2002 BMW 330CI Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 7%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 BMW 330CI, 7% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 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.
“Code p0741 was read from vehicle. Torque converter. From forums and discussions online there is a known problem with a faulty seal on the e46 Bmw. My vehicle cannot pass a emissions test with the light on and it is a safety hazard to me.”
NHTSA complaint #10712019, filed 2015-04, 88,000 miles“While driving about 30 MPH, car stopped and would not restart, towed to shop, was told I changed from low RPM to high RPM causing valve to bend. I was not driving fast and there was no reason to change from low RPM to high RPM they would not warranty a new engine/valve/head job. I had to pay from pocket.”
NHTSA complaint #10178769, filed 2007-01, 62,265 miles“About three months ago, I had my 2002 Bmw 330CI serviced at beverly hills Bmw. During that $700+ service, they performed an inspection that was supposed to cover every major part of the vehicle, including the transmission. Yesterday, I had a complete transmission failure. When I asked Bmw why they didn\'t notice anything wrong with the transmission during their $700+ inspection, I was told they can\'t predict when parts are going to fail. Which begs the question -- why did I pay $700+ for an inspection that can tell when something is about to go wrong? My car only has about 81,000 miles on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10300379, filed 2010-01, 81,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 BMW 330CI
27 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 BMW 330CI
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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