2002 Bmw 330xi problems

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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.

2002 Bmw 330xi

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Common 2002 Bmw 330xi problems

The 2002 BMW 330xi is a popular model known for its performance and handling. However, as with any vehicle, there are some common issues that owners have reported.

One common problem is oil leaks, particularly from the oil filter housing gasket, oil filter O-ring, and oil pan. These leaks can become noticeable around 125,000 miles and may require expensive repairs to fully address. Some owners have reported adding oil every 550 miles or so to compensate for the leak.

Another issue that has been reported is electrical problems, including issues with the engine computer and other electrical components. These problems can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose, leading to frustration for owners.

The 2002 BMW 330xi also has a history of recalls, with 38 recalls available for this model as of 2024. The largest recall came in 2006, with 5 issues related to airbags, electrical systems, lighting, and engine problems. Other recalls have been related to airbags, lighting, and engine issues.

Some owners have reported that the 2002 BMW 330xi can be more expensive to maintain than other vehicles, due to the complexity of its systems and the need for specialized parts and labor. However, others have reported that the car is worth the investment due to its performance and handling capabilities.

Overall, the 2002 BMW 330xi is a high-performance vehicle that can be prone to certain issues, particularly related to oil leaks and electrical problems. However, many owners report that the car is worth the investment due to its comfort and driving experience. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these common issues and to budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs.

2002 Bmw 330xi engine

What engine is in a 2002 BMW 330xi?

3.0 L 6-cylinder2002 BMW 330xi / Engine

Two engines are available; both are inline six-cylinder engines. As the nomenclature indicates, 325 models get a 2.5-liter engine, while 330 models get a 3.0-liter engine. Wagons are only available with the 2.5-liter engine; sedan, coupe, and convertible are available with either engine.

What kind of engine does a BMW 330xi have?

6 Cyl. / 4 V per Cyl.

Is a 330xi a E46?

In tune with BMW's core values regarding handling dynamics, the E46 was initially available with a rear-wheel drive layout and a 50/50 weight distribution. All-wheel drive, which was last available in the 3 Series in 1991, was reintroduced for the E46 on the 325xi, 330xi and 330xd models.

Is a BMW 330xi rear-wheel drive?

BMW 330i 0-60 TIMES: BMW 330i & BMW 330i xDRIVE

It uses a turbo engine, rear-wheel drive (RWD), and an eight-speed sport automatic transmission to go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

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.

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 kind of engine does a BMW 330xi have?

6 Cyl. / 4 V per Cyl.

Is the BMW 330i a reliable car?

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.

2002 Bmw 330xi complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Bmw 330xi.

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

2002 Bmw 330xi recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2002 Bmw 330xi.

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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2002 Bmw 330xi problems:

BMW 330xi Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
BMW 330xi Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/bmw/330xi

Top BMW 330xi Problems · Oil Leaks From Engine Area · Front Outer CV Boots May Tear and Leak at 60,000 Miles · Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank · Blower ...

What to look for on an 02 330i? : r/cars
What to look for on an 02 330i? : r/cars
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/678zn4/what_to_look_for_on_an_02_330i/

Apr 24, 2017 ... There are significant rust problems with the subframe. The front wheel arches are so rusty you can see patches coming through the top. The car ...

330xi Reliability | BimmerFest BMW Forum
330xi Reliability | BimmerFest BMW Forum
https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/330xi-reliability.256742/

Jan 20, 2008 ... For sure take a good look around there on your inspection of the car. Jeff 2002 330xi Auto Steel Blue

2002 BMW 330i problems :( | E46 Fanatics Forum
2002 BMW 330i problems :( | E46 Fanatics Forum
https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/2002-bmw-330i-problems.1093370/

Dec 17, 2015 ... With vacuum leaks the engine will run rough at idle, under partial throttle and at low rpm. If the problem is solely due to vacuum leak it ...

BMW 3 Series Questions - I just bought 330, it has 89,000 miles and ...
BMW 3 Series Questions - I just bought 330, it has 89,000 miles and ...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t37551_ds515157

Feb 29, 2012 ... Major problem areas are: Cooling system - The cooling system will eventually fail catastrophically due to a disintegrating water pump bearing.

Other years of Bmw 330xi

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2002 Bmw 330xi photo