2002 BMW 325I Engine cooling Problems

“I was driving my car when I saw smoke from under the hood. The car was not overheating and I pulled over, opened the hood and the wires connecting to the cooling fan had caused the plastic to start on fire. Luckily I was paying attention and had access to a fire extinguisher and was able to put out the flames.”

“I have had an emission-related air pump and valve replaced on my 2002 Bmw 325I five times since I purchased it new in june of 2002. The first four times it failed were within the first year of ownership and the most recent time it failed was in december, when the car had 77,000 miles on it. Each time it failed the check engine light came on. The only purpose for these components is to provide fresh oxygen to the catalytic converter upon startup in order to prevent the premature demise of the catalytic converter. …”

“My service engine soon light began appearing in november 2003. I brought my car in the first time and global imports in atlanta ga informed me that there was nothing wrong. Again, in late december 2003, the light came on again. On 1/6/2004, I brought my vehicle into global imports. They informed me a valve was replaced and I was on my way. Two days later on 1/8/04, while driving down ga 40 at approximately 70 MPH, my vehicle shut down on me. Literally, the wheels would not turn as I struggled to maintain control of my vehicle. I swerved in and out of lanes. …”

“Vehicle routinely stalls when engine is cold and car is placed in reverse. We back out of the garage and go over the slight bump at the threshold, and the car stalls and must be re-started. Seems as if engine is idling very high as well. Once re-started, the car seems to run ok.”

“Car was driven approximately 50 miles and parked in a restaurant parking lot. Weather was wet and rainy, the defroster was running on the car for most of the trip. After sitting 25-30 minutes a resident near the restaurant called to notify that the car was on fire. Employees of the restaurant attempted to put out the fire with hand held extinguisher but was unable to completely do so. Emergency personnel showed up on the scene a short time later to unpower the car and put out the flame. Police and fire teams were on the scene. …”