Collective wisdom on an '02 325iC?

JST · 09-30-2011, 03:30 PM

Not for me (obvs.), but someone asked for any thoughts on the reliability/wisdom of the following:

http://www.warnockdodgechryslerjeepo...cfde45d7ab.htm

Other than water pumps, window regulators, shocks, shock mounts, and suspension bushings, are there any hot button issues with this car? Is the transmission a source of concern? Did the early E46s have that radiator issue that E36s had?

wdc330i · 09-30-2011, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JST

Not for me (obvs.), but someone asked for any thoughts on the reliability/wisdom of the following:

http://www.warnockdodgechryslerjeepo...cfde45d7ab.htm

Other than water pumps, window regulators, shocks, shock mounts, and suspension bushings, are there any hot button issues with this car? Is the transmission a source of concern? Did the early E46s have that radiator issue that E36s had?

I'd worry about the high mileage of the step. Aren't they 80k transmissions? Other than that, '02 is a solid year for the 3 series. As I recall, some '03s burned up because of aux fan problems.

TD had a 323ic, I think.

JST · 09-30-2011, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdc330i

I'd worry about the high mileage of the step. Aren't they 80k transmissions? Other than that, '02 is a solid year for the 3 series. As I recall, some '03s burned up because of aux fan problems.

TD had a 323ic, I think.

His was an E36. I actually had a 323Ci but only for a couple of years and about 20K miles.

*Plaz* · 09-30-2011, 04:02 PM

Other than a weird clunk from the trans when coming to a stop in non sport mode (wife doesn't notice it, I always use sport mode), and a window regulator, our '02 325iT has been flawless.

*clyde* · 09-30-2011, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plaz

Other than a weird clunk from the trans when coming to a stop in non sport mode (wife doesn't notice it, I always use sport mode), and a window regulator, our '02 325iT has been flawless.

Our '02 325xiT was not flawless. It actually had some pretty big flaws...like an a/c that went out more than once (and was sold with it out and without me saying anything

but Carmax was the buyer). Never had an issue with the step because it didn't have one. It did suffer from the old E36 m3 shifter issue with the stick in neutral wanting to hang out under 5th gear instead of center.

*Plaz* · 09-30-2011, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyde

Our '02 325xiT was not flawless. It actually had some pretty big flaws...like an a/c that went out more than once (and was sold with it out and without me saying anything

but Carmax was the buyer). Never had an issue with the step because it didn't have one. It did suffer from the old E36 m3 shifter issue with the stick in neutral wanting to hang out under 5th gear instead of center.

A/C

My 330i had that same annoying shifter-not-centering issue. Only when cold, though.

ZBB · 09-30-2011, 04:44 PM

I had an '01 325iC. Drove it for just under 4 years and sold it with ~40k miles.

Main difference between the '01s and the '02s was that the '01s they kept playing with the steering (remember the "Ultimate Parking Machine" jokes?). Mine supposedly had the firmer of the 2 setups use in '01, but the '02s were "fixed" and even firmer.

Mine had very few issues with it. Biggest one was the trim strip that ran on the top of the door opening on the inside. Over time, the piece of plastic/rubber that held them in (and was normally not visible) would deteriorate and then the trim would hang down and would have to be replaced. Drivers side was replaced once, passenger side twice. But that part doesn't exist on the convertibles.

My mom had an '02 325iC. The only problem she had with hers was the radio power/volume knob came off and they had to replace the head unit. No other issues. She had that car for nearly 4 years also, and sold it with about 30k miles.

Both her car and mine were manual transmissions though -- so no experience with the step...

SARAFIL · 09-30-2011, 07:53 PM

The aux fan issues only impacted the '01 models, and only manual-tranny E46 models. But they should have all been fixed or burned up by now.

I had a '02 325i and it was very reliable. Other than the typical E46 annoyances, I can't think of any major problems that plague the '02-'06 models of the E46.

bren · 09-30-2011, 08:02 PM

The only thing I'd add would be to check the oil filter housing/plumbing for leaks.

Sharp11 · 09-30-2011, 09:49 PM

My 00 E46 323i with Step was reliable over 5 years, 47K. I autocrossed it pretty hard in its last year with me.

Recently I followed its serial number online to find it for sale looking really, really nice with 146k on it - they were asking 9 grand for it - it sold within days.

That was a great car, only problem I ever had was a loose ground taking out some of the power accessories.

09-30-2011, 03:30 PM	#1
JST 195 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 24,633	Collective wisdom on an '02 325iC? Not for me (obvs.), but someone asked for any thoughts on the reliability/wisdom of the following: http://www.warnockdodgechryslerjeepo...cfde45d7ab.htm Other than water pumps, window regulators, shocks, shock mounts, and suspension bushings, are there any hot button issues with this car? Is the transmission a source of concern? Did the early E46s have that radiator issue that E36s had?

09-30-2011, 04:02 PM	#4
Plaz ••••••• Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: '11 1M Location: Churzee Posts: 17,741	Other than a weird clunk from the trans when coming to a stop in non sport mode (wife doesn't notice it, I always use sport mode), and a window regulator, our '02 325iT has been flawless. __________________ 2011 1M

09-30-2011, 04:44 PM	#7
ZBB Relic Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: A very fast golf cart Location: The Valley of the Sun Posts: 12,821	I had an '01 325iC. Drove it for just under 4 years and sold it with ~40k miles. Main difference between the '01s and the '02s was that the '01s they kept playing with the steering (remember the "Ultimate Parking Machine" jokes?). Mine supposedly had the firmer of the 2 setups use in '01, but the '02s were "fixed" and even firmer. Mine had very few issues with it. Biggest one was the trim strip that ran on the top of the door opening on the inside. Over time, the piece of plastic/rubber that held them in (and was normally not visible) would deteriorate and then the trim would hang down and would have to be replaced. Drivers side was replaced once, passenger side twice. But that part doesn't exist on the convertibles. My mom had an '02 325iC. The only problem she had with hers was the radio power/volume knob came off and they had to replace the head unit. No other issues. She had that car for nearly 4 years also, and sold it with about 30k miles. Both her car and mine were manual transmissions though -- so no experience with the step... __________________ ZBB

09-30-2011, 07:53 PM	#8
SARAFIL I like BMWs Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: X5 M50 / M550 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 5,795	The aux fan issues only impacted the '01 models, and only manual-tranny E46 models. But they should have all been fixed or burned up by now. I had a '02 325i and it was very reliable. Other than the typical E46 annoyances, I can't think of any major problems that plague the '02-'06 models of the E46. __________________ 2020 X5 M50i -- Alpine White / Coffee Leather 2020 M550i -- Carbon Black / Beige Leather

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