2020 BMW 330I Complaints

Engine coolant leaking and took it to BMW dealer. Was advised that the issue was a oil filter housing gasket, heating control module and hose. Was advised by the Dealer that it was a common issue and happens all the time

The vehicle has persistent issues with its software and safety systems, creating significant safety risks. The Remote Software Upgrade feature fails to install, despite indicating it is “ready to install” with preparations complete. This prevents critical updates that could address safety and performance defects. BMW Customer Support was unable to resolve the issue, and a local dealership confirmed no hardware faults but could not address the software issue due to limitations as a non-BMW-certified service center. Several critical safety features also do not function properly. The Blind Spot Warning system has never issued alerts, leaving the driver unaware of vehicles in adjacent lanes. The Forward Collision Warning system has never activated, even in close proximity to other vehicles. The Lane Departure Warning fails to consistently activate, while Lane Keeping Assistance operates only intermittently, despite being designed to engage above 40 mph. Additionally, the Parking Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Warning systems have never provided alerts, even when obstacles or approaching vehicles are present. These malfunctions severely compromise the vehicle’s ability to prevent accidents and ensure safety. The vehicle also intermittently displays drivetrain failure warnings, stating the car can still be driven but should be serviced. Upon inspection, no issues were identified. Consistent fault codes for the active kidney grille shutters appear, but no check engine light is illuminated. These recurring warnings create uncertainty about the vehicle’s reliability and the accuracy of its diagnostics. The combination of these issues places the driver, passengers, and others at risk. A thorough investigation is needed to identify and resolve the root causes. All systems are available for inspection upon request.

I started my vicheal up and turned the heater on on my 330i 2020i bmw I sat there for about 15 mins and noticed a smoke smell I stepped out my car and realized my car was on fire! No sensors went off saying car had any issues regarding coolant or engine oil or anything so I have zero idea what started my car fire Police and fire rescue was there Fire investigation is making a report an insurance representative will be inspecting From what I see online bmw was been having issues with 3 series randomly catching fire either by faulty water pump? By a short circuit? The vicheal is completely totaled my safety was at risk if I wouldve started driving and didn't notice it would've been way wrose than what happened unsure where insurance will be taking the vicheal to

Error in vehicle computer software causing check engine light to show error in active grill position sensor, could lead to engine not properly cooling. Manufacturer error.

The drivers side front tie rod buckled while backing into a parking space at less than 5mph. This vehicle had pulled out of our home garage and driveway just 5 minutes prior to tie rod buckling. The car was fully operational with no steering issues. NO IMPACT had taken place in the time from garage cam video until vehicle was pulling into a parking space and steering was off for one tire. Vehicle could not steer correctly to be parked so we had it towed to Hafkemeyer Motors. Before the vehicle arrived they told us it sounded like a tie rod was broken, which is likely due to impact. NO IMPACT occurred. Upon inspection of the vehicle, two separate technicians agreed this vehicle has no signs of any impact. This tie rod appears to have buckled for no reason. They reported that 2018-2019 model years of this same vehicle had a tie rod defect which resulted in a recall and replacement. With no evidence of any impact, they recommended replacing the both front drivers and passenger side tie rods because they feared the same thing could happen to the other side. We have video of the vehicle leaving home 5 minutes before the buckle happened and the vehicle was operational with no steering issues at all. Mechanic took photos of the undercarriage of the vehicle to show buckled tie rod and lack of any evidence of impact to the vehicle. They also noted in their reporting system what was observed and replaced. We believe this recall may need to be expanded to include additional model years or vehicles with this same tie rod defect. This car has less than 50K miles and no crashes or impact. This tie rod should not have buckled like this. Show below are photos of both front tie rods as well as mechanic notes and receipt for work done. I cannot upload the video of the operational vehicle, but it can be viewed in my DropBox folder here: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2020 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered with an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the bearing and motor mount needed to be replaced. Upon further investigation, the contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V732000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Over time, the wiring harness going to the knee air bag(s) can rub against the metal support tubes for the instrument panel, chafing and damaging the wiring. SIB 65 20 22

It's been about 3 weeks since the most BMW recent software update, (11/2023.50) has downloaded to my vehicle via the BMW connected drive services. This is the second time that over the air, BMW connected drive upgrades have failed to install on my vehicle. As before, the upgrade has downloaded to the automobile but will not activate as has happened successfully in the past. The above upgrade is supposed to solve a safety/visability problem, a stated legal requirement, pertaining to the position of the heads up display. I have consulted with BMW customer relations and Technical advisors. I received and followed several sets of recommended self-install procedures without success. I was the advised to contact my BMW Service Center in Seattle who would be able to install the update. However, they, in turn, advised me the problem was related to a weak battery. My local mechanic subsequently test the batter and indicated no discernible problem and no current need for its replacement. I’ve seen a variety of internet comments indicating other owners with similar unresolved problems with the BMW system. There appears to be no hardware or direct software install alternative. There is nothing like a recall in place to solve this problem. Given this latest update is required in part to meet safety requirements related to the vehicle heads up display, I am hoping your assistance will resolve this matter quickly. Thank you in advance -

Passenger safety restraint system warning occurred. meaning passenger air bag is not effective. Upon searching internet for the problem I realized this has been a common issue with BMW's for years. It is a very expensive fix and is a safety hazard. My dealership wants $2700 to fix the pressure sensor in the passenger seat. Until I can get this fixed I am not going to transport any passengers in the front seat, just to be safe.

The contact owns a 2020 BMW 330i. The contact stated that the headlight housings would become foggy whenever it rained. The contact stated that the failure had caused the low beam lights to be diffused and to fail to illuminate the roadway beyond 15-30 feet. The vehicle was taken to the dealer with photos of the foggy headlight housings, but the dealer informed the contact that they could not replicate the failure because the headlight housings were clear the time. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.