2002 BMW M5
Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 6 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2006 | 38 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2013 | 10 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility
2 of 6 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing rear window wiper/washer.
Show complaint excerpts
My rear view mirror failed and leaked a substance which dripped onto my shift lever. Unknowingly I placed my hand on the lever and was contaminated. I also was breathing the vapors which smelled somewhat like dry cleaning fluid.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-06-16
For some months now, my rearview mirror has been discolored/obstructed with a fluid "Bubble" In the glass.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-09-09
Structure
1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
There are no power modifications to my vehicle, I just recently installed a lower mileage engine, along with all of the parts surrounding the engine and transmission (Ie clutch, flywheel, throwout bearing, clutch fork, etc).
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-08-01
Also filed under Power train
Seats
1 of 6 total reports mentions: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
While moving the seat forward (Valet moved it back) we found that the seats twisted; in our case, the outer side of the seat bottom moved further than the inner side, causing the seats to twist towards the center of the car and leaving them uneven...
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-12
Power train
1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train.
Electrical system
1 of 6 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Unknown battery drain causes premature failure of battery and more than average replacement intervals - every two years as opposed to 5-7 yrs. Car will not start if idle for 24-48 hours.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-06-30
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2016-08-19Air bags15V318000 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...
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.
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R
2017-03-15Air bags17V047000 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...
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 BMW M5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
- Seats: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V318000 · Air bags
- Recall 17V047000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2002 BMW M5 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 M5?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 BMW M5 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.