2002 BMW 3 Series 330d SE Steptronic review from UK and Ireland
"Love to drive it, hate how it is so unreliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
General comments?
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.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2002 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0L diesel Semi-Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 110000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 119000 miles |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
| Date of Entry | 23rd March, 2009 |