2002 Bmw 325xi problems

General information about Bmw-325xi
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

The fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars is designated under the model code E46, which was produced by the German automaker BMW from 1997 to 2006, and was the successor to the E36 3 Series which ceased production in 2000. First introduced in November 1997, the E46 was available in sedan, coupé, convertible, station wagon and hatchback body styles. The latter has been marketed as the 3 Series Compact.

The M3 performance model was introduced in June 2000 with a 2-door coupé body style, followed by the convertible counterpart in April 2001. The M3 is powered by the BMW S54 straight-six engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission.

The E46 line-up was phased out starting from late 2004, following the introduction of the E90 3 Series sedans. However, the E46 coupé and convertible body styles remained in production until August 2006.

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Common 2002 Bmw 325xi problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the BMW 325xi 2002, several common problems have been identified:

Engine Oil Leaks: Engine oil leaks have been a recurring problem with the BMW 3 Series 2002. Common areas for leaks include the oil filter housing gasket, valve cover gasket, and oil pan. These leaks can result in the need for frequent oil top-ups and repairs, with some owners needing to add oil every few hundred miles.

Coolant System Leaks: Another prevalent issue involves coolant system leaks, often stemming from components like the coolant reservoir, thermostat housing, and water pump. Symptoms of coolant leaks may include a sweet smell, low coolant warning lights, and visible leaks under the car. Prompt replacement of faulty components is necessary to prevent overheating and engine damage .
Electrical Problems: Owners have reported various electrical issues, such as malfunctioning high beams, aftermarket installations causing electrical load issues, and issues with the alternator leading to dimming lights and battery drainage. These electrical problems can affect the car's performance, safety, and overall functionality.

Rough Idle and Stalling: Some owners have encountered rough idling at low RPMs, stalling at startup, and hesitation when accelerating. These issues can be indicative of problems with the engine's performance, potentially related to fuel delivery, ignition, or sensor issues. Proper diagnosis and repairs are essential to maintain the car's drivability.

These common problems with the BMW 325xi 2002 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and expert diagnosis to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity.

How many miles will a 2002 BMW 325i last?

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 problems does a BMW 325i have?

What is the difference between a BMW 325i and a 325xi?

The BMW 325xi is very similar to the hugely popular 325i. The difference is that the BMW 325xi has all-wheel drive which make it an exceptional performer in slippery conditions, on bad road surfaces and in off road conditions.

Is the BMW 325i reliable?

One of the many reasons to buy a BMW is that it is well-built. Most rear-wheel drive BMWs have the same weight on the front and back wheels. The world knows that BMWs are reliable, and the BMW 325I is no different. This model is strong, long-lasting, and reliable because it is well-made and well-engineered.

How many miles will a 2002 BMW 325i last?

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 difference between a BMW 325i and a 325xi?

How big is the gas tank on a 2002 BMW 325xi?

16.6 gal

Fuel & MPG

282.2/415.0 mi. 16.6 gal.

2002 Bmw 325xi complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Bmw 325xi.

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

2002 Bmw 325xi recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2002 Bmw 325xi.

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.

2015-05-28

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Park It: 1
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.

2014-07-16

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Consequence: 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 injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

2013-05-03

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Consequence: 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 occupants.
Remedy: BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

2011-08-26

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Summary: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND/OR TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING.
Consequence: INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

2002-03-18

Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR
Summary: 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. FURTHER CRACKING OF THE ROTOR COULD OCCUR DUE TO BRAKING TORQUE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AND THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE BRAKE DRUM, CONNECTED TO THE WHEEL HUB, WOULD COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE DISC.
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENED, THE WHEEL WOULD CONTINUE TO TURN, BUT THE DISC WOULD STOP, AND THERE WOULD BE NO BRAKING CAPACITY AT THAT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR BRAKE ROTORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 25, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2002 Bmw 325xi problems:

2002 BMW 325xi Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2002-bmw-325xi/problems

Problem with your 2002 BMW 325xi? Our list of 10 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 BMW 325xi.

comman problems with 325xi? | E46 Fanatics Forum

https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/comman-problems-with-325xi.645304/

Feb 2, 2009 ... The BMW AWD does bring some added complexity to the car versus the 2wd but in my opinion no more than any other AWD vehicle. Just some of the ...

Is buying 2002 BMW 325xi for $4000 a good idea?

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1893876-Is-buying-2002-BMW-325xi-for-4000-a-good-idea

Sep 16, 2012 ... Other than getting an oil leak fixed, there were no issues with in the past 2-3 years. Basically I'm used to 8-10 year old cars. There is a BMW ...

2002 BMW 325i problems? | E46 Fanatics Forum

https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/2002-bmw-325i-problems.1250983/

Mar 18, 2019 ... 2002 BMW 325i problems? · 1. Driver side window doesn't work · 2.sunroof doesn't work at all. · 3.Alternator? · 4.rough idle at low rpm and at car ...