The Lemon Index2002 BMW 3 Series.
The 2002 BMW 3 Series is better than average by owner complaints: 78 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 66, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 19 to 21 mpg combined. The best BMW 3 Series year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 466 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every BMW 3 Series year. 2002 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 52K to 118K miles on the car (281 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 61K–141K miles
- lights complaints mostly came at 57K–126K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 55K–121K miles
Recalls 8
- airbags 2020
These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temp.
- airbags 2018
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injur…
- airbags 2015
The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusio.
Show all 8 recalls
- airbags 2013
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupa…
- lights 2011
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005.
- brakes 2007
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUI…
- service brakes, air 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A PROBLEM IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS MAY HAVE RESULTED IN THE CREATION OF A CRACK WHERE THE BRAKE DISC AND THE PARKING BRAKE DRUM MEET.
- suspension 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE STRUT MOUNT MANUFACTURING PROCESS, THE THRUST BEARING WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONS AND SECURED.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 17 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Fuel level sensor repairs
- Special Technical Campaign
- From the head air bag (ITS) gas
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedRear lamp illumination2009
- ClosedRear lamp illumination2009–2011
- ClosedRear lamp illumination2009
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3800–4200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving at approx. 55 mph, tire exploded. Nothing left but the rim. No obvious road hazard. Tire and car were less than a month old.
2002 BMW 3 Series owner · NHTSA complaint 762489
More owner reports
Vehicle had 2 goodyear tires, where the sidewall had blown out while driving at a moderate speed. Old tires were thrown out, therefore the d.o.t. # for the tires were unavailable. Provide further details.
NHTSA complaint 10050114
While driving at 60 mph, the rear left tire blew out without warning, road hazard cause.
NHTSA complaint 10032247
Quick answers
Is the 2002 BMW 3 Series reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 66; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW 3 Series year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2002 BMW 3 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (22%), tires (14%) and airbags (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 3 Series have?
8 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 BMW 3 Series get?
19 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2002 BMW 3 Series problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 52,100 and 118,100 miles. The middle report was at 80,000 miles, from 281 complaints.
Does the 2002 BMW 3 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2002 BMW 3 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $3800 to $4200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 BMW 3 Series have?
2.5L 6-cyl.
What BMW 3 Series year is better than the 2002?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2019 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works