Mention the BMW E46, and it immediately brings the generation’s most popular car to mind — the E46 M3. However, the fourth generation of the BMW 3-Series had some impressive non-M models in its portfolio as well.
Take the 2002 BMW 325i, for example. It wasn’t nearly as capable as the E46 M3 or even the BMW 330i that sat higher up in the lineup, but it still had plenty to offer. When it made its debut two decades ago, prices for the BMW 325i started at just under $30,000. Today, thanks to the rise in popularity of other models in the E46 range, like the M3 and the 330i, you can get a pre-owned 2002 BMW 325i for a fraction of the cost.
However, this car has been around for 20 years now, and even the most pampered examples are bound to show signs of aging. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you should know before buying a 2002 BMW 325i and if it makes more sense for you than its older sibling, the BMW 330i.
2002 BMW 325i — The Entry Into the E46 3-Series
The year 2002 was of notable importance for BMW in North America. It marked the introduction of the facelifted BMW 3-Series, the German manufacturer’s most popular model in our market at the time. This facelift saw the BMW 325i debut in place of the BMW 323i, and the BMW 330i replaced the BMW 328i. This wasn’t just a change in terminology since the facelift, or Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) as BMW calls it, also saw the M52 engines on both models give way to the more modern M54 unit.
The BMW 325i and 330i were the only two 3-Series models that BMW sold in our market in 2002; however, they were both available in multiple body styles and with the option of BMW’s all-wheel-drive xDrive system, resulting in a rather extensive portfolio.
While the BMW 330i featured a 3.0 L iteration of the M54 engine, the 325i made do with a 2.5 L version. Understandably, it was the more affordable model and acted as the entry into BMW’s lineup. However, despite its entry-level status, the 2002 BMW 325i came well-equipped on all fronts.
As part of the facelift, it received a fresh new design, Xenon headlights, Dynamic Stability Control, a revised interior trim, and re-engineered suspension and chassis.
What Engine Is in the 2002 BMW 325i?
The 2002 BMW 325i is powered by the naturally-aspirated, inline-six M54 engine that displaced 2,494 ccs. The M54 borrows some of its construction solutions and design from its predecessor, the BMW M52 engine.
The M54 features an electronic throttle, non-return fuel system, Siemens MS 43 engine management system with two knock sensors, a dual resonance intake system, and double VANOS. Like its predecessor, the M52TU, the M54 is made from an aluminum block and features an aluminum cylinder head with cast iron cylinder liners.
On the BMW 325i, this engine came paired to a 5-speed Getrag manual or automatic gearbox.
How Fast is a 2002 BMW 325i?
The 2002 BMW 325i had an official 0-60mph time of 7.1 seconds. Helping it get there was the 2.5L inline-six M54 engine that produced 184 hp at 6,000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Meanwhile, the top speed was electronically limited to 128 mph.
A pre-owned example of the car may not be able to achieve the same results considering its age and condition, but the M54 is a sturdy engine that can handle more power. Some basic modifications to the engine will help you extract more performance and turn the 325i into quite an enjoyable machine.
2002 BMW 325i Trim Levels
The 2002 BMW 325i was sold with three optional trim levels — ZCW, ZSP, and ZPP — each of which came with its own share of equipment and features. The nomenclature may seem a little unique, but it’s what BMW chose to denote the different trims it made available in the U.S. market.
ZCW (Cold Weather Package)
The ZCW, or cold weather package, was the most basic of the four trim levels that BMW made available for the E46 3-Series in our market. In fact, in certain regions with colder climates, it wasn’t even considered one of the optional trims since most buyers saw it as a necessity. This package added heated seats, headlamp washers, and a ski bag that fits through the armrest of the back seat.
ZSP (Sport Package)
The ZSP or sport package offered with the 2002 BMW 325i was a popular addition to the car, and you should be able to find multiple examples of it on the pre-owned market. In fact, we recommend looking for a 325i in ZSP trim since it will feature sportier seats and suspension with stiffer springs and more rigid sway bars.
Lastly, the package also added larger wheels with grippier low profile tires. These updates resulted in a car that was notably more agile and eager around corners.
ZPP (Premium Package)
The premium package, or ZPP trim as BMW refers to it, was the top-of-the-line option with which the BMW 325i was available. It included all the ZSP had to offer, along with different wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a multifunction steering wheel, updated interior trim, a moon-roof, and power seats.
Is the 2002 BMW 325i Reliable?
The BMW 325i and other BMW E46 models have gone down in history for being some of the most reliable 3-Series cars ever made. The M54 shares much of its construction with the M52, so the German manufacturer had ironed out most of its technical issues by the time it made its way onto the 2002 BMW 325i.
While the present condition of a pre-owned car primarily depends on how previous owners have maintained the vehicle, the BMW 325i is pretty robust by design. So most examples you’ll find out there have stood the test of time relatively well.
Pre-purchase Inspection — Known Issues
Remember that the 2002 BMW 325i has been around for two decades. That’s a long time for any automobile; even the finest examples of German engineering are sure to show signs of wear. Any technical abnormalities vary based on how well the car’s previous owners took care of it. However, there are some more common issues that you should keep an eye out for before purchasing a used 2002 BMW 325i.
Unreliable Cooling System
As the BMW 325i started to age, it began to show several flaws, and one of the more notoriously common ones was the cooling system.
Before finalizing a purchase, ask the previous owner if the water pump, radiator, hoses, and thermostat have been replaced recently. The water pump on these cars typically lasts around 100,000 miles, but poor maintenance can cause them to fail much sooner.
A 2002 BMW 325i has likely made it well past the 100,000 mark, so if the water pump hasn’t been replaced recently, it may be your expense to bear. We offer complete water pump kits for the BMW 325i, so you don’t have to hunt for a replacement.
Sometimes the water pump may not be the only component that needs to be replaced. Other parts of the cooling system, like all the hoses, radiator, and thermostat, may need to be swapped out for newer ones, which can add up to some rather hefty service bills. If a car you’re looking at needs a lot of work with the cooling system, it makes sense to look for one in better shape.
VANOS Problems
The BMW M54 that powers the 2002 BMW 325i was one of the earlier engines to feature double VANOS — variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust camshaft. If you’ve read some of the older stories on this page, you should know that VANOS hasn’t been the most reliable piece of tech from the German marquee.
The system uses solenoids that actuate the cam gears, thus opening and closing the valves. Unfortunately, these solenoids have shown a history of unreliability.
A sudden, unexpected drop in performance, erratic idling, or a drop in fuel efficiency are all signs that you could be dealing with VANOS-related issues. The only way to verify this is to scan your vehicle for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) related to VANOS using an OBD-II diagnostic device.
Even though the solenoids are cheap, replacing them will require dismantling the engine, which is expensive. Maintaining the engine well and ensuring that oil changes are carried out regularly will reduce the probability of VANOS issues.
DISA Valve
An essential component of the intake system on the M54 engine is the DISA (Differentiated Intake System) valve. The engineers at BMW created a flap mechanism that controls how much air enters the plenum and when it reaches the intake valves. This mechanism is located in the intake manifold. Overall, it’s a fantastic system that, when fully operational, increases power and fuel efficiency.
The issue is that DISA valves deteriorate once the engine has completed 70,000 to 100,000 miles. If you’re lucky, you can get by just replacing the DISA valve seal. However, if the extent of wear is severe, the entire mechanism must be replaced.
Valve Cover and Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks
The BMW M54, like most other modern Bimmer engines, uses a plastic valve cover with a rubber valve cover gasket. These parts are susceptible to wear and cracking from the high temperatures they function in. If either of them fails, there will be an oil leak.
If you spot oil in the engine compartment, it’s likely the valve cover gasket has failed. Another symptom you may notice is thick, white smoke from the engine bay — this happens when leaking engine oil drips onto one of the high-temperature components around the engine.
A valve cover or gasket-related oil leak isn’t typically a cause for serious concern, and the issue can be resolved by simply replacing the affected component. However, if you let the problem persist, it may starve the engine of oil and result in more serious mechanical damage.
Oil Filter Housing Leak
The oil filter housing is another part that deteriorates over time, like the valve cover and gasket. If the gasket which seals the oil filter housing to the engine cracks, it will leak oil. While all oil leaks need to be fixed immediately, one from the filter housing may have more severe repercussions.
This is because it can cause the serpentine belt to come off and send bits of it into the front crank seal or the engine. The result? A totaled engine that will cost you a few thousand dollars to rebuild.
Should You Buy a 2002 BMW 325i in 2022?
Even two decades after it debuted, the 2002 BMW 325i remains a worthy contender if you want to own a BMW E46 3-Series. Sure, it isn’t as powerful or well-equipped as the BMW 330i, but it still makes for a commendable daily driver — especially so equipped in the ZSP trim. It will cost you slightly less to acquire and maintain while returning better gas mileage than the larger 3.0L engine on the 330i.
Sometimes, sourcing parts for a pre-owned Bimmer can be cumbersome. That’s where we come in. At Bimmers.com, we’ve compiled an extensive catalog that includes nearly everything you’ll need to restore or keep a BMW in excellent running condition.
Head over to our store, enter your car’s model and year, and we’ll show you all the parts that are a guaranteed fit for your Bimmer!
Hi bimmers.com owner, Keep sharing your knowledge!
We just purchased a 2002 325ci with 215,000 on the odometer. The car looks and runs great. However a lot of parts have been replaced already it came with new hard lines for the cooling system and new ball joints and control arms. I get the pleasure of installing these parts. We got a great deal on the car so I don’t mind.
I own a 02 330ci, these cars aren’t hard to work on with some studying of the engine. I’m actually looking for a 325 for my daughter since she just got her driver’s permit. Not comfortable throwing her into a rwd for her first car, so I’ll be looking into an xi model instead. I’ve done almost all the maintenance on my 330, Vanos is last thing that it needs done. Grab them while you can, they’re worth the small headaches.