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2002 BMW X5 problems

The most common problem on the 2002 BMW X5 is engine and cooling, typically around 86,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical X5 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
102
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
70
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
13-16mpg

The worst 2002 BMW X5 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 BMW X5

Stalling 13Engine failure 7Fire or smoke 7Wipers 7Door locks 6Airbag light 5Check engine light 5Power windows 5

Recalls 3

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 20, 2017 · 230,117 vehicles affected
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

Seat belts: front: buckle assemblyReported February 4, 2003 · 2,635 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the connection of the safety belt buckle to the steel rope of the tensioner does not meet bmw specifications. In severe frontal crashes, this connection can detach.
Risk
If the connection detaches, the protection provided by the safety belt is likely to be impaired, and serious injuries to the driver and/or front passenger could occur that might otherwise be mitigated.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect both front safety belt tensioner and buckle assemblies, and if necessary, replace these parts. Owner notification began march 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.

Recall number 03V032000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported January 9, 2003 · 84,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, it may be possible for the front brake line to slip out of the retaining bracket located at the front strut. The brake hose that is attached to the brake line could come in contact with the tire and be subjected to wear and abrasion.
Risk
This could initially cause some brake fluid leakage, and eventually lead to a substantial loss of brake fluid. There could be a noticeable reduction in brake performance if a loss of front brake performance occurs.
Remedy
Dealers will install an additional retaining clip to further secure the brake line to the front strut. Additionally, if inspection of any brake hose indicates that it has experienced damage, the hose will be replaced. Owner notification began february 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.

Recall number 03V001000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2002 BMW X5

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 BMW X5 70

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 70 bulletins for the 2002 BMW X5

2002 BMW X5 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD141916
4.4L 8‑cyl4WD121614
4.6L 8‑cyl4WD111613

What 2002 BMW X5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 18, 2025 · Airbags · LA

Bmw has failed on several occasions to address this issue or service vehicle. I have made them aware of the situation but continue to receive letters that indicate I could die of the airbag.

Filed Mar 25, 2023 · Steering · CA

Several components or systems have failed or malfunctioned, including the ABS module, power steering, rear left turn signal connection, speedometer, and there are various error codes (P0313, P0500, P1093, P2098, OBDII FAIL, OBD bulb check FAIL). It is not clear if these components are available for inspection upon request based on the information provided. The safety of the driver and others on the road was put at risk due to the failure of the ABS module, the absence of power steering, and the non-functioning rear left turn signal. The malfunctioning ABS system can lead to reduced braking efficiency and increased stopping distances, while the lack of power steering can make the vehicle harder to control. Additionally, the non-functioning rear left turn signal can cause confusion for other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of accidents. It is not clear from the information provided if the problem has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. There is no information provided about whether the vehicle or its components have been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. The warning lamps and messages, such as the DSC BRAKE and ABS lights, including the check engine light in the dash terminal, have appeared prior to the failure of the mentioned components. The error codes (P0313, P0500, P1093, P2098, OBDII FAIL, OBD bulb check FAIL) also indicate issues with the vehicle. It is not clear when these warning lamps, messages, and error codes first appeared.

Filed Apr 9, 2021 · Locks · 117,000 miles · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw x5. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the hood inadvertently unlatched causing damage to the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the hood shocks and hood hinges to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was still awaiting a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

Filed Apr 1, 2021 · Body · 117,000 miles · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw x5. The contact stated that he did not secure the vehicle's hood latch when he put the hood down. The contact then drove the vehicle at 35 MPH, when the hood flung up. No warning lights illuminated. Bmw of north liberty (525 madison ave, north liberty, ia 52317) was contacted and made aware of the issue. The dealer informed that they could not come to a conclusive decision as to determine if the vehicle was equipped with the hood warning system. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the shocks inside the hood had ripped loose and the hood needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed that the rearview mirror would alert, if the hood was open and the complaint would be forwarded to their safety engineer, however since the vehicle was not taken to a certified bmw mechanic for routine maintenance, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 117,000.

Filed Mar 31, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · 230,000 miles · TN · fire

Car was parked. I tried to unlock my car with the key fob and nothing happened. I unlocked the door with the key and after getting in the central locking system would not work. After researching the problem I found that the gmiii controls the central locking as well as other items like the windshield wipers, interior lights, sun roof, and rear upper and lower hatch. I orders a new one and when I took the old one out to replace it I found that it had caught on fire and blew fuse 14. It appears a thyristor or tiac got to hot and set the board and case on fire. I had smelt a plastic smell earlier while driving so it may have been burning before I parked. I am attaching photos.

Filed Oct 23, 2020 · Airbags, Engine · 153,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw x5. The contact stated that several warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel at vehicle start-up. The contact attempted to repair the vehicle independently. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v047000 (air bags). The contact spoke with moss motors bmw (1401 surrey st, lafayette, la 70501) where they offered no assistance. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 153,000.

Filed Apr 5, 2020 · Airbags, Electrical · 179,000 miles · IL

Was driving home and my dash lights started to flash on and off after I shut the car off my and pulled the keys out my left rear tail light stayed on the next morning my battery was dead. So I pulled the battery and charged it now when I connect the battery all my lights flash randomly with no key in it. I have not driven the car for 3 months it is not safe and the nearest bmw servies is 40 miles away . I have a recall for the air bag , but not taking a chance on driving it to get fixed

Filed Mar 29, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 150,000 miles · WI · fire

The dashboard went dark, only gauge that worked was the tachometer which I couldnt see because I had no dashboard lights. Stopped vehicle and took the keys out couldnt turn my lights off had no turn signals,the 3rd brake light was on all night long killing the battery I tried every fuse. Also my headlights wouldnt turn off the lighting controls were useless, and just kept smelling an electronic burning smell. I managed to disconnect all the lights except the 3rd brake light. Couldnt disconnect the battery because the lift gate to get into the back wouldn't work and the center console hazards stuck on and door locks didn't work I had to remove the glove box and all the paneling and track down the smell. Turns out the problem with this vehicle is that the rain manages to work itself down the inside of the a frame on both driver and passenger sides of the vehicle on driver side it destroys the obd module but on the passenger side it trickles directly into the lcm lighting control module which completely takes your eyes off the road when you cant see the dashboard your headlights start strobing on and off and then half get stuck on and half just dont work but when you spend the hours getting to the lcm to find out it has melted right into the side of your vehicle and you can tell it was on fire !! And this has happened to numerous people on the bmw forums im just happy my 3 year old son wasn't with me. And the real kicker is that I have no vehicle now and it cost 600$ for a new lcm that has to be programmed to your vehicle which will cost another 300$ when I could have hurt someone else or myself when you cant see but you can smell somethings burning its a hazard to everyone on and off the road .

Filed Oct 4, 2019 · Airbags, Electrical · 150,368 miles · UT

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw x5. After the vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v047000 (air bags), the horn activated on its own. The vehicle was taken five times to bmw of murray (located at 4735 state st, murray, ut 84107, (801) 262-2479) for repairs, but the failure recurred. After the last repair, the steering wheel was not aligned and the cruise control did not function. Also, the volume control button and horn failed to function. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 150,368.

Filed Sep 23, 2019 · Airbags · 150,705 miles · VA

Received a notice from dmv of virginia that the air bag is recalled and needs to be replaced. Upon calling the bmw recall line, they said the recall is new and is dated january 2019. Set up an appointment to have the bag replaced at flow bmw in winston-salem, nc on september 13, 2019, they informed the bag had already been replaced and that no repair was necessary. I checked my records on this vehicle and the air bag has never been replaced. How does this make sense when the recall is dated january 2019 and my vehicle has not been serviced during 2019 by a bmw dealer.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2002 BMW X5 before you buy

Compare the 2002 BMW X5

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2002 BMW X5

Is the 2002 BMW X5 reliable?

Owners have filed 102 complaints about the 2002 BMW X5, close to a typical X5 model year.

What is the 2002 BMW X5 year score?

The 2002 BMW X5 scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW X5: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 BMW X5?

Engine and cooling, with 28 complaints, typically around 86,000 miles. Next is airbags (19).

How many recalls does the 2002 BMW X5 have?

3 recalls, covering air bags, seat belts and service brakes, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 2002 BMW X5 get?

Official estimates for the 2002 BMW X5 range from 13 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 14 city and 19 highway.

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