VehicleVerdict

2002 BMW 5 Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2002 BMW 5 Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

10

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other 5 Series years?

5 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted140 complaints1989: 1 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 6 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 3 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 10 complaints2003: 19 complaints2004: 89 complaints2005: 26 complaints2006: 125 complaints2007: 22 complaints2008: 140 complaints2009: 12 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 96 complaints2012: 12 complaints2023: 0 complaints
5 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 5 Series years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 BMW 5 Series problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other220%
Transmission220%
Engine220%
Visibility & Wipers110%
Body & Structure110%
Lighting110%
Suspension110%

Does the 2002 BMW 5 Series have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19E058000SteeringAugust 28, 2019 · 614 units

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.

12E029000EngineAugust 10, 2012 · 585 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I HAVE A 2002 525I WHICH I DROVE TO WORK ON JANUARY 15, 2019. AFTER BEING IN WORK FOR 15 MINUTES, I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE TOP OF THE HOOD, UNDER THE HOOD, AND UNDER THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE. I HAVE READ ABOUT THE PVC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 15, 2019 · fire

“I HAVE A 2002 525I WHICH I DROVE TO WORK ON JANUARY 15, 2019. AFTER BEING IN WORK FOR 15 MINUTES, I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE TOP OF THE HOOD, UNDER THE HOOD, AND UNDER THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE. I HAVE READ ABOUT THE PVC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 15, 2019 · fire

“DRIVING AT 50 MPH I WAS BEING HARASSED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT. I DECIDED TO LET HIM PASS BUT FIRST I HAD TO SPEED UP TO 58 MPH INORDER TO COMPLETELY OVERTAKE A PASSENGER CAR TO MY RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) I GAVE THE THROTTLE SOME GAS AND THE CAR WENT NOWHERE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 12, 2013 · crash

“XENON HEADLIGHTS ARE TOO BRIGHT, BLIND ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THESE HEADLIGHTS SHOULD BE BANNED! WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO HEADLIGHT STANDARDS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 2, 2002

“I HAVE A 2002 525I WHICH I DROVE TO WORK ON JANUARY 15, 2019. AFTER BEING IN WORK FOR 15 MINUTES, I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE TOP OF THE HOOD, UNDER THE HOOD, AND UNDER THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE. I HAVE READ ABOUT THE PVC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 15, 2019 · fire

2002 BMW 5 Series — common questions

Is the 2002 BMW 5 Series reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2002 5 Series problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (2 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 2002 BMW 5 Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 BMW 5 Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 5 Series years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 5 Series years to avoid are 2008, 2006, 2011, 2004. The cleanest record among 5 Series years belongs to 2023.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.