2002 BMW M5 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2002 BMW M5.

20012003
Complaints
7
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2002 BMW M5 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#11 complaints

Airbags

#21 complaints

Electrical Faults

#31 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2002 BMW M5.

Airbags
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical Faults
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Rear Window Wiper/Washer
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 BMW M5. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2002 BMW M5

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~649,352 vehicles.

17V047000Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
~230,117 affected

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 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

15V318000Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
~419,235 affected

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 Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Other BMW M5 Years

2002 BMW M5 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2002 BMW M5 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2002 BMW M5 has 7 NHTSA complaints, 0 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Airbags with 1 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2002 BMW M5?
Top reported problems: Airbags (1 complaints); Electrical Faults (1 complaints); Transmission / Drivetrain (1 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
How safe is the 2002 BMW M5?
NHTSA complaints for the 2002 BMW M5 include 0 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2002 BMW M5 have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 649,352 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2002 BMW M5?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full BMW M5 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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