2002 BMW 5 Series
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 85 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 81 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2023 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: structure.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190219
1 of 7 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030305
1 of 7 total reports mentions: power train.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING AT 50 MPH I WAS BEING HARASSED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140701
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 2008-20
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 co
Campaign 12E029000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 19E058000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 BMW 5 Series — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12E029000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19E058000 (steering) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2002 BMW 5 Series reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW 5 Series?
The most-reported component is visibility:windshield, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 5 Series have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.