Most common 2002 BMW 5 Series problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 5 Series complaints by model year
Best 5 Series years: 2002, 2010, 2009. Years to avoid: 2008, 2011, 2006, 2004. Compare all years →
2002 BMW 5 Series engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 21 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 BMW 5 Series a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 5 Series rates better than average: 56% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 5 Series at the same age. It is one of the best 5 Series years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 BMW 5 Series?
The transmission & drivetrain — 2 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (2) and lights (1).
How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 5 Series have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 BMW 5 Series. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 5 Series?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2010 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2011, 2006 and 2004. See the full BMW 5 Series years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 BMW 5 Series problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.