2002 BMW E46
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 2 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 3 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 6 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 18 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility
1 of 2 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing rearview mirrors/devices.
Show complaint excerpts
The rearview mirror leaked and it is blurry now in my 2002 BMW M3. I did some research and it has been a common problem for a lot of BMW's. Dealer won't replace as the car is out of warranty.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-12-31
Electrical system
1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Look at this - another BMW recall is in order my battery keeps getting flooded with water and then the car won't start under snow the ice melts and somehow getting into the compartment with the battery in the boot nothing else in the boot is...
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-03-11
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2006-05-10Exterior lighting06E040000 Certain e speed racing combination lamps sold as replacement equipment for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors…
Remedy: E speed racing will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began May 10, 2006. Owners may contact e speed racing 909-923-3636.
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I
2009-04-08Defect petitionClosed 2009-08-06 Rear lamp illumination
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R
2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
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I
2009-08-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-12-22 Rear lamp illumination
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I
2009-12-18Engineering analysisClosed 2011-09-28 Rear Lamp Illumination
Buy-smart checklist
2002 BMW E46 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E040000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 2002 BMW E46 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW E46?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 BMW E46 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.