Model year guide

2002 BMW X5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 BMW X5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 78 on record.

2002 BMW X5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 BMW X5 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints116
Combined15 mpg
Typical price$3,924

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2002 BMW X5 recalls 3

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #17V047000 · 20/01/2017

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 repla…

Fix: 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 1-800-525-74…

Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly NHTSA Campaign #03V032000 · 04/02/2003

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.

Fix: 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 REASONABL…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #03V001000 · 09/01/2003

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.

Fix: 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 T…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2002 BMW X5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2002 BMW X5 MPG & running costs

Combined15 mpg
City13 mpg
Highway18 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,983

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2002 BMW X5 worth?

Low
$2,200
Typical price
$3,924
High
$5,800

From 78 comparable 2002 BMW X5 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 BMW X5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$24,915
Fuel only$24,915
Per mile$0.33

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2002 BMW X5 trims & engines on record

Trims
3.0i · 4.4i · 4.6is
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 225 hp · 4.4L 8-cyl 290 hp · 4.6L 8-cyl 342 hp

2002 BMW X5 vehicles on record

Other BMW X5 model years

2002 BMW X5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 BMW X5 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2002 BMW X5. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW X5?

Based on 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, electrical system, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2002 BMW X5 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2002 BMW X5 at about 15 mpg combined (13 city / 18 highway).

How much is a 2002 BMW X5 worth?

Comparable 2002 BMW X5 listings run roughly $2,200–$5,800, typically around $3,924 (from 78 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.