Spontaneous fire that began under the hood while sitting in the drive-thru line at a fast food restaurant. Vehicle was running, but was stopped at the "pay" window. Began smelling burning odor and then noticed light smoke coming from gap between hood and front quarter panels. While awaiting fire department arrival, flames became visible from the engine area and reached a height approximately 3 feet above the hood. Vehicle had been driven several times that day and showed no signs of malfunction. In addition, there had been no recent work done on the vehicle. Last repair to the vehicle was 6 months prior that consisted of body repair done on the opposite side of the vehicle.
The worst 2002 BMW 530 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine2
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine2
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
Recalls 1
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 17V047000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 BMW 530 8
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- Engine will crank but not start
- Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle
- Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may...
- Program dme
- Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty. rm
- Bmw: a new technical process has been created for bmw to identify causes of steering complaints with a...
- Bmw vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. where it is necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel...
What 2002 BMW 530 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Certain bmw engines have an oil separator valve. It is part of the crankcase ventilation system, and it is intended to eliminate moisture from the oil. Several bmw owners are now reporting that this valve can freeze in very cold temperatures. When it freezes, excess pressure develops in the crankcase. Valve cover gaskets often blow out, and oil often pumped into the intake creating heavy amounts of oil smoke. In my case the engine stalled and could not be restarted. The disabled vehicle created an obvious traffic hazard, as well s a secondary risk of exposure to vehicle occupants in subzero temperatures. Bmw has issued an internal technical note to its dealers, and has developed a retrofit kit to remedy the defect. Cost for dealer repair is approximately $1,800. Bmw is not offering to reimburse owners for repairs incurred out of warranty.
Key was in accessory position, son was in passenger seat and accidentally hit the gear shift button and took the car out of gear, while reaching to change radio. Car rolled into embankment. If the key is in the accessory position (motor not running) the car can be placed into gear without placing the foot on the brake.
Brakes apply too quickly, stops suddenly.
Compare the 2002 BMW 530
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Questions about the 2002 BMW 530
Is the 2002 BMW 530 reliable?
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2002 BMW 530, fewer than a typical 530 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 BMW 530?
Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is body (1).
How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 530 have?
1 recall, covering air bags.
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