2002 BMW 3 Series Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 4%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 200,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the engine of the 2002 BMW 3 Series, 4% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 200,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This is not as much a complaint as a request for help. Since march of 2013 I have replaced 5 throttle bodies and 3 gas pedal sensors, all oem parts. The problem that happened again today: driving at normal highway speed [55/60] the eml, traction control and brake warning lights all went on. Pulled over and turned off. Restarted, now service engine, eml, traction control and brake lights were on. Turned off, restarted, same lighting situation, very rough idle and car would not drive, as it was struggling for fuel. …”
NHTSA complaint #10586396, filed 2014-05, 200,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11033106May 5, 2026Starter Return
- 10051359Dec 1, 2012Bmw: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4b. Covered under the terms of the bmw new vehicle/sav limited warranty.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 7 | 33% |
| 2012 | 3 | 43% |
| 2010 | 6 | 20% |
| 2009 | 5 | 9% |
| 2008 | 13 | 19% |
| 2007 | 22 | 19% |
| 2006 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2002 BMW 3 Series
6 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology