Bmw 330xi 2003
Model 330xi made in 2003 by Bmw got 26 consumer complains, 17 investigations there is 1 recall as well as 6 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to air bags, electrical system and engine and engine cooling. Technical service bulletines regarding exterior lighting, steering. The car had one investigation (exterior lighting). There was one recall concerning exterior lighting . The car has one 3 engine.
Model 2003
| Engine [L] | Cylinders | Transmission | Drive | Estimate MPG (city/highway/combined) | Unadjusted MPG (city/highway/combined) | Fuel | Fuel cost | Class | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 | Lockup/automatic, 5 gears | 4 | 18/25/21 | 20.1/32.2/24.1906 | Premium | 1178 | COMPACT CARS | |
| 3 | 6 | Manual, 5 gears | 4 | 20/27/23 | 22/34.9/26.3894 | Premium | 1077 | COMPACT CARS |
Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS | ||||||||||||||||
| 11V438000 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | from 09/01/2001 to 03/01/2005 | V (Vehicle) | 241000 | 02/15/2012 | ODI | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 08/26/2011 | 08/26/2011 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Bmw is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi vehicles manufactured from september 1, 2001, through march 1, 2005. over time, resistance in the electrical contacts may cause one or more rear lamp functions (tail light, brake light, and/or turn-signal), within the vehicle's body panel, to stop working. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions. this could cause a vehicle crash without warning. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. the safety recall beganon february 15, 2012. owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov . | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | |||||
| SIB-63-02-01 | 08/01/2010 | 10037025 | Ready | 04/27/2011 | |
| SIB-63-02-01 | 08/01/2010 | 10037025 | Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty. *rm | 04/27/2011 | |
| STEERING - ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||||
| SIB-32-04-07 | 06/01/2010 | 10036979 | Ready | 04/25/2011 | |
| SIB-32-04-07 | 06/01/2010 | 10036979 | Bmw: a new technical process has been created for bmw to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models. *rm | 04/25/2011 | |
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||||
| SIB-32-04-07 | 06/01/2010 | 10036979 | Ready | 04/25/2011 | |
| SIB-32-04-07 | 06/01/2010 | 10036979 | Bmw: a new technical process has been created for bmw to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models. *rm | 04/25/2011 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | ||||||
| EA09019 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 12/18/2009 | 09/28/2011 | Rear Lamp Illumination | 11V438000 | |
| In a letter submitted to the office of defects investigation (odi) dated august25, 2011, bmwindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.the issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.this can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.the recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.an 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.bmw will complete dealer notification in september 2011 and will begin owner notification in october 2011.all 3 series sedans (except for the m3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between september 1, 2001 and march 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.the action taken by bmw is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed. | ||||||
| DP09002 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 04/08/2009 | 08/06/2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | ||
| In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 bmw 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to bmw in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by bmw in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating bmw complaints and related warranty data. | ||||||
| EA09019 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 12/18/2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | |||
| The outboard rear light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.failure of the light assembly ground circuit results in loss of all three lamps.bmw submitted complaint and warranty information showing a significant number of rear lamp assembly failures due to an open ground connection at the eight pin connector of the light assembly.this results in the loss of the rear turn signal.overheating of the ground circuit electrical pin, possibly due to increased resistance and or high current flow, is indicated in some failures.additionally bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 in february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.the additional ground wire added by the procedure reduces the current flow at the eight pin connector.odi is opening this ea to further investigate the issue. | ||||||
| PE09036 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 08/07/2009 | 12/22/2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | ||
| Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly is not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue is with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are allegedly overheating and melting due to excessive electrical current that runs through the system.bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 on february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.odi is upgrading to an ea to further investigate the issue. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BACK UP LIGHTS | ||||||
| DP09002 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 04/08/2009 | 08/06/2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | ||
| In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 bmw 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to bmw in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by bmw in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating bmw complaints and related warranty data. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS | ||||||
| EA09019 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 12/18/2009 | 09/28/2011 | Rear Lamp Illumination | 11V438000 | |
| In a letter submitted to the office of defects investigation (odi) dated august25, 2011, bmwindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.the issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.this can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.the recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.an 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.bmw will complete dealer notification in september 2011 and will begin owner notification in october 2011.all 3 series sedans (except for the m3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between september 1, 2001 and march 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.the action taken by bmw is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed. | ||||||
| DP09002 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 04/08/2009 | 08/06/2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | ||
| In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 bmw 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to bmw in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by bmw in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating bmw complaints and related warranty data. | ||||||
| EA09019 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 12/18/2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | |||
| The outboard rear light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.failure of the light assembly ground circuit results in loss of all three lamps.bmw submitted complaint and warranty information showing a significant number of rear lamp assembly failures due to an open ground connection at the eight pin connector of the light assembly.this results in the loss of the rear turn signal.overheating of the ground circuit electrical pin, possibly due to increased resistance and or high current flow, is indicated in some failures.additionally bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 in february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.the additional ground wire added by the procedure reduces the current flow at the eight pin connector.odi is opening this ea to further investigate the issue. | ||||||
| PE09036 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 08/07/2009 | 12/22/2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | ||
| Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly is not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue is with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are allegedly overheating and melting due to excessive electrical current that runs through the system.bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 on february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.odi is upgrading to an ea to further investigate the issue. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TAIL LIGHTS | ||||||
| EA09019 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 12/18/2009 | 09/28/2011 | Rear Lamp Illumination | 11V438000 | |
| In a letter submitted to the office of defects investigation (odi) dated august25, 2011, bmwindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.the issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.this can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.the recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.an 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.bmw will complete dealer notification in september 2011 and will begin owner notification in october 2011.all 3 series sedans (except for the m3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between september 1, 2001 and march 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.the action taken by bmw is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed. | ||||||
| PE09036 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 08/07/2009 | 12/22/2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | ||
| Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly is not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue is with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are allegedly overheating and melting due to excessive electrical current that runs through the system.bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 on february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.odi is upgrading to an ea to further investigate the issue. | ||||||
| DP09002 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 04/08/2009 | 08/06/2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | ||
| In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 bmw 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to bmw in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by bmw in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating bmw complaints and related warranty data. | ||||||
| EA09019 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 12/18/2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | |||
| The outboard rear light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.failure of the light assembly ground circuit results in loss of all three lamps.bmw submitted complaint and warranty information showing a significant number of rear lamp assembly failures due to an open ground connection at the eight pin connector of the light assembly.this results in the loss of the rear turn signal.overheating of the ground circuit electrical pin, possibly due to increased resistance and or high current flow, is indicated in some failures.additionally bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 in february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.the additional ground wire added by the procedure reduces the current flow at the eight pin connector.odi is opening this ea to further investigate the issue. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL | ||||||
| EA09019 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 12/18/2009 | 09/28/2011 | Rear Lamp Illumination | 11V438000 | |
| In a letter submitted to the office of defects investigation (odi) dated august25, 2011, bmwindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.the issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.this can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.the recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.an 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.bmw will complete dealer notification in september 2011 and will begin owner notification in october 2011.all 3 series sedans (except for the m3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between september 1, 2001 and march 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.the action taken by bmw is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed. | ||||||
| PE09036 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 08/07/2009 | 12/22/2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | ||
| Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly is not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue is with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are allegedly overheating and melting due to excessive electrical current that runs through the system.bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 on february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.odi is upgrading to an ea to further investigate the issue. | ||||||
| DP09002 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 04/08/2009 | 08/06/2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | ||
| In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 bmw 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to bmw in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by bmw in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating bmw complaints and related warranty data. | ||||||
| EA09019 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 12/18/2009 | REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION | |||
| The outboard rear light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.failure of the light assembly ground circuit results in loss of all three lamps.bmw submitted complaint and warranty information showing a significant number of rear lamp assembly failures due to an open ground connection at the eight pin connector of the light assembly.this results in the loss of the rear turn signal.overheating of the ground circuit electrical pin, possibly due to increased resistance and or high current flow, is indicated in some failures.additionally bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 in february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.the additional ground wire added by the procedure reduces the current flow at the eight pin connector.odi is opening this ea to further investigate the issue. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | |||
| 01/15/2007 | 34800 | 1 | |
| We bought a bmw 330xi in august 2003. in april and july 2007, we had the airbag sign come up on the dashboard. we got it repaired the first time we had it and it worked well for a while - no sign. then the sign came on again in june. we gave it for repair again and the dealership again repaired it and told us that the problem had been solved. our car went out of warranty in august 2007. we have that sign coming up again since september 2007. we gave for repairs to a non-dealer facility (about summer 2008) and the it could not be resolved. the repair facility told us that the airbag sensors may be going bad repeatedly and hence the sign comes on. we believe that these sensors going bad repeatedly when perhaps there is nothing wrong with the airbag is indicative of faulty workmanship. *tr | |||
| AIR BAGS - FRONTAL | |||
| 02/23/2010 | 58000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 bmw 330xi. while the contact was driving 35 mph the passenger side front air bag suddenly deployed without warning. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership and there were no prior warnings. the current and failure mileages were 58000. | |||
| 06/02/2009 | 43000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 bmw 330xi. while driving 25 mph, the contact drove over a pothole in the road, which caused the lower portion of the passenger side air bag to deploy. a police report was filed. the top portion of the passenger side air bag had no air in it; therefore, it could not deploy properly. the vehicle had to be towed to a bmw shop and the mechanic stated that the entire passenger side air bag needed to be replaced. the contact believes that a pothole should not have caused the air bag to deploy. he was very disappointed to discover after the deployment that half of the passenger side air bag was not working properly. he believes that the manufacturer should be responsible for the repairs, but they are refusing responsibility. the current and failure mileages were 43,000. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 07/04/2012 | 110000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 330 xi. the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument panel caught fire. the vehicle was destroyed. the police were contacted and a fire report was on file. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was contacted and they confirmed that the vin qualified for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:brake lights). the failure and current mileages were 110,000. kmj | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 09/27/2005 | 56500 | 2 | 09/30/2003 |
| Tail lights failed on my 2003 bmw 330xi. the shop foreman at my bmw dealership explained that he has been seeing a lot of tail light failures because the wiring was not designed to handle the load and therefore the wires have been frying out. my work order states repairs were done to diagnose & replace melted tail light connectors and wiring. *jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 02/01/2010 | 79096 | 1 | |
| The car had no symptoms leading up to the event. car was idling in parking lot to warm up and randomly turned off. would not turn back on and had to be towed to a shop. found out that the crankcase ventilation system froze causing oil present in all six cylinders. system was replaced once the mechanic had access to the technical service bulletin. mechanic was surprised to see bmw had no recalls for this design flaw since it is very dangerous. if the car had been moving with 2500-3500 rpms, much more damage would have been caused with anywhere from piston rings to engine block in addition to an accident and possibly death or injury. *tr | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TAIL LIGHTS | |||
| 09/27/2005 | 56500 | 2 | 09/30/2003 |
| Tail lights failed on my 2003 bmw 330xi. the shop foreman at my bmw dealership explained that he has been seeing a lot of tail light failures because the wiring was not designed to handle the load and therefore the wires have been frying out. my work order states repairs were done to diagnose & replace melted tail light connectors and wiring. *jb | |||
| LIGHTING | |||
| 07/04/2012 | 110000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 330 xi. the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the dash board caught fire. the vehicle was destroyed. the police were contacted and a fire report was on file. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was contacted and they confirmed that the vin qualified for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:brake lights). the failure and current mileages were 110,000. kmj | |||
| 07/04/2012 | 110000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 330 xi. the contact confirmed while the vehicle was park the dash board caught fire. the vehicle was destroyed. the police were contacted and a report was on file. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was contacted and they confirmed the vin qualified for a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:brake lights).the failure and current mileages were 110,000. rds | |||
| SEATS | |||
| 03/01/2011 | |||
| Drivers seat has seat warmers and the seat overheats when turned on. it has burned a small hole in my seat and probably would cause a fire if left turned on | |||
| TIRES | |||
| 05/01/2012 | 1 | ||
| 2003 bmw 330xi. consumer writes in regards to spontaneous catastrophic tire failure *tgw the consumer stated the tire failure occurred on his daughter's vehicle in may of this year. the entire sidewall of the tire failed,creating a void around the outside circumference of the tire, about mid-way between the bead and tread lines. the consumer stated it appeared the sidewall piles simply gave way and without that internal structural integrity, the tire suddenly lost air. the consumer took the vehicle to a local discount tire store for an inspection. the technician did not observe any road trauma or external reason for the sudden failure. the tires were virtually new. the technician concluded, the failure was due to a manufacturing defect on dunplop's part. dunlop refused to investigate the failure, because the consumer was not the original purchaser and the tires had been purchased by the original owner more than six years ago. | |||
| 09/25/2005 | 4 | 06/30/2003 | |
| On 3 separate occasions in past 2 years i have experienced tire blow outs on a total of 4 tires on my 2003 bmw 330xi. all were caused by driving on highways at highway speeds and striking either a pothole or a raised manhole cover. most recent occurrence also cracked the alloy wheel which had to be replaced. bmw says this is to be expected and the wheels are not designed for hitting potholes. since when are cars only designed for operating under perfect conditions? total repair expense has been nearly $2000. this results from what i believe is a design flaw whereby very low aspect ratio tires are standard on car and do not offer sufficient impact resistance leading to explosive failure of tire and wheel assemblies. this is a significant safety flaw and should result in a recall and consumer reimbursement. owners cannot voluntarily simply fit different safer tires offering more protection as the cars transmission, traction control, and abs would be adversely affected, per bmw. *jb | |||
| 06/01/2004 | 17915 | 1 | |
| Complaint regarding defective goodyear tires. *mr there was a bubble on the front left tire. *sc the consumer believed the tire was defective and should not have to pay to have it replaced. *jb | |||
| TIRES - SIDEWALL | |||
| 05/01/2012 | 1 | ||
| 2003 bmw 330xi. consumer writes in regards to spontaneous catastrophic tire failure *tgw the consumer stated the tire failure occurred on his daughter's vehicle in may of this year. the entire sidewall of the tire failed,creating a void around the outside circumference of the tire, about mid-way between the bead and tread lines. the consumer stated it appeared the sidewall piles simply gave way and without that internal structural integrity, the tire suddenly lost air. the consumer took the vehicle to a local discount tire store for an inspection. the technician did not observe any road trauma or external reason for the sudden failure. the tires were virtually new. the technician concluded, the failure was due to a manufacturing defect on dunplop's part. dunlop refused to investigate the failure, because the consumer was not the original purchaser and the tires had been purchased by the original owner more than six years ago. | |||
Car dealers selling
| State | City | Zip | Name | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA | SANTA ROSA | 95407 | PRESTIGE IMPORTS | 707-545-6602 |
| NJ | BLOOMFIELD | ESSEX BMW | 973-748-8200 | |
| NY | NEW YORK | 10019 | BMW OF MANHATTAN, INC. | 212 586 2BMW |