This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325I. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly shut off. After restarting the engine, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer and an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Ignition selaniod isn't working. When I turn the key to start the car, the ignition thinks the car has started, but the engine doesn't turn over. It takes multiple tries to get the car to start.
The camshaft positioning sensor a circuit intermittent can go bad leading the engine to stop working all together this could cause a very serious accident if driving on the road
This is not as much a complaint as a request for help. Since March of 2013 I have replaced 5 throttle bodies and 3 gas pedal sensors, all oem parts. The problem that happened again today: Driving at normal highway speed [55/60] the eml, traction control and brake warning lights all went on. Pulled over and turned off. Restarted, now "service engine, eml, traction control and brake lights" were on. Turned off, restarted, same lighting situation, very rough idle and car would not drive, as it was struggling for fuel. Unplugged the "mass air flow sensor": car started, displayed no warning lights, drove fine about 8 miles to repair shop. Code read shows, "throttle position sensor", replaced..same problem within minutes of driving. A little internet research on E46 finds this an all to common problem with no solution. Thanks in advance.
The contact owned a 2002 BMW 323. The contact stated while making a turn the vehicle would stall without warning. The vehicle was taken a dealership where the technician was unable to diagnose a problem. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The failure and current mileage were unknown.
- Killen, AL, USA
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Battery and alternator checked good with various service providers yet vehicle had a persistent battery drain witch would only appear after car was on the road and driving. After car stopped running due to low battery it then would not restart. No warning lights would come on until just a minute or two prior to engine quitting. Took vehicle to monrovia BMW in monrovia ca and was told that alternator was faulty. Installed new (not rebuilt) specified alternator and new battery and 5 months later same problem came back. Further own personal investigation found that BMW is aware of a faulty electrical system design flaw and I was never told about from BMW tech's at time of inspection as to the possibility of a system problem when the climate control "blower motor resistor" of "final stage unit" (fsu) and its internal resistor fails. This part has hundreds of write ups online from other owners and has gone back many years. When the part fails it leads to a whole variety of electrical problems with the affected vehicle. This could lead to a full engine shut down and lead to a crash. My vehicle has also been experiencing loss of engine coils and these are also part of the electrical system that could be being impacted by this fsu / resistor problem. Fire and or other electrical problems are also possible.
2002 BMW 325ci. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle engine problems. The consumer stated the engine would stall, when he reduced his speed. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, several times in order for them to examine and fix the engine stall problem. However, each time he visited the dealer, they were unable to locate the cause of the problem.
The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325I. The contact stated that there was a loud noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the mechanical main belt tensioner had to be replaced with a hydraulic version assembly. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 119,170 and the current mileage was 119,300.
Service engine soon light is on. Dealership technician checked fault memory and found code 190 O2S fault R/R lower splash shield R/R valve cover and injectors. Replaced sensor and cleared fault.
Oil level sensor keeps tripping all the time. Dealership technician checked the oil level sensor to be faulty. Found fault 11 thermal oil sensor. Replaced sensor.
Headlights came on for brake, ABS, traction, etc. And car went dead. Dealership technician performed battery and draw test. No draws were found so battery was deemed failed. Replaced battery.
Battery was replaced a few weeks ago but it went dead again. Took that car back to the dealership. The dealership technician found an open circuit in alternator. Replaced alternator.
Noticed that there is a loud squeal noise from the engine. Dealership technician found that water pump was leaking coolant onto engine belts. Bleeder screw was stripped in expansion tank. Replaced the water pumpand filled system upon bleeding the system found the bleeder screw stripped out. Replaced coolant expansion tank and bleeder screw.
Saw oil on the asphalt so took car to the dealership. Technician looked over the car and found vanos profile gasket is leaking oil. Valve cover gasket is leaking. Replaced vanos profile gaskets and valve cover gasket.
Noticed fan belt is making noise. Dealership found faulty mechanical style alternator belt tensioner. Replaced alternator belt tensioner with hydraulic tensioner and new belt.
Heard a high pitched noise when starting and driving the car. Took to dealership - technician said that he found that the alt belt tensioner pulley was faulty and also found deflector pulley defective. Replaced.
Coolant light went on while driving. Went to dealership - technician stated that coolant tank was empty. Performed pressure test and found expansion tank and upper radiator hose leaking. Replaced expansion tank and upper hose.
Vehicle was burning a quart of oil every 800 miles. Compression test and leak down test showed 220psi. Technician suspected crankcase vent valve. Replaced crankcase vent valve.
Was putting oil into the engine every 500 miles for about 2-3 months and finally decided enough was enough. No accidents with car. Took the car to the dealership, technician performed leak down test on engine and noticed cylinder 1 reading at 50 psi and #2 cylinder reading at 5 psi. Performed compression test and cylinder #1 and #2 failed. Complete engine replacement was done as repairs could not be guaranteed. Cost was over $5000.
Had major oil leak from valve cover area. Was putting a quart of oil into the car every 500 miles. When brought to dealership found out that valve cover was cracked. Dealership repaired and replaced the valve cover and gaskets.
- Scarsdale, NY, USA
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Corona, CA, USA