2002 Bmw 320i problems

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The BMW 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 Series and has been produced in seven generations.

The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback ("Gran Turismo") and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series, styles no longer included in the 3 Series.

The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the BMW brand's annual total car sales, and has won numerous awards throughout its history.

The M version of the 3 series, M3, debuted with the E30 M3 in 1986.

2002 Bmw 320i

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Common 2002 Bmw 320i problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the BMW 320i 2002, several common problems have been highlighted:

  • Oil Consumption: High oil consumption has been a concern, with the PCV valve and vacuum pump identified as common culprits. Rechecking these components is recommended as they can lead to oil leaks and excessive oil usage.
  • Handling and Tire Concerns: Some owners have experienced handling differences when switching from run-flat tires to conventional tires. The BMW suspension is optimized for run-flats, and changing to conventional tires may impact the handling and ride comfort to some extent.
  • Power Loss and Acceleration Issues: Instances of power loss and acceleration problems have been reported, where the car loses power during driving, especially when pushing it hard. This issue could be related to various factors like fuel delivery, engine components, or even transmission problems.
  • White Smoke on Startup: White smoke during startup can indicate burning coolant, potentially due to a leaking head gasket. Monitoring the coolant level and observing if the smoke persists can help differentiate between normal condensation or a more serious issue like a head gasket leak.
  • Accelerator Malfunction: In cases where the car starts but does not accelerate when the accelerator is pressed, it could be due to the accelerator wire coming off by the throttle body. Reattaching the wire to the throttle body can resolve this issue.
  • Transmission Problems: Some owners have reported issues with gear changes, such as the gearbox not shifting properly. This could be related to transmission fluid levels, gear bushings, or other internal components that may require inspection and potential replacement.

These common problems with the BMW 320i 2002 highlight a range of issues that owners have faced, from engine performance issues to handling concerns and transmission problems. Addressing these issues promptly and with the help of qualified mechanics can ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.

2002 Bmw 320i engine

Is the BMW 3 Series 320i reliable?

Reliability Survey, the BMW 3 Series ranked 18th out of 24 cars in our most reliable executive car class with a score of 87.5%. This was above the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Skoda Superb, but below the Audi A4, the Jaguar XE and the Mercedes C-Class.

How long does a BMW 320i engine last?

200,000 to 250,000 miles

You can expect your 3 Series to last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles when properly maintained. Is the BMW 3 Series reliable? Due to its meticulous craftsmanship and precision engineering, the 3 Series is a durable, long-lasting, and dependable car.

What is the most common problem with BMW E46?

Cooling System Leaks

The plastic components in the cooling system on E46 BMWs are prone to becoming brittle and cracking, allowing coolant to make its way out of the cooling system. The resulting loss of coolant can lead to the engine overheating, which can cause catastrophic engine failure.

What is the most common problems on a BMW 3 Series?

One of the most common issues across the whole 3 Series range, overheating tends to be a sign of a faulty water pump. These are resilient parts for BMW, but they eventually reach their end of life and need to be replaced.

Is the BMW 3 Series 320i reliable?

Reliability Survey, the BMW 3 Series ranked 18th out of 24 cars in our most reliable executive car class with a score of 87.5%. This was above the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Skoda Superb, but below the Audi A4, the Jaguar XE and the Mercedes C-Class.

What are the disadvantages of the BMW 320i?

Most BMW 320i owners interviewed by The Standard said the vehicle's downside was “too much sensitivity”. “It has a lot of sensors, and when one fails, it could grind the car to a halt,” said Oduor.

What is the most common problem with E46?

Cooling System Leaks

The plastic components in the cooling system on E46 BMWs are prone to becoming brittle and cracking, allowing coolant to make its way out of the cooling system. The resulting loss of coolant can lead to the engine overheating, which can cause catastrophic engine failure.

How long does a BMW 320i engine last?

200,000 to 250,000 miles

You can expect your 3 Series to last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles when properly maintained. Is the BMW 3 Series reliable? Due to its meticulous craftsmanship and precision engineering, the 3 Series is a durable, long-lasting, and dependable car.

2002 Bmw 320i complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Bmw 320i.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2002 Bmw 320i recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2002 Bmw 320i.

2020-01-15
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
  • Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2002 Bmw 320i problems:

*** Calling All Members With Problems With The 320i *** - Page 45 ...
*** Calling All Members With Problems With The 320i *** - Page 45 ...
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136258&page=45

There are however several issues I had to deal with: 1. Vacuum pump had to be replaced. 2. Oil plan sealing changed after sudden oil leak. ... (2nd gear) and ...

Are BMW 320i E46 reliable car for daily use? - Quora
Are BMW 320i E46 reliable car for daily use? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/Are-BMW-320i-E46-reliable-car-for-daily-use

Dec 15, 2018 ... It has been VERY reliable. But, and I can not emphasize this enough, it has had very regular and in depth servicing it's entire life. When a ...

2016 320i N20 common problems? : r/BMW
2016 320i N20 common problems? : r/BMW
https://www.reddit.com/r/BMW/comments/16jp5kt/2016_320i_n20_common_problems/

Sep 15, 2023 ... 2016 320i N20 common problems? We're US ... BMW 320i with 111k miles. It's RWD. Already ... 2002 civic si motor? r/CivicSi - 2002 civic ...

What are known common issue of 2002? | BMW 2002 and other '02
What are known common issue of 2002? | BMW 2002 and other '02
https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/226625-what-are-known-common-issue-of-2002/

Aug 17, 2018 ... Erratic gauges can often be traced to a bad ground, either on the instrument cluster itself, or engine to frame. 6. Too tight belts destroy ...

2002 BMW 3 Series Reliability - Consumer Reports
2002 BMW 3 Series Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/3-series/2002/reliability/

What Owners Say ... "A warning light would come on intermittantly and the engine would briefly lose power. It was diagnosed as a faulty wheel speedsensor. In ...

Other years of Bmw 320i

bmw 320i 2004 photo
320i 2004
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bmw 320i 2012 photo
320i 2012
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bmw 320i 2013 photo
320i 2013
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bmw 320i 2014 photo
320i 2014
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bmw 320i 2015 photo
320i 2015
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bmw 320i 2016 photo
320i 2016
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2002 Bmw 320i photo