CarRecallWatchThe 2002 BMW M3 has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 1 fire, 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Engine And Engine Cooling (12 reports).
2002 BMW M3 recalls
Passenger airbag may explode and send metal shrapnel into occupants
The passenger-side front airbag inflator in these BMW vehicles can degrade over time, especially after long exposure to high humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature changes.
Passenger Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments
The passenger side frontal airbag may build up excessive internal pressure when it deploys, which could cause the inflator to rupture.
Driver Airbag Inflator May Rupture in a Crash
Certain BMW vehicles may have a replacement driver-side airbag module installed, either after a prior crash or as a remedy part for an earlier recall.
Driver air bag may rupture and spray metal fragments
The driver's frontal air bag inflator can be affected by moisture over time.
Most common 2002 BMW M3 problems
Problem areas named in the 40 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 12 |
| Power Train | 8 |
| Air Bags | 7 |
| Structure | 5 |
| Suspension | 4 |
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Visibility | 2 |
| Equipment | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
What owners report
See attached document for complaint
BMW M 3 parked in the driveway and had been turned off for several hours I was wax the car when I noticed a puff of smoke coming out of the air condition vent so I sat in the driver seat to investigate out of habit I close the door I planed to open the windows and the convertible top to take a look the car went into antitheft mode and locked me inside the smoke became thick quickly I tried to break the window with my elbow with no luck I was getting ready to try to kick the window if I could reach it with my foot Iâm on most 70 years old so it was tough even moving I couldnât get out ..my wife and daughter Who were in the backyard and saw what was happening they broke the window so th
IN NOVEMBER, 2020, I RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FROM BMW THAT THE PREVIOUS FIX TO MY AIRBAG WAS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX, AND I NEEDED TO BRING MY CAR IN FOR A PERMANENT FIX. IN JANUARY, 2021, THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON. I AM GETTING READY TO START DRIVING MY CARS ON A REGULAR BASIS AGAIN, SO I TOOK THE CAR IN THIS WEEK FOR THE AIRBAG RECALL. THEY SPENT 2 HOURS, TO ALLEGEDLY REPLACE A MODULE. AS I WAS GETTING READY TO LEAVE, THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS STILL ON. THEY SAID THAT WASN'T PART OF THE RECALL, AND I NEEDED TO PAY $200 TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED. 3 HOURS LATER, THEY SAID IT WAS AN AIRBAG MODULE (PRESUMABLE DIFFERENT THAN THE ONE THEY ALLEGEDLY JUST REPLACED), AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT PART OF THE REC
THE DOOR CENTRAL LOCK CONTROL MODULE FAILS ON ALL OF THE E46 BMW MODELS WHERE THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER CAN BECOME TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE DOOR LOCKS CANNOT BE UNLOCKED IN ANY WAY BECAUSE OF THE FAULTY GM5 CENTRAL LOCKING MODULE
UPON INSPECTION, VEHICLE'S REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTING POINTS SHOW CRACKING AND OTHER SIGNS OF STRUCTURAL FATIGUE CONSISTENT WITH OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE UNDERGONE COMPLETE REAR SUBFRAME FAILURE. VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME NEEDS TO BE REINFORCED AND BMW SETTLED IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT REGARDING THE ISSUE, HOWEVER, THE ISSUE WAS NOT ESCALATED TO A RECALL, POSSIBLY LEAVING THOUSANDS OF UNSAFE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD.
2002 BMW M3 questions
Does the 2002 BMW M3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2002 BMW M3: Passenger airbag may explode and send metal shrapnel into occupants; Passenger Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments; Driver Airbag Inflator May Rupture in a Crash; Driver air bag may rupture and spray metal fragments; Air Bags. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW M3?
Based on 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (12), Power Train (8), Air Bags (7).
How do I check if a recall on my 2002 BMW M3 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.