2002 BMW 5 Series: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 BMW 5 Series: 0 recalls, 7 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #12E029000 · 2012 · 585 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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,
Steering Equipment recall #19E058000 · 2019 · 614 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering center rods May have an insufficient ball pin pull force that May allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
Why it matters: If the steering rod detaches from the steerable wheel knuckle, it can cause sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (2): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Exterior lights (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2002 BMW 5 Series has 7 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 18 5 Series model years for complaints (well below the 24 average). Complaints peaked in 2003 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 85,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (3 complaints, 0 recalls), 2003 (15 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 BMW 5 Series.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2002 BMW 5 Series, but 2 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2002 BMW 5 Series problems?
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (2), exterior lights (1), engine & cooling (1).
What gas mileage does the 2002 BMW 5 Series get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 8 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 BMW 5 Series repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.