2002 BMW 3 Series
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 442 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 21 3 Series model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 18 involved a crash and 31 involved a fire. 22 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints
442 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Jul 19, 2018
2002 325 I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAG SAFETY RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THEY WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF RECALL. *LD *JS *JS
Steering, May 22, 2018
THE STEERING WHEEL RESISTS TURNING BACK TO THE LEFT AFTER A RIGHT TURN. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE. IT IS MY DAILY DRIVER AND EVERY WEEK THE RESISTANCE IS HARDER TO OVERCOME. IT IS GETTING VERY CONCERNING ABOUT THE SAFETY ASPECTS OF THIS PROBLEM.
Air bags, Jan 26, 2018
2002 BMW 3 SERIES. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND REQUESTED INFORMATION ABOUT ANY ADDTIONAL RECALLS. *JS
Electrical system, Dec 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE BLOWER MOTOR EXPERIENCED A FAILURE FOR THE THIRD TIME AFTER BEING REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PETER PAN BMW (1625 ADRIAN RD, BURLINGAME, CA 94010 650) 204-7600) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE BLOWER MOTOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.
Suspension, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2017
MICHELIN PILOT SPORT A/S PLUS TIRES 275/30/19 ON BMW M3 HAD BLOW OUT ON FREEWAY AT NORMAL SPEEDS OF 65 MPH. COULD HEAR RUBBER WHIPPING THE ROAD JUST PRIOR TO THE ABRUPTLY BURSTING. HAD TIRES INSPECTED AND TECHNICIAN FOUND EXCESSIVE CRACKING NEAR THE TREAD AND CENTER WEAR-BAR HAD PITTING IN THE RUBBER (15,622 MILES). CAR IS SELDOM DRIVEN AND ALWAYS GARAGED (CLIMATE CONTROLLED). TIRE STORE HAD SEEN IDENTICAL ISSUES IN THE PAST WITH SAME TIRE. DID NOT WANT TO REPLACE WITH SAME TIRES THAT POTENTIALLY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. LOST WARRANTY CREDITS TO PURCHASE ANOTHER BRAND FOR FAMILY SAFETY. THESE TIRES ARE NOT SAFE AND NEED TO BE REVIEWED FOR MATERIAL AND ENGINEERING DESIGN. PARTICULAR VEHICLE DOES NOT HOLD A SPARE. ENDANGERMENT FROM POTENTIAL INJURY AND BEING STRANDED IN AN ISOLATED AREA.
Air bags, Nov 20, 2017
"TAKATA RECALL" I AM TOLD THAT PART IS OUT OF STOCK AND DO NOT KNOW WHEN OR IF IT WILL BE IN STOCK.
Air bags, Nov 18, 2017
RECALL
Air bags, Nov 13, 2017
TAKATA INFLATORS. I DELIVERED THE RECALL NOTICE TO COAST BMW, THE ORIGINAL SELLING DEALER OVER A YEAR AGO. I WAS TOLD I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL WHEN THEY WOULD RECEIVE PARTS FOR MY RECALL EXCHANGE. I NEVER WAS CONTACTED. DATE STATED BELOW IS AN APPROXIMATION.
Air bags, Oct 31, 2017
TAKATA RECALL--RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT MY AIRBAGS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RECALL AS OF A 2014 AND 2015 NOTICE FOR PASSENGER AND DRIVER AIRBAGS. RECEIVED NOTIFICATION ON 10/31/2017 OF THE RECALL.
Air bags, Oct 28, 2017
I'VE GOTTEN NOTICE'S IN THE PAST ABOUT MY AIR BAGS, AND EACH TIME I HAVE TRIED TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO GET THIS MATTER TAKEN CARE OF I'VE NEVER GOTTEN AN RESPONSE.HOW CAN I GET THIS MATTER TAKEN CARE OF WHEN I CAN'T GET CONFIRMATION OF SERVICE AVAILABLE OR LOANER VEHICLE IF IT IS GOING TO TAKE MORE THAN AN FEW HOUR'S. MY SRS LIGHT STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES
Electrical system, Oct 2, 2017, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED, BUT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THAT A FAULT IN THE WIRING HARNESS MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 15, 2017
IGNITION SELANIOD ISN'T WORKING. WHEN I TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR, THE IGNITION THINKS THE CAR HAS STARTED, BUT THE ENGINE DOESN'T TURN OVER. IT TAKES MULTIPLE TRIES TO GET THE CAR TO START.
Air bags, Sep 12, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V172000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BMW SEATTLE, 1002 AIRPORT WAY S, SEATTLE, WA 98134 (206) 829-5004) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Aug 29, 2017
TAKATA RECALL. BMW OF FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA REPLACED ONLY ONE OF TWO BAGS RECALLED, EVEN THOUGH THE APPOINTMENT AND WORK ORDER SAID TO REPLACE BOTH AIR BAGS. THEY THEN SAID THE JOB HAS BEEN COMPLETED. HOWEVER, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. WERE IT NOT FOR MY SUBSEQUENT CAREFUL REVIEW OF THE INVOICE AND FOLLOW UP QUESTIONING WITH THE DEALER, I NEVER WOULD HAVE KNOWN I STILL HAD A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG. I SENT DETAILED EMAIL QUESTIONS TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HAVE NOT HAD A RESPONSE.
Air bags, Aug 18, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Aug 9, 2017
"TAKATA RECALL" BMW DOES NOT APPEAR TO TAKE THIS RECALL SERIOUS. I CALLED # ON HUGH GLOSSY POSTCARD, SPENT OVER 10 MIN --- NO HUMAN. CALLED NATIONAL # THEY SAID THEY COULD FORWARD ME TO LOCAL # (BACK WHERE I STARTED.) GOT RETURN CALL TOLD HER I NEEDED 4 PM APPOINT. OH NOW THEY ONLY HA APPOINTS TIL 1:30. THIS BMW LOCATION DOES NOT CARE ABOUT "URGENT RECALL NOTICE" TALKED TO A GUY (HIGHER UP) . WHEN I INSISTED I NEEDED 4 PM APPOINT HE HUNG UP!
Air bags, Jul 13, 2017
JUST TOOK MY 2002 BMW IN TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. BMW STERLING, VA WANTED $1611.05 TO REPLACE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT/SID. DID NOT PAY THEM... THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO IMMEDIATELY... THEY ARE RIPPING PEOPLE OFF. THEY REPLACED THE AIRBAGS AND YOU HAVE A LIGHT ON - SO ARE THEY FUNCTIONAL OR NOT... THEY ARE RIPPING PEOPLE OFF... [XXX] [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 23, 2017
WHILE DRIVING OUR CAR THE DASH LIGHTS WILL COME ON AND THE CAR WILL LOOSE ALL POWER. WE HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN CAR OFF WAIT A MINUTE WITH KEY COMPLETELY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND RESTART THE CAR THEN ALL LIGHTS ARE OFF AND CAR IS COMPLETELY DRIVABLE. THIS HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY NO MATTER WHAT SPEED IS BEING DRIVEN. ALSO WITHIN THE SAME MONTH THE LOCKS WILL NOT UNLOCK WHEN CAR IS STOPPED AND SHUT OFF OR BY THE POWER BUTTON INSIDE THE CAR. AS WELL AS OUR 4 WAY INDICATOR WHICH IS ON SAME SWITCH AS THE POWER LOCK BUTTON NO LONGER WORKS.
Air bags, May 19, 2017
TAKATA RECALL. WE ARE UNDER RECALL 17V047. FOR FOUR MONTHS, WE HAVE BEEN CALLING AND DOING ON-LINE CHATS WITH BMW OF MOBILE (MOBILE, ALABAMA). EVERY CALL OR CHAT ENDS WITH THEM ASKING FOR OUR PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS. THEY SAY THEY WILL CONTACT US SHORTLY WITH INFO ON WHEN OR IF THE RECALL CAN BE DONE. THEY HAVE NEVER ONCE CALLED OR EMAILED US BACK. I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT IT MIGHT TAKE A WHILE, BUT THEY COULD AT LEAST LET US KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WHILE WE ARE DRIVING THIS DANGEROUS CAR. IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT THIS, OR DO WE WAIT AND BE IGNORED UNTIL SOMETHING REALLY BAD HAPPENS? AREN'T THEY REQUIRED TO HONOR THIS RECALL?
Air bags, May 16, 2017
AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING, AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP JACKSONVILLE FL MULTIPLE TIMES TO GET THE RECALL FIXED SINCE THE RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. THEY ALWAY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE THE PART AND CANNOT DO IT. THEY WILL TRY TO ORDER IT AND IF IT COMES IN THEY WILL CONTACT ME. I NEVER HEAR BACK FROM THEM.
Electrical system, May 15, 2017
I OPENED THE PASSENGER DOOR IN THE MORNING AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED OVERNIGHT. I HAD A HOCKEY BAG WITH APPROXIMATELY 25 LBS OF EQUIPMENT SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SEAT WHICH I REMOVED FROM THE CAR AND CLOSED THE DOOR. I FORGOT SOMETHING AND WENT BACK TO THE CAR, ABOUT 40 SECONDS LATER, AND SAW A CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE AT THE CEILING AND I OPENED THE DOOR. THE CAR HAD A STRONG SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC/ELECTRONICS. WHATEVER WAS BURNING STOPPED AND THERE WAS NO VISIBLE FLAME. I CHECKED ALL THE ELECTRICAL SWITCHES AND ALL THE EQUIPMENT SEEMED TO WORK FINE AND NO FUSES WERE BLOWN. THE BURNING SEEMED TO COME FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT HEATER AS THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF THE SEAT COVER HAVING SMOOTH MARKS ON THE SURFACE (INSTEAD OF THE NORMAL PEBBLE SURFACE) WHERE IT MIGHT HAVE MELTED. I'M NOT SURE IF THE SEATS ARE REAL LEATHER OR SIMULATED.
Other or unspecified, May 11, 2017, fire
CAR WAS PARKED IN PRIVATE DRIVEWAY, 200 FEET FROM STREET, AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN OR STARTED FOR 4 DAYS. AWOKE TO CAR COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE TRUCK NEEDED TO PUT OUT FIRE, AND TO PROTECT NEARBY HOUSE. FIRE INSPECTOR COULD NOT DETERMINE CAUSE OF FIRE, DUE TO EXTEND OF DAMAGE, THOUGH NO EVIDENCE OF VANDALISM. NO COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE, SO CAR A COMPLETE WRITE OFF. SALVAGE YARD SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN A CAR SO COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY FIRE. BMW CONTACTED, AND COMPLETELY UNINTERESTED AND UNHELPFUL. HEARD ABOUT NHTSA COMPLAINT REPORTING IN ARTICLE ABOUT UNEXPLAINED BMW FIRES.
Electrical system, Apr 30, 2017
CAN NOT UNLOCK CAR IN ANY WAY. THE RELAYS IN THE GM5 MODULE WHICH GIVE POWER TO THE ACTUATORS BECOME WEAK AND CAN NOT OPEN CAR. CAR CAN NOT BE OPENED WITH CAR KEY AS KEY HOLE IS ALSO ELECTRONIC. IN THE END I CANT GET INSIDE THE CAR.
Suspension, Apr 10, 2017
THE REAR COIL SPRINGS HAVE BROKEN THREE (3) TIMES. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2001. THE SPRINGS FAILED AT 52000 MILES IN 2008, AT 77000 MILES IN 2013 AND AT 89000 MILES IN 2017. THE BOTTOM COILS FRACTURED AND RUSTING IN THE AREA WAS EVIDENT. I HAVE BOTH BROKEN SPRINGS FROM THE LATEST INCIDENT. BMW REFUSES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COST TO REPAIR. BMW COST IS $1100. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
Air bags, Mar 23, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V172000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.