Overview & Reviews
BMW has seen fit to give the sedans and wagons a facelift for 2002. An in-dash CD player finally makes it onto the standard features list. The center stack has been altered to accommodate the new automatic climate controls. Steptronic automanual operation has been altered so that you move the transmission lever forward for downshifts and backward for upshifts. Bi-xenon headlamps are on the options list so that both low and high beams can glow a cold blue and can be set to automatic operation. Rear side airbags are available for coupes and convertibles. Two new colors, Electric Red and Gray Green (and a Natural Brown interior leather) join the color spectrum.
- Luxurious, powerful, exceptional road manners, available all-wheel drive for sedan and wagon.
- Pricey for their market segment, limited rear-seat space and cargo capacity.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 334.00-
Awesome, super safe reliable car!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
By Natalie Goodloe - September 11 - 11:21 pmI owned one of these for a very short 7 months before I got into an accident which totaled the car..): but let me just say, this was my first car as a college commuter student and I absolutely loved it! The gas mileage was wonderful 35 on highway and about 25 or so in the city. Premium gas is better for the car, but I usually just alternated between premium and regular. Very sleek, attractive car. Everything worked wonderfully, never had any mechanical issues while owning it. My passenger window regulator did break after a few months, however I have heard that this is a fairly common issue in older bmws. I never had a chance to get it fixed, but century bmw said it would only be about $200 to fix. So not too bad! Despite all the rep bimmers get about being expensive cars, yes they can be but they do not break on you very often, especially the e46. I also feel that its important to note the safety of this car...as I mentioned earlier I was in a head on collision which totaled the car. But I am so thankful that I was in a bmw because both driver/passenger airbags went off, the car "crashed" like it should..I didnt have a single scratch on me. Not even whiplash. Like I said, great first car especially for young drivers!!
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Dont believe the naysayers - 2002 BMW 3-Series
By irobot1 - July 13 - 5:07 pmMy current 2002 330i Sport is my 4th BMW and 34th car overall so I have some experience. This model of BMW - the E46 - is just plain solid. Yes, there are known issues such as window regulators and water pumps, but when you get past those annoyances and pay attention to the detail in the design of this car they fade into the background. Its easy to do regular maintenance on the car such as oil changes and brake replacements, in part because the parts are made with quality materials and still look like new after 10 years on the road. I think the E46 is possibly the last 3 series to have the classic BMW look and feel, and I have noticed the value of these cars going up in the used market.
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So far, So good - 2002 BMW 3-Series
By scott6364 - May 27 - 10:17 pmRecently bought a 2002 BMW 325xi as a commuting car for future winter use. Love the looks, handling and value for what I paid for it. Previous owner took great care with this BMW. Looks showroom new and clean. No tears, or wear in the interior and the outside looks new. I cannot compare the gas mileage with what my Saab 9-3 gets, as there is no comparing the 2. But for overall handling, BMW has my Saab beat. Of course front wheel drive to all wheel drive makes a difference, but that was to be expected. I took it today up a canyon highway with many turns and elevations. Did not miss a beat on anything. The car corners like it is on rails, and I was totally blown away by how good this car is
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Solid machine (Automatic) - 2002 BMW 3-Series
By jdez09 - March 28 - 11:53 amI recently sold my 93 Lexus LS400 for the newer and smaller BMW 325i. Man what a difference. This car has less horses than the old lex but i would prefer the 180 some-odd horses to be called clydesdales because of how fast this thing takes off! Its quick, and feels light but is actually a heavy car. The safety of these things are out the roof. Great build quality and materials inside and out are easy to maintain and clean. Gas mileage is great, I have driven on highways and have averaged over 40 mpg with careful pedal use. City miles arent near as good but it balances out very well. DONT USE REGULAR GAS! It lowers your fuel economy, these cars are made to perform efficiently with 93 Ot
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A "different" 325i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
By timothy - October 3 - 2:00 amAfter 4 BMW motorcycles, still had not owned the car. Spotted this one on a reputable lot, had look closely as it looked "different" It was (is) absolutely gorgeous, one owner.Has a M3 front clip (after-market?) 5 speed manual in instead of the usual steptronic, LED rear light buckets Someone had put some money, love and care into this car, impeccable condition.Bought it on the spot (120,000 miles)no problems whatsoever, sounds, handles, drives like a dream, I even love the way it smells. Im hoping that any of the usual complaints (window regs, tensioners, have been resolved. the only maint regs that came with it are the every 3000 mile oil changes (Castrol synthetic 5-30).
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Great car overall - 2002 BMW 3-Series
By Tooth Fairy - September 10 - 2:00 amI purchased the 325i in 2005, had it for 4.5 years and overall, no major issues. Had to replace rear brakes once, power window motors on all four windows, heating/cooling fan motor, and something pertaining to the coolant hose once. Had to seal it after i had it stuck in the snow, and blew the transmission after going in forward and reverse several times, although Im uncertain if that was solely on the account of my mistreatment, or it it would have blown regardless. I did love the car overall, and for the majority of the time i owned it, had no major issues. Also had the drivers side seat motor go out once, but it seemed to fix itself.
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Love love love my bimmer! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
By LL - March 29 - 10:44 amI have owned my 325xi since it was purchased new. Prior I had an Audi A4 which is a great vehicle. I love love love my bimmer! It has 118,000 miles and has had no engine or transmission issues. Drives and handles like its brand new. Im a stickler for regular maintenance. Ive had to replace a battery, window regulators, timing belt, tires, and mostly maintenance items. In the past few years, Ive only averaged 5000-6000 miles and it stays garaged. I love the aggressive look and shes a beauty even when parked against the curb. I dislike the new rounded BMW features and feel that BMW is going in the wrong direction trying to make their vehicles look more like Lexus.
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Radiator Issues - 2002 BMW 3-Series
By ptm323 - March 13 - 9:09 pm70k-100k radiator troubles..HVAC Problems. Super Fun To Drive. No Complaints. Keep an eye out for all Radiator Issues. Driven many well built vehicles, this has been the most solid and fun.
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Satisfied 2nd owner - 2002 BMW 3-Series
By gsr - December 24 - 12:37 pmI bought the car when it was 8 months old w/ 3500 miles and have enjoyed it ever since. I bought snow tires for the winter, and use the summer tires at other times for performance. In 6 years of ownership, Ive had the muffler replaced twice for noise (worked fine), the cd changer replaced for skipping, a tension pulley replaced for recall, and the control arms replaced once. This car is still a lot of fun to drive and its never left me stranded. Occasionally the front headlight doesnt come on right away, but it always does eventually. I think its a great mix of performance and value, and Ive been extremely satisfied. Im 64", and its tough to find a comfortable car - this is one!
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ITS FUN TO DRIVE - 2002 BMW 3-Series
By auto61726 - November 5 - 7:40 amWe had eight years of SUVs and wanted back into an auto. We drove every style of the Big Three; Honda; VW and Toyota. Only when we drove BMW 325 Ci were we able to smile. It was our first time be- hind the wheel of a BMW. Its practically culture shock after driving our Blazer & Saturn. The road feel, security, and braking power is beyond description. It goes without saying this car BEGS to be driven. If you have a heavy foot, better go bare footed. After a Blazer---yeah, its borders on being awesome.
