2002 BMW 5 Series
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Airbags & Restraints
Airbags & Restraints leads by volume: 26 of 90 complaints (29%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 101 in 2001 to 90 in 2002.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | vs. 2002 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,700–4,850 | 3,700–4,850 | 3,500–4,850 | 3,500–4,850 | 3,500–4,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–21 | 16–21 | 16–22 | 16–22 | 17–22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–18 / 19–26 | 14–18 / 19–27 | 14–18 / 19–27 | 14–18 / 19–27 | 15–19 / 22–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423–555 | 423–555 | 404–555 | 404–555 | 404–523 | |
| Complaints filed | 98 | 101 | 90 | 113 | 321 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 8 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 3 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 9 | 14 | 9 | 10 | 50 | |
| Injuries reported | 9 | 13 | 3 | 8 | 18 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 5 Series have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2002 BMW 5 Series?
Airbags & Restraints: 26 of 90 NHTSA complaints (29%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2002 BMW 5 Series get?
EPA rates it 16–22 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2002 BMW 5 Series?
EPA estimates $3,500–$4,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (10)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $3,500 (low) | 404 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 4.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 14 mpg (low) | 21 mpg | 16 mpg (low) | $4,850 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (S5) | 8 | 4.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 14 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $4,850 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (S5) | 8 | 4.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 14 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $4,850 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 12 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 13 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 26 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 17 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 7 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING · Campaign 19E058000 · Aug 28, 2019
Defect: ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
Consequence: If the steering rod detaches from the steerable wheel knuckle, it can cause sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 19V015000 · Jan 31, 2019
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 17V047000 · Jan 26, 2017
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 15V318000 · May 28, 2015
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN · Campaign 12E029000 · Aug 14, 2012
Defect: This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
Consequence: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
SUSPENSION · Campaign 02V057000 · Feb 27, 2002
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE STRUT MOUNT MANUFACTURING PROCESS, THE THRUST BEARING WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONS AND SECURED. IF THE SUSPENSION IS FULLY UNLOADED, THE FRONT STRUT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE UPPER MOUNT.
Consequence: THIS COULD AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRING STRUT UPPER MOUNTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
TIRES:SIDEWALL · Campaign 01V352000 · Nov 30, 2001
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: DURING THE TIRE MOUNTING PROCESS ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH STANDARD (NON-SPORT) SUSPENSION AND EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTITOURINGCONTACT CH95 ECOPLUS TIRES, SIZE 225/65R16 95H, HAVING DOT CODES 4001, 4101, OR 4201, THE OUTER SIDEWALL SURFACE OF THE TIRES MAY HAVE BEEN CUT BY A SHARP EDGE. OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME COULD LEAD TO A REDUCTION OF INFLATION PRESSURE.
Consequence: CONTINUED DRIVING WITH LOW INFLATION PRESSURE IN THE TIRE COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE TIRE, AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, AND COULD IN SOME CASES RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT ALL FIVE TIRES FOR A POSSIBLE CUT IN THE SIDEWALL, AND IF A CUT IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.