2002 BMW 3 Series Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 12%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 BMW 3 Series, 12% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,500 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.
“Tail light, brake light and turn signal on passenger side of the vehicle has repeatedly failed. Bulbs and wires have been changed repeatedly, however these changes have not solved the issue. Far too many experiences where collisions have almost occurred due to the failed rear exterior lamps.”
NHTSA complaint #10434881, filed 2011-11, 130,000 miles“The report is in response to not being included in a recall of the rear taillight assembly. Some vehicles seem to be excluded for no reason from the recall and replacement of faulty wiring. Nhtsa campaign id # 11v438000.”
NHTSA complaint #10482629, filed 2012-10Related service bulletins
- 10044032Apr 1, 2012Bmw: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012.
- 10040057Aug 1, 2011Bmw: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. E60/e92. *rm updated 9/30/11.
- 10035224Oct 1, 2010Bmw vehicle: rear bulb failure. The bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster. Diagnosis shows a fault for the rear lamp. The bulb out can be displayed for 2 possible…
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10025983Jun 1, 2008Bmw: headlamp moisture: fault diagnostics. Water or condensation in one or both headlamps. Models 5 series, 6 series, 7 series, x5, x6, 1 series, and 3 series. Model years…
- 10025585May 1, 2008Rear bulb failure. Model e92 (3 series coupe) vehicles produced up to january 21, 2008 are affected. The bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster.
- 10020856Feb 1, 2007Poor connection at rear lamp connector. Bmw. Model e46. *kb model e46 (3 series). Update 8/8/2008.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 7% |
| 2009 | 5 | 9% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 7 | 6% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 16% |
| 2004 | 42 | 55% |
| 2003 | 23 | 32% |
| 2002 | 3 | 12% |
| 2001 | 8 | 22% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2002 BMW 3 Series
6 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsEngine
1 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 31, 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