2002 Bmw 330 problems
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.
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Common 2002 Bmw 330 problems
The BMW 330, produced in 2002, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include timing belt or timing chain failure, gasket leaks, and cooling system failures.
- Timing belt or timing chain failure: BMW recommends replacing the timing belt or chain at 90,000 miles. If it fails before replacement, it can lead to significant engine damage, resulting in expensive repairs.
- Gasket leaks: Older BMWs, including the 330, are prone to leaking gaskets, particularly on the oil pan and manifold. This issue can be addressed by replacing the gaskets, which is a good idea for older vehicles to prevent oil leaks.
- Cooling system failures: The cooling system in the BMW 330 can fail catastrophically due to a disintegrating water pump bearing. When this occurs, all coolant is lost within seconds, causing the engine to overheat instantly. A better water pump than the stock/OEM unit is available from EMP Steward, which is recommended for a more reliable cooling system.
These issues are not exclusive to the BMW 330, as other models in the BMW 3 Series, such as the 328xi, have also reported problems, including leaking oil from the valve cover at low mileage and high crankcase pressure leading to oil hydro-lock conditions in freezing conditions.
What is the most common problem on BMW 330i?
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 330 reliable?
Consumer Reports (CR) gives the 2020 BMW 3 Series a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, which is average for luxury compact cars. The most common trouble spots involve the brakes and the potential for major engine work.
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.
Is a 330ci a reliable car?
Great, reliable and affordable BMW to own
Go for the older 330, and we have the convertible 330ci. Reliable, high performance and wears well over time. Great cars. Would buy this over new any day.
What is the most common problem on BMW 330i?
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 330 reliable?
Consumer Reports (CR) gives the 2020 BMW 3 Series a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, which is average for luxury compact cars. The most common trouble spots involve the brakes and the potential for major engine work.
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.
Is a 2001 BMW 330i a good car?
Great car for the price if you want a BMW.
This car drives great for those that enjoy a sporty yet luxury feel.
2002 Bmw 330 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Bmw 330.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2002 Bmw 330 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2002 Bmw 330.
- 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 2000-2002 325i and 325xi Sedan, and 323Ci, 325Ci, and 330Ci Convertible vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles that may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. The frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and 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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of previous recalls, numbers 17V-047 and 19V-015.
- 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 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- 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 inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Bmw 330 problems:
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Other years of Bmw 330
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