2002 BMW E36 Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 88,048miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 BMW E36 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2002 BMW E36. The part named most often is body and structure, with 2 complaints (29% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (2) and electrical system (1). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 88,048 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 4 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure2 29%
- Electrical system1 14%
- Seat belts1 14%
- Suspension1 14%
Example complaints
Body and structure: “I was hearing noises coming from the rear of the car took it into Bmw, and they said the rear subframe was cracking. Then they proceeded to tell me that there was nothing they could do! Also the rear control arm bushing are bad which was caused by the rear or in reverse!”
NHTSA complaint #10174024, filed 2006-11Transmission and drivetrain: “Bmw 325xi 2002 bought used in mint condition with 60000 miles drivetrain vibration related to transfer case output bearing. Bmw international said that was too bad, but not concernd at the failure. Expected as that year had problems with transfer case bearings.”
NHTSA complaint #10190585, filed 2007-05, 58,000 milesSeat belts: “The buckle assembly that the driver's side seat belt buckle is inserted into doesn't hold the buckle any longer. The driver's side seat belt is no longer usable. The part is to be replaced by the local Bmw dealer (not under warranty), who will have the old part.”
NHTSA complaint #10162683, filed 2006-07, 87,095 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 87,095 and 89,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 BMW E36 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 4 on record; the latest 4 are shown.
- 10245363Nov 13, 2023Equipment. When using the Key Reader to retrieve information from the customerâÃÂÃÂs key, the data is not updated or current.
- 10200242Jun 1, 2021Equipment, Exterior lighting. Moisture is visible on the inside of one or both headlights
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Exterior lighting. Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10033130Dec 1, 2009Fuel system. Bmw vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it is necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet…
Other model years of the BMW E36
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 13 | 59,515 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 7 | 88,048 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 BMW E36 have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2002 BMW E36 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 BMW E36 is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 2 complaints (29% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 2.
Has the 2002 BMW E36 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 BMW E36 reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 88,048 miles and the middle half falls between 87,095 and 89,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.