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EnginePart report

2002 BMW 325I Engine Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
2%of 162 total for the year
Median mileage
120,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2002 BMW 325I, 2% of the 162 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.

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.

“On Tuesday June 20, 2023 at 7:20am I was awakened by my neighbor who informed me that my car was on fire. A report was done by the fire department and they did not believe it was done on purpose but something with my car. My car was totally consumed with fire nothing but ashes.”

NHTSA complaint #11530869, filed 2023-07

“The contact owns a 2002 Bmw 325I. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly shut off. After restarting the engine, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer and an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11278249, filed 2019-11, 120,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325i. The contact stated that upon exiting the store, he observed fire emerging from the driver's side dashboard. The vehicle spontaneously combusted and was engulfed in flames. There was no warning light illuminated prior to the failure. The fire department was able to successfully extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was still in the parking lot where the incident occurred. A police officer was on the scene, but no report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #11699780, filed 2025-11, 168,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2002 Bmw 325I. The contact stated that there was a loud noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the mechanical main belt tensioner had to be replaced with a hydraulic version assembly. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 119,170 and the current mileage was 119,300.”

NHTSA complaint #10514886, filed 2013-06, 119,170 miles

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20065010%
200511%
200464%
200353%
200242%
200164%
199513%

Other parts of the 2002 BMW 325I

Air bags
52 complaints
Exterior lighting
44 complaints
Electrical system
21 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaints
Engine cooling
9 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
Body and structure
6 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
Tires
3 complaints
Electronic stability control
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2002 BMW 325I

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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