2001 vs 2002 BMW 5 Series

Both years

• Cooling system failure All years

  What to check: Ask for records of the expansion tank, water pump, thermostat and radiator, and watch the temperature gauge on a long drive.

  Euro Premium Parts calls the cooling system the most critical issue on the six, with plastic parts that turn brittle and can fail together, overheating the engine. CarGurus also advises watching the cooling system and changing the coolant regularly.

  CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Timing chain guides on the V8 All years One source so far

  What to check: Listen for a rattle at a cold start.

  Euro Premium Parts says the M62's plastic chain guides wear, and that a failed tensioner left alone can wreck the engine.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Cracks at the rear subframe mounts All years One source so far

  What to check: Have the rear subframe mounting points inspected for cracks, especially on a 540i.

  Euro Premium Parts says the mounting points in the body can crack under stress, making the car unstable, and that the repair means reinforcement welding.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Worn front control arm bushings and ball joints All years One source so far

  What to check: On the test drive, feel for vague steering and listen for clunks.

  Euro Premium Parts calls this nearly universal on E39s past 80,000 miles.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Missing pixels in the instrument cluster All years One source so far

  What to check: Look for dead rows of pixels in the cluster's display.

  Euro Premium Parts calls this very common on older E39s, and minor.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• VANOS wear on the six All years One source so far

  What to check: Feel for a rough idle or a loss of power.

  Euro Premium Parts says the VANOS solenoid and seals degrade with age, and that a rebuild kit is a well-known repair.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

Both years

• 17V047000 2001–2002

  A replacement driver's airbag inflator can rupture as its propellant degrades. Owners are told not to drive until dealers inspect and replace it. NHTSA

• 19V015000 2000–2003

  The sports steering wheel's airbag inflator can explode as its propellant degrades. Owners are told not to drive until dealers inspect and replace it. NHTSA

Both years

Engines

4.4L V8 CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference, 2.5L inline-six (2001–2003) CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L inline-six (2001–2003) Edmunds, a published reference

Transmissions

Five-speed manual Edmunds, a published reference, Five-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference, Six-speed manual Edmunds, a published reference

Drivetrains

Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, a published reference

Body styles

Sedan Edmunds, a published reference, Sport Wagon (1999–2003) Edmunds, a published reference

Packages

Sport Package Edmunds, Cold Weather Package Edmunds

Both years

• Orient Blue Metallic 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Alpine White 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Jet Black 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Titanium Silver Metallic 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Oxford Green Metallic 2000–2003 Edmunds

Both years

• Sand 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Gray 2000–2003 Edmunds
• Black 2000–2003 Edmunds

Both years

• Sought after: The E39 as a driver's car All years One source so far

  CarGurus says the E39 is generally considered the most rewarding 5 Series to drive and the best of the breed to many fans, and that it is starting to appreciate as a classic. CarGurus