Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 BMW 330i owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330I. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the check engine warning light and "Stop Immediately" message was displayed. The contact pulled off the highway and noticed white smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact safely placed the vehicle in park(P), turned the vehicle off, exited the vehicle, and lifted the hood. The contact stated that a large amount of white smoke was coming from the engine. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the expansion tank hose had ruptured. The expansion tank hose was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received a technical service repair notice from the manufacturer after the failure had occurred which had detailed information about the failure of the expansion tank hose and to set an appointment with a dealer as soon as possible. …
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed coolant leaking from under the vehicle. The message to add coolant was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the engine was inspected, and the contact became aware of stains of coolant coming from the head gasket. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated there was a software update performed on the rearview camera. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V755000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 73,000.
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown rubber hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the coolant light was illuminated. The contact stated that the oil housing base was replaced; however, a week later, the vehicle started to overheat. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed, and the cylinder and head gaskets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
The plastic oil filter housing assembly developed a crack as we all should know heat and plastic do not do well with each other. Cause my coolant at first to slowly leaked and never gave me a warning of low coolant. Driving 60+ mph then all of a sudden cars goes into limp mode so the person behind me lucky swerved to the left to avoid hitting me. So filled up coolant and same thing happens again about a week later. No visible leaks no dashboard warning of low coolant levels. So I fill up and go. Mind you my engine is already overheating when it tells me on dashboard while going into limp mode at the same time so continuously overheating engine seems to cause more problems water pumps starts leaking and pipes start developing holes. Safety comes into play while driving down a highway when car goes into limp mode causing the driving that's not paying attention ram into you. …
Coolant Leak from oil filter housing caused a major repair. The Car has about 109,000 miles. Parked it after work on a Thursday went to drive it to a family dinner Friday, i turned the car on and immediately get a low coolant light. I drove 2 miles down the road, Suddenly the coolant started pouring out and the coolant light comes on again, i return home and have to take my girlfriends car. On the invoice it states, "entire oil filter housing part was replaced", the plastic used to seal in the coolant had either been destroyed or broken off, not a gasket but a piece from the oil filter housing part. The dealer charged $4500 for the repairs, which they said were "optional" but the engine couldn't hold coolant. …
In November of 2023 I was driving my vehicle on the highway when my vehicle's control panel notified me the engine was over heating and I needed to stop driving the vehicle immediately. All the engine coolant had leaked from my vehicle. I had to pull over on the highway and have my vehicle towed. My mechanic identified the problem as the coolant vent line and made the repair. Total cost was $2,052.16 including the tow. A few months later a message from BMW came up on my vehicle's computer display saying there was an "Important recall or campaign", a service action for the exact repair I paid $2,052.16. They now refuse to reimburse me because it is not labeled a "recall". This issue is widespread and needs to be labeled a recall for consumers. A known defect since 2022 that I was never notified prior to the incident and now they refuse to reimburse me for a know defect in their product. …
My BMW has had multiple repairs (3 incidents - 2 times repaired by BMW and 1 time repaired by a national mechanic garage) to the coolant system since I purchased it in 2018. BMW have verified the leaking coolant as well as the independent garage. Currently, the coolant system has another on going issue where it is still leaking and it's still unable to be fixed. This coolant issue has had catastrophic failures at times and more recently it has thrown a major engine overheating warning that has impacted the safety of my wife, kids and I as well as other individuals on the road as I have had to pull over quickly and turn the car off to allow the engine to cool down. I've had to drive the car at a reduce speed and acceleration which has frustrated many drivers causing them to over take me dangerously. …
BMW B48 engine. Coolant started leaking and the engine overheated. Unbeknownst to me caus the bottom of the car is covered. I had a mechanic look at it. Found the leak coming from the "oil filter housing unit". When he removed it it was broken at one of the 6 ports inside with the pieces missing presumably fell into the interior of the engine. BMW manufactured these units out of a composite material and not aluminum I assume to save costs and weight. This composite material has failed in many of their engines including the mini cooper. When I looked on line googling it I was shocked at how wide spread it was. It's a costly repair about 2000-2500 for parts and labor. This composite material is also used in their failing water pumps all the failing coolant hose connectors and more I believe.
The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle was consuming and excessive amount of coolant. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir was empty after being refilled the previous morning. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V755000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included, and the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Coolant Leak caused a major repair. The Car has about 90,000 miles. Suddenly the coolant started pouring out. As you see in the attached invoice, entire heat exchanger, water pump, and other several parts were to be replaced. The dealer first estimated the repairs at $5,400 and they agreed to do it at warranty price rates. However, we believe other BMW models have had similar recalls for Coolant leak and suspect same on this model too. Please investigate and help consumers who are ending up paying exorbitant amounts to service shops. BMW may be hiding this problem from NTSB to avoid recalls by agreeing to repair at vehicle warranty rates.
Engine complaints in other 330i years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2017 BMW 330i?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2017 BMW 330i, 55% of the model year's 42 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 BMW 330i engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2017 BMW 330i. 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 2017 BMW 330i engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 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.