2018 BMW 330i Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 16 engine complaints for the 2018 BMW 330i, 50% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median mileage at failure of 38,250 miles. One complaint involved a fire. The related recall (18V465000) covers a crankshaft sensor but applies to the 540d xDrive, not the 330i.
- Engine complaints
- 16
- 50% of 32
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 38,250 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report the oil filter housing cracking, dumping coolant and triggering low-coolant warnings that can lead to overheating.
- Several describe engine coolant hoses and connectors made of plastic cracking in multiple spots at once, causing coolant pump leaks.
- Some report the engine losing power or shutting off while driving, with warning lights illuminated and the vehicle towed for diagnosis.
- One owner reported rod bearing failure with a loud knock, metal shavings found in the oil, and loss of power on the highway.
- One complaint describes smoke filling the cabin and the engine smoking after a coolant line broke, which was logged as a fire.
- Multiple owners say the cooling system issues recur even after replacing the water pump, hose, and expansion tank.
When 2018 BMW 330i engine complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 4, 2018, latest Mar 31, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2018 BMW 330i
- NHTSA 18V465000Jul 11, 2018Engine5,309 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine complaints by 330i model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2018 BMW 330i have?
- NHTSA lists 16 engine complaints for the 2018 330i, which is 50% of the 32 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2018 BMW 330i?
- There is one related engine recall, campaign 18V465000, for a crankshaft sensor firmware issue, but it was issued for the 2018 BMW 540d xDrive, not the 330i.
- At what mileage do 2018 330i engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2018 330i is 38,250 miles.
- Did any 2018 330i engine complaints involve fire or crashes?
- Of the 16 engine complaints, one involved a fire and none involved a crash or reported injuries.
- How does the 2018 330i compare to other years for engine complaints?
- The 2018 330i's engine complaint share is 50%, compared to 56% for 2017, 27% for 2019, 38% for 2020, and 31% for 2021.