BMW 3 Series 2002

BMW 3 Series 2002 Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the BMW 3 Series 2002 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

• Are there any problems associated with the 2002 BMW 318ti?

  The engine in the car you’re looking at has the codename N42. It has a timing chain rather than a rubber timing belt, so that should not need to be changed for the life of the car. However, life is not always that simple and the N42 has a bit of a reputation for developing wear in the tensioners that keep the timing chain taut. If that happens, you could have a chain loose enough to jump a few teeth on the timing gears and destroy the engine in the process. So a service record and close inspection of the engine is called for before any purchase.

  This model BMW was also caught up in the Takata airbag recall debacle. As a result, many BMWs of this era were actually bought back by BMW and scrapped as the cost of fixing the airbag woes was greater than the value of the cars themselves. Make sure any car like this has had the airbags replaced and is not a candidate to be crushed rather than fixed. Quoting the car’s VIN to a BMW dealership should reveal all.

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• Will a '02 BMW 318i have low maintence costs?

  My best advice to you is to not buy an old used BMW; they will only soak up whatever money you might have saved up. An ageing BMW with high mileage is a money pit; it will cost plenty to service and keep on the road, whether you use a dealer, which I would not recommend, or an independent mechanic. Buy a well-respected Japanese brand, such as a Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, or Mazda 3.

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• 2002 BMW 318i good for highway travel?

  As a trade-in a 2002/3 318i would be worth $3000-$5000, if it was sold privately it would be worth $5000-$7000, so the cars you're looking at are in the right price range, and the mileage is about average. The 2.0-litre motor is perfectly fine for highway travel; it will happily cruise on the speed limit and have some left over for comfortable overtaking when needed.

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• Ask Smithy Xtra BMW 318 thirsty for oil

  The PCV valve and the vacuum pump are the most likely causes of the high oil consumption, and although you say they have been done I would strongly suggest you recheck them. The pump in particular is a well-documented cause of oil leaks. I doubt changing oil would fix your problem.

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