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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2002 BMW E36 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
2about this part
Share
29%of 7 total for the year
Median mileage
79,478miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 BMW E36, 29% of the 7 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,478 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.

“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 miles

“After 100,000+ miles of normal operation the 2002, Bmw x5 4.4 began exhibiting unusual transmission operation. At random times, during start up, the transmission shifted to neutral, allowing the engine to rev very high, then engage in 1st, causing an abrupt lurch forward. Also, it will experience this disengagement sometimes when down shifting into passing gear, causing the engine to rev, and a loss of forward motion, and then an abrupt engagement, resulting in a major lurch forward. …”

NHTSA complaint #10188139, filed 2007-04, 100,955 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2003323%
2002229%

Other parts of the 2002 BMW E36

Body and structure
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2002 BMW E36

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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