2020 BMW 330I engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

20 owners have reported engine problems with the 2020 BMW 330I, 38% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 80,000 mi.

Engine complaints
20
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
80,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine19
Engine and engine cooling1

Engine complaints across BMW 330I years

920062320171420181020192020209202112025
Engine complaints by model year. The 2020 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k160k–100k100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 19V732000Oct 15, 2019217 vehicles
    ENGINE

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 330i, 330i xDrive, and 2019 Z4 vehicles. The needle roller bearings of the counterbalance shafts may have been improperly installed, potentially causing the counterbalance shaft to loosen.

    Risk: If the counterbalance shaft loosens, severe engine damage could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 21, 2026ILEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The left hydraulic engine motor mount (P/N 22117581621) completely collapsed and failed at 6 years and only 24,811 miles. The right mount was also replaced at the same time (P/N 22117581622). The failure allows unsafe, excessive engine movement and shifting under rotational torque loads. This shifting creates an immediate safety hazard, risking the sudden compromise of surrounding mechanical systems, cooling lines, and electrical harnesses while the vehicle is in motion. BMW…
    NHTSA complaint #11758531 · source
  2. Filed Apr 13, 2026TNEngine
    Good afternoon. I have called and spoken to my local BMW dealership at Grayson BMW service department many times. As of today they report no remedy and have no idea when a resolution will be available. Filing this complaint (second formal written complaint) due to lack of this not being in any sort of "timely manner." This recall is noted as an URGENT FIRE RISK WHEN PARKED for almost seven months now. I have parked the car outside and through the winter and now getting into…
    NHTSA complaint #11730785 · source
  3. Filed Apr 6, 2026INFireEngine
    My car was parked at home and hadnt been driven in hours. My neighbor contacted me, saying that my car was on fire. I went outside, and it was on fire, and the fire department was called. After BMW conducted an investigation, they deemed the car fire to be related to the active recall. The manufacturer (BMW) is violating the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S Code Section 30120) by refusing a "remedy without charge" for recall 24V-536. A manufacturer is…
    NHTSA complaint #11729470 · source
  4. Filed Mar 5, 2026VAEngine
    The Active Grille Shutter (AGS) system on my vehicle suffered an internal mechanical failure (fault codes 138206 and 138224). These shutters are a critical part of the engine cooling system. Failure of the AGS to operate correctly leads to immediate engine overheating risks, potential sudden loss of power (Limp Mode) in high-speed traffic, and thermal damage to engine components, posing a severe safety hazard. The manufacturer, BMW of North America, has officially…
    NHTSA complaint #11722294 · source
  5. Filed Feb 4, 2026TXEngineSteering
    I am not sure this the the right form for filing my complaint. I was issued a recall letter in November about my car catching on fire. I have seen videos of other BMWs catching on fire. I am not sure if legally I can take it to a mechanic? What if something happens while it is at the mechanic? Legally do I have to take it to the dealership? What if it catches on fire and my neighbors property gets damaged? I have called and email BMW but no response. I need to take my BMW in…
    NHTSA complaint #11715622 · source
  6. Filed Jan 29, 2026CTEngine
    I own a 2020 BMW 330i xDrive with an open safety recall involving a fire risk related to the engine starter. The recall has been open for approximately five months, and BMW has not provided a remedy or repair timeline. I have been informed that parts are unavailable, and no interim fix has been offered. This defect presents a serious fire hazard, and I do not feel safe operating the vehicle. I am currently pregnant, which increases my concern for personal safety and the…
    NHTSA complaint #11714134 · source
  7. Filed Jan 23, 2026TNElectrical SystemEngine
    Urgent fire risk when parked recall as of September 23, 2025 and received this safeyy recall letter in November 2025 along with 'remedy is unavailable.' Called local BMW dealership today and no remedy and no clue as to when will be available. Urgent fire risk safety recall that is 4 months without a remedy?! Is this acceptable? And no communication or updates available is very frustrating for a vehicle that is used daily for family, children, and work purposes. Please advise.
    NHTSA complaint #11712900 · source
  8. Filed Jan 2, 2026WAElectrical SystemEngine
    The vehicle is subject to an urgent safety recall (NHTSA Recall 25V636 – engine starter fire risk when parked). BMW has confirmed that there is no available remedy and no estimated timeline for repair. Due to the open recall and fire risk warning, the vehicle has been restricted from commercial use and removed from a car-sharing platform, resulting in loss of use. BMW has stated that there is no approved interim repair, workaround, or guaranteed loaner or rental assistance.…
    NHTSA complaint #11708462 · source
  9. Filed Jan 2, 2026WAElectrical SystemEngine
    The vehicle is subject to an urgent safety recall (NHTSA Recall 25V636 – engine starter fire risk when parked). BMW has confirmed that there is no available remedy and no estimated timeline for repair. Due to the open recall and fire risk warning, the vehicle has been restricted from commercial use and removed from a car-sharing platform, resulting in loss of use. BMW has stated that there is no approved interim repair, workaround, or guaranteed loaner or rental assistance.…
    NHTSA complaint #11708461 · source
  10. Filed Dec 22, 2025OHElectrical SystemEngine
    Re: 25V-636 We received a recall notice for the above notice over a month ago. No further communication has been sent from BMW in the status of new part availability and they refuse to assist with accommodations because of the scale of the recall. The letter clearly states that there is a fire risk and to not park near structures. This leaves almost everybody who owns affected cars with no option but to put themselves or someone else at risk of this car catching on fire -…
    NHTSA complaint #11706475 · source
  11. Filed Dec 15, 2025KSDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine
    I own [XXX] BMW vehicle affected by a safety recall for a defective engine starter relay that may corrode, overheat, and cause a fire. The recall notice dated November 2025 states the vehicle is not safe to drive, with no remedy available, rendering it unusable and hazardous. Recall N0.25V-636. Under Kansas Lemon Law (K.S.A. 50-645 et seq.), I am entitled to a refund or replacement for this substantial defect impairing use, value, and safety, which BMW cannot repair. I…
    NHTSA complaint #11705225 · source
  12. Filed Jul 7, 2025GAEngine
    The Oil filter housing on my BMW 330i failed randomly while driving causing my vehicle to be depleted off coolant within seconds. If you want to inspect the part you will have to reach out to bmw of Columbus for documentation and I can provide the service records for repair. This caused my vehicle to have to be brought to an immediate halt to not cause overheating or engine destroying failure at a time where service/repair isn’t available. There were no warning lights or…
    NHTSA complaint #11671613 · source

Other 2020 BMW 330I problem areas

  • Electrical System (20)
  • Other / Unknown (7)
  • Airbags (5)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (5)
  • Visibility & Wipers (4)
  • Body & Structure (2)
  • Steering (1)
  • Suspension (1)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (1)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)
  • Lighting (1)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (1)

Back to all 2020 BMW 330I problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology