBAGS STILL DISABLED, BMW WON'T FIX THE ISSUE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Electrical system
34 complaint records4 fire reports1 crash report
"CAR DOORS COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED IF CURRENTLY LOCKED. IT IS REALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF CAR CRASH OR FIRE HAPPENS. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
27 complaint records7 fire reports
"MY 2006 BMW 330I CAUGHT FIRE IN MY DRIVEWAY 2.5HRS AFTER BEING DRIVIN. THE CAR DID NOT INDICATE ANY WARNING PRIOR TO THE FIRE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA15001 opened Feb 2015 | OPEN | Air Bags | Air Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 22V945 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the... |
| PE14016 opened Jun 2014 | closed Mar 2015 | Air Bags | Air Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 15V226000 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14V428000DO NOT DRIVE | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons;... | Normally free |
| 24V513000 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan... | Normally free |
| 20V017000 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013... | Normally free |
| 19V273000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. | Normally free |
| 17V676000 | Electrical System | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. | Normally free |
| 17V428000 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i... | Normally free |
| 13V564000 | Air Bags | BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year... | Normally free |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B012016 May 2026 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. |
| B611026 Apr 2026 | Electrical System | While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or Programming procedure- the BMW Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. | |
| B510819 Jan 2024 | Visibility | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. | |
| B611305 Jan 2024 | Electrical System | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. | |
| B610120 Sep 2022 | Electrical System | Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant downward hand pressure is maintained. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B662419 Sep 2022 | Equipment | Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. | |
| SIB360222 Jun 2022 | Tires | Starting mid-May 2022, the QR code on the tite sidewalls of Pirelli tires has been omitted due to patent reasons. | |
| SIB510822 Jun 2022 | Structure | Whistling noise is heard coming from the front bumper while driving at highway speeds. | |
| SIB640521 Jun 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A rattling/droning noise is heard in the vehicle interior when the air conditioning (AC) is activated. Vibrations are felt in the driver's footwell. | |
| SIB640921 Jun 2022 | Electrical System | On these Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), the air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a standstill. | |
| SIB662419 Jun 2022 | Electrical System | Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not affected. | |
| B340414 Apr 2021 | Service Brakes | Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. | |
| B611305 Oct 2020 | Electrical System | Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. | |
| B110208 Sep 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon? (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. | |
| B110208 Apr 2020 | Electrical System | Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. | |
| 513608 Jul 2019 | Electrical System | "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. | |
| 610405 Jul 2019 | Electrical System | Power Mirrors and/or Windows are Inoperative. The power windows and/or power mirrors are inoperative. The LED on the headlight switch is flashing. There is a check control message for Windows/Mirrors/ Headlights. There may also be a complaint of water in one or both headlights. | |
| 513911 Jul 2019 | Structure | Trunk Lid Intermittently Does Not Open or Latch. Intermittently the trunk lid does not pop open when using the remote, or latch when closing. If the vehicle is driven and the trunk is not closed fully, a Check Control message will be displayed in the instrument cluster. | |
| 613312 Jul 2019 | Electrical System | "Erroneous CC Message "Remote control! Do not switch off the engine" is Displayed. An erroneous CC message, "Remote control!" " Do not switch off the engine" is displayed in the Central Information Display (CID). | |
| 121412 Jul 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine has a loss of power; and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. One or more of the following faults may be stored. | |
| 110208 Jul 2019 | Equipment | "Power Reduction, FC 2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC 2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Faults are Stored in DME. The ""Service Engine Soon"" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. | |
| B013118 Apr 2019 | Air Bags | TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018. | |
| B011618 Jan 2019 | Air Bags | TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES. | |
| B011618 Oct 2018 | Air Bags | For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? | |
| B840214 Jul 2018 | Equipment | CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative. | |
| B650709 Jun 2018 | Equipment | NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance: | |
| B650709 May 2018 | Equipment | NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance: | |
| B080119 Feb 2018 | Air Bags | In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. | |
| B010118 Jan 2018 | Seats | FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY (OC3) MAT FOR SRS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 15 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILES | |
| B840214 Jun 2017 | Equipment | ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Diagnosis Information This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B84 02 14 dated July 2014 What's New: Model - Removed models which no longer support BMW Assist functionality and added new models. | |
| B840214 May 2017 | Electrical System | ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Diagnosis Information | |
| B130315 Apr 2017 | Fuel System | ?N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Number Error What's New: ? Identifying the injector type using the ISTA test plan ? Determining the injector part number using the new the parts table. | |
| B840311 Apr 2017 | Equipment | "?Telematics Device Spares Replacement Part Activation via DCSnet for BMW Assist What's New: ? Model: All models added along with 6AC option code ? Situation: All information added ? Information: Deleted CDMA related information and added activation of Wi-Fi control unit ? | |
| B840316 Apr 2017 | Electrical System | SERVICE ACTION: GSM COMBOX DEACTIVATION / DISCONTINUATION WITH 4 YEAR ASSIST SERVICE. What's New: ? Model: Option code removed to prevent confusion about affected vehicles ? Situation: Information added about Bluetooth functionality that is not affect by this Service Action ? | |
| B840816 Apr 2017 | Electrical System | The underlying 2G technology for the GSM (Global System Mobile communication) COMBOX will no longer be supported by the cellular network providers after December 31, 2016. | |
| B130315 Mar 2017 | Engine And Engine Cooling | N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Number Error What's New: ? Procedure change: indentifying injector type using an ISTA test plan. . The current version of the ETK incorporates multiple part number errors for the Bosch type injectors. | |
| B180117 Feb 2017 | Engine | "? DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) CLEANING . The following performance issues may be noticed by the customer: CC-Message ""Drive faulty"" Engine jerking or a lack of power over the whole engine speed range Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated The following fault... | |
| B180310 Feb 2017 | Engine And Engine Cooling | "? NO REGENERATION OF THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B18 03 10 dated November 2010. . The Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. | |
| B070314 Nov 2016 | Electrical System | Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015.. | |
| B652616 Nov 2016 | Equipment | "USB DEVICE IS NOT DETECTED BY CHAMP2 HEAD UNIT. Media connected to the USB connector is not recognized by the audio system. Playback of files from the media is not possible. | |
| B652516 Oct 2016 | Electrical System | USB CABLE: BATTERY DISCHARGE/AUDIO FAILURE/RADIO RECEPTION. No sound from the radio, telephone, gong signal and or PDC. Poor radio reception and failure of the telematics systems. Possible Check Control system message: o Battery discharge when engine off. | |
| B270216 Aug 2016 | Power Train | "REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain Malfunction"" warning on in the Control Display. | |
| B110616 May 2016 | Engine | N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints This Service Information bulletin and attachment supersedes SI B11 06 16 dated April 2016.. | |
| B612906 May 2016 | Steering | ELV Does Not Release. The customer complains of a no-crank, no-start situation. The condition may be intermittent. The ELV (Electric Steering Lock) warning is shown in the Instrument Cluster. | |
| B840314 May 2016 | Equipment | Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. | |
| B110616 Apr 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints. The customer may complain about one of the following: Rough engine running Engine cannot be started (crank no start) Check Engine Light illuminated One or more of the... | |
| B121116 Apr 2016 | Equipment | ISTA/P Cannot Program an E-Series N55 Replacement DME. ISTA/P fails when attempting to program a replacement DME (MEVD172) on BN2000 E-Series vehicles with the Continental HPP. Part number: 12 14 8 618 483. | |
| B122110 Mar 2016 | Fuel System | N51 Engine: Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated - Loss of Power and Various Faults Stored in the DME. The customer complains that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. | |
| B070314 Feb 2016 | Electrical System | This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. | |
| B130315 Feb 2016 | Equipment | SI B13 03 15 February 2016 Fuel Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B13 03 15 dated March 2015 and replaces SI B13 04 13 dated March 2014. SUBJECT N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Number Error. | |
| B650709 Jan 2016 | Equipment | Whistling Noise Coming from the Center Vent - A/C is Off . A very high pitched whistling or beeping noise is heard coming from the center vents. The flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve at certain temperature differentials. | |
| B656906 Jan 2016 | Air Bags | "This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 69 06 dated June 2008. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Airbag Warning Lamp Illuminated, FC 93EB or FC 55 . | |
| B090615 Dec 2015 | Equipment | New programming feature: Exclusion of Infotainment Control Units from Programming. Programming with ISTA/P 3.57.4, or a more recent update, displays a new Pop-Up window providing options for systems programming. | |
| B652606 Nov 2015 | Electrical System | "The Disclaimer screen automatically disappears from the CID after 10 seconds. INFORMATION https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/28...12/2/2015 Page 2 of 2 An enhancement was made to the Car Communication Computer (CCC) and MASK... | |
| B070314 Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated May 2015. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. | |
| B270415 Sep 2015 | Wheels | Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. | |
| B640315 Jul 2015 | Equipment | Air Conditioning Cooling is Insufficient or Inoperative. The air conditioner system refrigerant level is low or empty. CAUSE The evaporator is leaking refrigerant. | |
| B650215 Jun 2015 | Equipment | iDrive Controller Trim Peeling. The chrome ring on the iDrive controller is peeling. Poor chrome material adhesion. | |
| B070314 May 2015 | Electrical System | Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports indicates that there are many fault codes that are stored in the above vehicles, but they are not diagnosed to identify their root cause. | |
| B360215 May 2015 | Wheels | Valve Stem Replacement with Wheel Electronics. INFORMATION The valve stems are single-use only, and must be replaced every time the wheel electronics are replaced. If you loosen the nut (1), you must replace the valve stem. |
Showing 60 of 117 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 1 warranty extension for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this BMW 330I →