BMW 2 Series Problems

The 2002 makes an ideal first classic that with a moderate amount of TLC can be used as everyday transport. It has for a number of years been highly collectible with the Tii the most desirable of the "common cars". The Convertibles and Turbos are very rare and unlikely to be seen as daily transport on Australian roads. Most being in the hands of die-hard BMW enthusiasts and leading a pampered life.In general, if you are looking to purchase a 2002, the condition of the body is far more important than the engine and drive-train. The mechanicals are simple and relatively easy to work on.BodyThe build quality of the original car was excellent, but like any 35-40 year old car rust cannot be avoided. The areas to specifically look out for are;* around the front indicators* Lower rear of front fenders* Sills and bottom of the doors* Wheel arches - inside corners* Rear panel below boot - inside and out* Inside the engine bay around the headlight assembly* Floor, boot floor and fuel tank* Rear shock towers - visible from inside the bootIf the car has a sunroof - around the inner edges and also the out roof sills as drainage can be a problem.EngineThe M10 was a strong engine, especially the bottom end with its 5 bearing crankshaft. The most problematic area lies with the valva train, especially on earlier model. The original head had inefficient lubrication channels that results in wear to the valves and seats. You will however find that most available 2002's have had engine upgrades done over the years and the problems resolved.The 2002 engine is a simple to work on and in most cases reliable. Normal checks should be done for engine noises, rattling of valvetrain that might be the result of a stretched timing chain. Any smoke is usually the reult of wear in this area.Older cylinder heads have been known to crack and warp. Identifying tell tales of this are water in the oil and a sweet smell around the engine and radiator.In genral though the engine is solid and reliable, parts are readily available and the simplicity of the engine means re-builds are not too costly. The fuel injector system is strong and robust but should be serviced regularly.DrivetrainAll transmissions are reliable and the clutch on manuals in strong. The only reported problems were originally with 2nd gear synchros and the output flanges but most transmissions have been rebuilt by now with ugraded parts that have resolved the issues.Differentials are strong but sometimes have an oil leakage problem.InteriorAlways look out for a car with the interior in good condition. It is not only a pointer that the car has been look after, it is also the second most important factor in purchase. Not as important as a good body, but more important than the mechanicals. The cost of re-upholstery and a re-trim can be significant.Collectibility The 2002 has always been a popular car. It is still an accessible collector car as reasonable examples can current be found at an affordable price. As with purchasing any classic car, never spend your full budget on the purchase, there will invariably be items that will require work Although rare in Australia, avoid the automatic transmission as it dilutes the sporting experience and is detrimental to re-sale value.The rare convertibles and Turbos will always be at a high premium. For the average person interested in getting into the classic car scene the 2002 is a good choice and the Tii, injector model is the best bet.The 2002 has an active global enthusiast network. Detailed advice is available from many owner group forums on the Internet and there are numerous clubs suitable for BMW 2002 owners here in Australia.

The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts has issued a safety recall notice impacting 24,122 BMWs and Mini derivatives sold new in Australia from 2010 to 2022.It confirms that examples of the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Series (F0x, F1x, F2x, F3x, G1, G3x), the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6 (F48, F39, F1x, F2x, G0x) as well as the Mini Cooper (F5x) and Countryman (F6x) have been impacted.The notice said, “Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak. “If this occurs, the leaking coolant and recirculated exhaust gas may combine, which may result in a reduction of engine power and potentially a fire while driving,” the notice said. The department added, “A reduction of engine power whilst driving and/or a vehicle fire could increase the risk of an accident, causing injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and/or damage to property.”All grades of the nominated models sold from 2010 to 2022 are potentially included and the department says owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by BMW requesting they schedule an appointment with their preferred authorised BMW dealer for replacement of the EGR cooler, free of charge.Alternatively, BMW can be contacted on 1800 243 675, through email info@bmw.com.au or via www.recall.bmw.com.au. This recall comes on the back of another large scale recall alert last month impacting 16,578 BMWs sold new in Australia from 2020 to 2023.In that case, examples of the 2,3,4,5,7 Series (G12, G2x, G3x, G42), X3 (G01), X4 (G02), X5 (G05) and Z4 (G29) were found to have been exposed to a potential manufacturing defect which means the starter motor solenoid switch could experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit and in a worst case scenario “a fire during vehicle operation”.

Another Takata airbag recall has been issued, this time by BMW Australia with more than 60,000 vehicles affected from the 1 Series to X5 SUV.

The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts has issued a safety recall notice impacting 16,578 BMWs sold new in Australia from 2020 to 2023.It confirms that examples of the 2,3,4,5,7 Series (G12, G2x, G3x, G42) , X3 (G01) , X4 (G02), X5 (G05) and Z4 (G29) have been impacted and said, “Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.“If this occurs, the driver may be unable to start the engine, and in the worst case, the overheating can lead to a fire during vehicle operation,” the notice said. The department added, “A vehicle fire or the driver being unable to restart the engine could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants, and/or damage to property.”All grades of the nominated models are included, although for reference, close to 65,000 vehicles across those BMW model groups were sold in Australia during the recall period.The department says owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by BMW requesting they schedule an appointment with their preferred authorised BMW dealer for the free of charge starter motor replacement.Alternatively, BMW can be contacted on 1800 243 675 or via www.recall.bmw.com.au.