2002 BMW 330I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 9%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 BMW 330I, 9% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“I bought my Bmw 330I e46 2002 5 years ago and noticed the check engine light come on after the first drive. After taking it in to the mechanic I was told the code that threw the light on was (p0741). I have done my research and have determined that this is a widespread problem for these cars. The results have been horrible gas milage, hard shifting at times and most likely shortened transmission life. This problem as has cause my car to not be able to pass smog!”
NHTSA complaint #10854219, filed 2016-04, 92,000 miles“The salesman made me sign 3 different contract each one has different amounts I dont know if they made me sign for 3 different cars or what. The vehicle is not working properly. I have made several attempts to fix the problem but it's been in vein.I was pressured into signing the contractsand I dont what that car”
NHTSA complaint #10128948, filed 2005-07, 63,500 miles“Loss of power the battery dies quick and alarm system goes off randomly and the car has lost acceleration air bag needs replaced and the car makes noises”
NHTSA complaint #11389154, filed 2021-01, 120,000 miles“While driving, vehicle will not stay in gear. Contacted dealer, cannot duplicate problem. Consumer adds that the transmission will intermittently slip out of second gear while accelerating between 2500 - 4500 RPM. Each time it has occurred, the vehicle accelerates normally in second gear until it reaches approximately 2500 RPM when the vehicle slips out of gear with no input from the driver. Dealership refuses to honor warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #8012197, filed 2002-06Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 17% |
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 12% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 5% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 4 | 9% |
| 2001 | 23 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2002 BMW 330I
13 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsTires
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 BMW 330I
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