Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 BMW 330i owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 BMW 330i. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the reverse gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
On Monday May 3rd, 2010, I started my 2001 BMW 330i and selected the reverse gear on the automatic transmission, the car did not move in the reverse gear, it drives forward with no problems. I have read some of the complaints and postings on the web. Is there a class action suit filed against BMW as it seems the transmission was not designed properly and substandard specifications were used in the design and construction of the components of the transmission, a manufacture defect. I have been able to schedule an appointment for the car to be inspected and repaired on Monday May 17th , 2010 I am sure the cost and extent will be evident at that time. As I have been informed the most common problem with the reverse is failure of the d clutch drum , because the snap ring comes off of the drum , after that what happens is different on each transmission. …
The metal strap that supports the passenger side of the fuel tank just broke off. I was driving down the street and heard a pop sound and then metal grinding and jumping around (like a needle on a scratched record/ a cd) the bracket to which the forward end of this strap mounted to the underbody broke free leaving a gash like tear on the underbody. I am having the car serviced for repairs, but when I called the dealership the parts department didn't have any fixable solution for the mishap. They told me that the only thing that I could do was take it to a body shop to have a fabricated piece made. I've researched this incident and found that there have been several other BMW owners who have experienced the same incident. I am also experiencing the loss of reverse. The drive gear seems to be fine; however, the reverse is not operating. …
I own an automatic 2001 BMW 330i. I have had no prior problems with this vehicle and on March 28, 2010, I pulled into a parking space and when I put the car in reverse (2 minutes later - without stopping the engine) the car did not move backwards. I proceeded to turn off the car, wait and put it back into reverse and pressed on the gas. The vehicle rev's up but does not move as if it were in neutral. After some research online it seems the 2001 330i power train is a common failure with no prior warnings even with all maintenance done to the vehicle.
No warning light. Put in reverse and I heard a pop noise. I thought my stuff was moving in trunk. Put in gear and drove. When I came to full stop and try to reverse. It doesn't work. More like reverse was in neutral. All other gear is fine except reverse. I have a BMW 330i sedan, 2001 3l. I take good care of my car. I been driving on and off with this car for 4 years since gas is expensive. Now it completely died. They should have a recall on faulty transmission. I heard septonic transmission are made by GM.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 BMW 330i. The contact stated that all attempts to shift into reverse failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was confirmed that the d-g clutch drum needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure but did not provide any assistance due to the vehicle not being included in any recalls. The approximate failure and current mileage was 70,000.... Updated 03/08/13 updated 03/27/2013 updated 04/18/13
2001 330i BMW ,81000 miles no warning lost reverse, while on a downward slope trying to back into a parking space,almost hit the car parked in front of me, had to have 3 valet guys push me into the parking space. Then the next day my husband took it out at first it went into reverse so he drove it parked tried to back up the car no reverse, someone pushed the car back for him it hit another car and damaged the headlight and dented it.
I just bought my 2001 330i BMW two months ago with 103,000 miles on it. The check engine light came on and the dealer says I need a new torque converter. They want $2000 to put a new one in. I then looked around here and saw that this is a common problem. Also I had to change two of the window regulators. - another common problem with BMW. Is BMW doing anything about this? Why does BMW make the public pay for the problems they made?
2001 BMW 330i, 88,500 miles. Reverse failed completely without warning. The car has the zf5hp19 transmission which seems to have the common problem of the d-g clutch drum failing. The car was well maintained with no symptoms leading up to the failure. My mechanic replaced the reverse drum at a cost of $2116.34. I have a copy of the service order and have in my possession the failed part.
I have a BMW 2001 3330i. The car has 120,000 miles on it. I have had the car for one year, purchased used with 106,000 miles. I was backing out of my driveway when suddenly and without warning, the reverse gear disengaged. The reverse gear has not worked since, approximately two weeks. The other gears work fine. The car has an automatic transmission.
Transmission complaints in other 330i years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 BMW 330i?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 BMW 330i, 20% of the model year's 116 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 BMW 330i transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 BMW 330i, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 BMW 330i transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.