2002 vs 2003 BMW 5 Series

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

2002

Nothing that 2003 lacks.

2003

Nothing that 2002 lacks.

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)

Rare catches

2002

Nothing that 2003 lacks.

2003

  • Rare 540i M-Sport Package

    A limited run for the US in 2003 A published reference

    1,190 built for United States A published reference

Recalls

2002

  • 01V352000 2002

    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

  • 02V057000 2002

    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

  • 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

2003

Nothing that 2002 lacks.

Both years

  • 15V318000 2002–2003

    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

  • 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

What changed between

After 2002, up to and including 2003.

  1. 2003The 530i can have a new sport package with sport suspension, and the 540i M-Sport is sold as a limited model. CarGurus, a published reference

What it came with

2002

Nothing that 2003 lacks.

2003

Packages
540i M-Sport (2003) A published reference

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

Colors

2002

Nothing that 2003 lacks.

2003

  • Slate Green Metallic 2003 Edmunds
  • Sterling Gray Metallic 2003 Edmunds
  • Topaz Blue Metallic 2003 Edmunds
  • Blue Water Metallic 2003 Edmunds
  • Titanium Gray Metallic 2003 Edmunds
  • Steel Blue Metallic 2003 Edmunds
  • Toledo Blue Metallic 2003 Edmunds
  • Kalahari Beige Metallic 2003 Edmunds
  • Black Sapphire Metallic 2003 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

Interiors

2002

Nothing that 2003 lacks.

2003

  • Stone Green/Black 2003 Edmunds

Both years

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

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2002

Nothing that 2003 lacks.

2003

Nothing that 2002 lacks.

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