2002 BMW 3 Series Reviews - Page 3 of 9

Nothing.

This is a seriously capable car.

It's quick, comfortable, well made and surprisingly economical.

I've recently bought my car - at <£6,000 I think it's great value.

I enjoy it in so many different ways - the understated looks, the feel of the high quality materials, the glorious sound of the engine, and the way it handles.

I'm getting 30 mpg on my daily commute - 15 miles each way on A roads. My best is 33 mpg from a full tank when I used half the tank for a long motorway trip.

Gearbox failure at 110000.

Second gearbox failure again at 120000.

Both front lower arms failed.

Airbag warning light kept coming on. 3 trips to the dealer to fix. Finally soldering a joint.

Boot/trunk switch failed.

Transmission noise like driving over a cattle grid at 70mph. Dealer unable to fix.

Rear tyres replaced too often.

Windows failing.

Alarm gremlins. When activated lights flash but alarm doesn't sound.

Yes, a super car if only it was better made...

Watch out for front suspension wearing out.

Differential noises.

Brakes and pads wearing out super quickly.

Airbag wiring incorrectly fitted under seat, causing the airbag light to come on.

But worst of all, small plastic flaps in the inlet manifold braking off and being sucked into the cylinder and destroying the engine AND...

If you have a steptronic gearbox, start saving up for a bill of at least £1500 when the gearbox fails.. this isn't a maybe but a definite for most diesel autos.. I know cos it has happened to me... twice. If you don't believe me, just research on the Internet. Search BMW owners forums and these are common and expensive faults occurring to not just higher mileage cars like mine, but newish and low mileage cars..

RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY AND BE PREPARED FOR A LOVE - HATE RELATIONSHIP.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Starter motor (under guarantee).

Rear wheel or differential bearing (~20,000 miles).

Ignition coils all changed by dealer free of charge (~30,000 miles).

Coil failure, (45,000 miles).

Interior mirror fell off windscreen, only fix is a new windscreen (60,000 miles).

Vacuum pump, resulting in no brakes (65,000 miles).

Drivers side electric window switch (70,000 miles).

Coil failure, (77,000 miles).

Coil failure, (78,000 miles).

Front suspension bushes, car failed National Car Test, (78,700 miles).

Bump stop rubbers front need to be replaced + gaiters over shock absorber rods front and rear.

Air-bag light on, seems to be a problem with the "wiring or sensor" on the passenger seat.

Excellent handling and comfortable to drive.

Not too bad on fuel on long journeys.

Jerky and hesitant on acceleration almost all the time.

Traction control too enthusiastic, this cuts the power just when you need it, i.e. pulling away

Reliability and cost of repair very disappointing.

My previous car, a Volvo S40 turbo, was a lot quicker and gave NO trouble over 90,000 miles, other than the battery, which was replaced under guarantee.