2002 BMW 5 Series E39

Overview

Engines

4.4L V8, 2.5L inline-six, 3.0L inline-six

Came as

• Sedan
• Sport Wagon

On record

6 warnings, 5 recalls

What changed for 2002

No change is recorded for 2002.

Compare 2002 with 2001

Colors

• Orient Blue Metallic2000–2003
• Alpine White2000–2003
• Jet Black2000–2003
• Titanium Silver Metallic2000–2003
• Oxford Green Metallic2000–2003

Interiors

• Sand2000–2003
• Gray2000–2003
• Black2000–2003

Sources: Edmunds

Specs

Badges

• 540i: 4.4L V8, Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• 525i: 2.5L inline-six, Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• 530i: 3.0L inline-six, Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference

Engines

• 4.4L V8 M62 CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference

  282 hp, with 310 lb-ft at first and 324 lb-ft from 1998

• 2.5L inline-six M54 engine page CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference

  184 hp in CarGurus' guide, 185 hp in Edmunds' 2001 review · 2001–2003

• 3.0L inline-six M54 engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  225 hp and 214 lb-ft · 2001–2003

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

Figures for the whole E39

• Model code: E39 A published reference
• Built: Mostly in Dingolfing, Germany, from 1995 to May 2004 A published reference
• Total built: 1,488,038, of which 266,209 were Touring wagons A published reference
• US sales: 19,294 from May 1999 to May 2000, and 15,233 the year after A published reference
• Consumer Reports: Gave the 530i its highest car rating to date in 2001 A published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Cooling system failure All years

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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)

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 2000–2003 Recall 19V015000

  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

• 2001–2002 Recall 17V047000

  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

• 2002–2003 Recall 15V318000

  Moisture can get into the driver's dual-stage airbag, whose inflator can then rupture. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace the airbag. NHTSA

• 2002 Recall 02V057000

  A thrust bearing in the front strut mounts may not have been positioned and secured, so a strut could separate from its mount. Dealers replace both upper mounts. NHTSA

• 2002 Recall 01V352000

  The tires' outer sidewalls may have been cut when they were fitted, and can slowly lose pressure. Dealers inspect all five tires and replace any that are cut. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• 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

Maintenance

• Engine oil and filter All years

  Replace every 5,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, rather than following the service indicator A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.

• Cooling system All years

  Replace every 80,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts advises replacing the expansion tank, water pump, thermostat, hoses and radiator at or before 80,000 miles, whatever the symptoms A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask whether the cooling system has been renewed.

• Differential and gearbox fluid All years

  Replace every 50,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts advises it despite BMW calling it a lifetime fill A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Brake fluid All years

  Replace every 2 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

Warranty when new