The Lemon Index2002 BMW 5 Series.
The 2002 BMW 5 Series is better than average by owner complaints: 23 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 55, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 16 to 22 mpg combined. The best BMW 5 Series year is 2016.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 87 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every BMW 5 Series year. 2002 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 34K to 105K miles on the car (58 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- airbags 2019
This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel.
- airbags 2015
The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusio.
- suspension 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE STRUT MOUNT MANUFACTURING PROCESS, THE THRUST BEARING WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONS AND SECURED.
Show all 4 recalls
- tires 2001
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, HAV…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 14 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Fuel level sensor repairs
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3600–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
The vehicle failed to shift, which caused the vehicle to stall.
2002 BMW 5 Series owner · NHTSA complaint 10009981
Quick answers
Is the 2002 BMW 5 Series reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 55; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW 5 Series year by this measure is 2016.
What are the most common 2002 BMW 5 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (13%), body structure (13%) and airbags (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 5 Series have?
4 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 BMW 5 Series get?
16 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2002 BMW 5 Series problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 34,700 and 105,500 miles. The middle report was at 75,500 miles, from 58 complaints.
Does the 2002 BMW 5 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2002 BMW 5 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $3600 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 BMW 5 Series have?
2.5L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
What BMW 5 Series year is better than the 2002?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2016, 2015 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works