2002 vs 2003 BMW M5
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
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Cracked rear subframe mounts All years One source so far
What to check: Have the rear subframe mounting points inspected for cracks, rust or bending, and listen for creaks from the rear.
Euro Premium Parts says the mounts can crack under the engine's torque, mostly on high-mileage or hard-driven cars, and that reinforcement kits exist.
A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Worn VANOS seals and solenoids All years
What to check: Listen for a rough idle and feel for lost low-end pull, and ask for records of VANOS work.
Euro Premium Parts calls it the most discussed concern on the S62, usually between 60,000 and 120,000 miles. CarGurus also names the VANOS seals and plastic timing chain guides.
CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)
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Rod bearing wear All years One source so far
What to check: Listen for knocking under load, and ask whether the rod bearings have been replaced.
Euro Premium Parts says the bearings can wear early on engines run on old oil, as soon as 80,000 miles on neglected cars.
A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Plastic cooling parts All years One source so far
What to check: Look for coolant leaks at the expansion tank, hoses and thermostat housing.
Euro Premium Parts says the plastic and rubber parts crack with age, and that renewing them around 80,000 to 100,000 miles is standard practice.
A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Oil leaks All years
What to check: Look for oil at the valve cover gaskets and between the cylinder banks.
Euro Premium Parts names the valley pan gasket under the intake, a labor-heavy repair, and CarGurus the valve cover gaskets. CarGurus also warns of corrosion on cars from salted roads.
CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)
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Driver's airbag recalls All years
What to check: Make sure the driver's airbag recalls were done.
CarGurus says the Takata airbag recall applies to this M5. NHTSA lists recalls for driver's airbag inflators that can rupture on 2001 to 2003 cars.
NHTSA, CarGurus
Recalls
2002
- 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
What changed between
After 2002, up to and including 2003.
- 2003DVD-based navigation, and rear head airbags become standard. Edmunds, a published reference
What it came with
2002
Nothing that 2003 lacks.
2003
Nothing that 2002 lacks.
Both years
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 itself All years One source so far
CarGurus says experts call it the best M5 to buy, for its V8, its exhaust note and the lack of the technology that came later. CarGurus
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Watch for: A car with cracks at the rear subframe mounts All years Less sought after One source so far
Euro Premium Parts calls cracking where the rear subframe mounts to the body the most serious structural concern on the E39 M5, and says to inspect it thoroughly before buying. A seller's guide (unofficial)