Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi.
| Every 100,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2002 Z3 COUPE.
The 2002 BMW Z3 Coupe, based on the E36 platform, channels its power through a five-speed automatic transmission and demands a substantial 7.0-quart oil fill with viscosities like 15W-40 or 10W-30, returning an EPA-estimated 20 mpg combined. With only six owner complaints and a single recall on record, this model year stands out as a notably reliable entry in the Z3 lineage, though the air bag system remains the primary area to monitor.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 570 CCA battery, OE oil filter 11421741000. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11421741000 alt 11427512300 |
| Engine air filter | 13721730449 |
| Fuel filter | 13327831089 alt 13327512019 |
| Spark plug | 12120022902 alt 12129071003 |
| Battery | 61217586960 alt 61218381738 |
| Front wiper blades | 61619070581 alt 61611387678 |
| Thermostat | 11531318274 alt 11537509357 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic 5-spd |
| Overall length | 159.4 in |
| Overall width | 68.5 in |
| Overall height | 50.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 96.5 in |
| Curb weight | 2899 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 55.5 / 58.7 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 51/49 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 17 / 25 / 20 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 7.0 qt of 15W-40 / 10W-40 / 10W-30 API SJ engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 88 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2 Pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 3 Pints |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | 15W-40 · API · 10W-40 · 10W-30 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 7.0 qt |
| Engine Oil | 15W-40 · API · 10W-40 · 10W-30 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 7.0 qt |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 302 ft-lbs |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 302 ft-lbs |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 221 ft-lbs |
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | AT: 89 ft-lbs, MT: 78 ft-lbs |
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | AT: 89 ft-lbs, MT: 78 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs | 17 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 88 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Ignition Coil Primary Resistance | 0.8 ohms |
| Ignition Coil Primary Resistance | 0.8 ohms |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.75-2.26 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 48 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 570 cca |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 48 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 570 cca |
| Pressure Test | 14.5 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 13-17 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | 207 °F |
| Pressure Test | 14.5 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 13-17 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | 176 °F |
| Injector Primary Resistance | 15-17 ohms |
| Engine Compression | 142-156 psi |
| Brake Application | WITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 81 ft-lbs / 18-22 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 81-96 ft-lbs / 81 ft-lbs |
| Brake Application | WITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 18-22 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 49 ft-lbs |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 81 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 81-96 ft-lbs |
| 1 | 14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 15 ft. lbs., Step 3: 70 | 14 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 15 ft. lbs., Step 3: 70 | 4 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 29.5 ft. lbs. | 29.5 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 | |
| 1 | 25-29 ft. lbs. | 25–29 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 | |
| 1 | 29.5 ft. lbs. | 29.5 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90.0 ft. lbs. | 90 ft. lbs |
| 3 | 90.0 ft. lbs. | 90 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 70 | 15 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 70 | 15 ft. lbs |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi.
| Every 100,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Based on the federal record provided, 2002 complaint data is not included in the year-by-year array, limiting direct trend comparison. However, the preceding years (2000–2001) show a pattern of rising complaints (1 to 2) and TSBs (5 to 8) with zero recalls or investigations in both years. In 2002 specifically, the top complaint area is Air Bags with 2 complaints, followed by isolated reports involving Electrical/Exterior Lighting, Steering/ESC/Service Brakes, and Seat Belts—each with 1 complaint. Notably, there are zero crash-related complaints and zero fire-related complaints filed for 2002. The root causes behind the airbag complaints are not specified in the available data, so no definitive link to a systemic defect can be established. **Takeaway:** While the absence of recalls and the lack of crash or fire complaints are reassuring, the missing 2002 federal record data prevents a complete risk assessment. If the airbag complaints represent isolated incidents rather than a broader defect, the 2002 Z3 Coupe remains a reasonable purchase—but verify that any specific airbag-related issues identified in those 2 complaints were resolved through service campaigns or repairs.
All 6 complaints on record, top 5 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL… Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Showing 4 of 4 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIB-63-02-01 | 2010-08-01 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER… |
| SI B12 12 10 | 2010-06-01 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: WHEN AT LOWER SPEEDS OR STOPPING THE ENGINE IDLE DIPS TOO LOW BECAUSE OF A SOFTWARE… |
| SIB-32-04-07 | 2010-06-01 | Steering | BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING… |
| SIB-16-02-09 | 2009-12-01 | Fuel System, Gasoline | BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
7.0 qt of HIGH PERFORMANCE MINERAL OILS: ABOVE 5 degrees F: 15W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, -5 degreesF TO 68 degrees F: 10W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, 5 degreesF TO 50 degrees F: 10W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 50 degrees F: 5W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 32 degrees F:, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined mpg.