Bmw 525i 2002
Model 525i made in 2002 by Bmw got 40 consumer complains there are 2 recalls as well as 2 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to air bags, communications and electrical system. Technical service bulletines regarding exterior lighting. There were some recalls concerningsuspension, tires. The car has one 2.5 engine.
Model 2002
| Engine [L] | Cylinders | Transmission | Drive | Estimate MPG (city/highway/combined) | Unadjusted MPG (city/highway/combined) | Fuel | Fuel cost | Class | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 6 | Manual, 5 gears | R | 20/29/24 | 22.6379/37.6438/27.5864 | Premium | 1032 | COMPACT CARS | |
| 2.5 | 6 | Semiautomatic, 5 gears | R | 19/27/22 | 21.3621/34.0235/25.659 | Premium | 1126 | COMPACT CARS |
Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | ||||||||||||||||
| 02V057000 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | from 11/06/2001 to 11/20/2001 | V (Vehicle) | 4672 | 03/15/2002 | MFR | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 02/19/2002 | 02/27/2002 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain passenger vehicles, during the strut mount manufacturing process, the thrust bearing was not properly positions and secured. if the suspension is fully unloaded, the front strut could separate from the upper mount. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | This could affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will replace both front spring strut upper mounts. owner notification began march 15, 2002. 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236). | |||||||||||||||
| TIRES - SIDEWALL | ||||||||||||||||
| 01V352000 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | from 09/28/2001 to 10/24/2001 | V (Vehicle) | 1318 | 12/10/2001 | MFR | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 11/26/2001 | 11/30/2001 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Vehicle description: during the tire mounting process on certain passenger vehicles built with standard (non-sport) suspension and equipped with continental contitouringcontact ch95 ecoplus tires, size 225/65r16 95h, having dot codes 4001, 4101, or 4201, the outer sidewall surface of the tires may have been cut by a sharp edge. operation of the vehicle over a long period of time could lead to a reduction of inflation pressure. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Continued driving with low inflation pressure in the tire could ultimately result in damage to the tire, affect vehicle handling and control, and could in some cases result in a vehicle crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will inspect all five tires for a possible cut in the sidewall, and if a cut is found, the tire will be replaced. owner notification began december 10, 2001. 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236). | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | |||||
| SIB-63-02-01 | 08/01/2010 | 10037025 | Ready | 04/27/2011 | |
| SIB-63-02-01 | 08/01/2010 | 10037025 | Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty. *rm | 04/27/2011 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | |||
| 02/01/2012 | 35000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2006 bmw 525. the contact stated that the passenger airbag warning light was illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, there was a recall nhtsa campaign id number 08v384000 (air bags:frontal); however the vin was not included. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 35,000. the current mileage was 38,000.yn | |||
| AIR BAGS - FRONTAL | |||
| 09/19/2008 | 44000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 bmw 525i. the manufacturer stated that the contact's vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 08v384000 (air bags:frontal). he stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminates when no one is seated in the passenger seat. the failure and current mileages were 44,000. | |||
| 11/01/2002 | |||
| The passenger side air bag cover is coming on and off intermittenly. please provide additional information dealer is aware of the problem. ts | |||
| COMMUNICATIONS - HORN ASSEMBLY | |||
| 07/16/2007 | 48000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 bmw 525i. the driver's seat controls make a squeaking noise when moving the seat. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was not repaired. the dealer stated that there was something in the seat track, which caused the noise. when the contact locks the vehicle, the alarm sounds, but the horn would not. the failure caused the battery to fail when this occurred overnight. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they replaced the sensor; however, the failure persisted. in addition, the keys do not lock or unlock the driver's side door. the contact was informed that he needed a new module, which has not yet arrived. the failure mileage was 48,000. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 12/30/2010 | 124000 | ||
| The battery warning light fails to illuminate when the car's alternator fails. at idle a voltmeter read 11.5v. with the car off the reading was 12.2v. even if my meter is inaccurate a running car should produce a higher reading than a battery in a non-running car if the alternator is working. i removed the battery from the car and attached it to a smart charger. the charger started out reading lo. my charger reads lo when the charge is less than 50% or so, and above that reports estimated charge in increments of 10%. | |||
| 07/16/2007 | 48000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 bmw 525i. the driver's seat controls make a squeaking noise when moving the seat. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was not repaired. the dealer stated that there was something in the seat track, which caused the noise. when the contact locks the vehicle, the alarm sounds, but the horn would not. the failure caused the battery to fail when this occurred overnight. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they replaced the sensor; however, the failure persisted. in addition, the keys do not lock or unlock the driver's side door. the contact was informed that he needed a new module, which has not yet arrived. the failure mileage was 48,000. | |||
| 06/19/2003 | 21000 | 11 | 03/08/2003 |
| While driving and without warning the consumer had to drive a certain speed in order for the ajar indicator light or the alarm sound to come on, to let the consumer know the door or trunk was open. there was also no warning chime to let the driver know that occupants in the vehicle released the seat belts. *ak after the vehicle was placed in drive, it would take about two vehicle lengths before the gong sounds, the fuel sending unit was inoperative and caused the vehicle to stall, at the time the vehicle showed a half a tank, there was a loud popping that had come from the center of the vehicle, the vehicle jumped between gear(1st to 2nd gear and would jerk), the remote key wouldn't work, the left rear seat belt would not extend, the vehicle would crank but wouldn't start, the vehicle alarm was too sensitive, and the right rear door's full shade did not retract. *scc the fuse in the glove box was loose. *jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 07/05/2009 | 75000 | 1 | |
| Engine overheating warning sounded. looked at indicator and it was all the way in the red. pulled over immediately. 30 seconds later the radiator blew with the force of an explosion, shooting coolant about five feet across the street even though the hood was down. opened hood and found a hole in top of radiator, more than an inch in diameter. i would have opened hood before it blew so i came within half a minute of being badly burned. my mechanic said it happens regularly with bmw 525's. he said it happens around 80,000 miles. my car had 75,000 miles. mechanic said he testified in a case a few years ago where an owner was badly burned. he had a box with a bunch of pieces of radiators that had failed. i kept my radiator as evidence. none of the hoses failed but the radiator blew a hole out of the top. it is made of plastic and is only about an eight of an inch thick. i would expect that any point of connection such as a hose or a seal would bust under pressure before the radiator itself would fail. i'd never heard of such a thing happening in 30 years of driving. i believe this is a dangerous design defect, either in the material used or it's thickness. though the repair cost almost a thousand dollars i felt lucky because i knew that i opened the a half minute earlier i could have been extremely badly burned or evened blinded. the force of the explosion was incredible. i'm less concerned about the money than about somebody being seriously injured by this defect. *tr | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN | |||
| 10/24/2001 | |||
| While driving smelled rubber burning. then consumer noticed smoke coming from under the hood. she pulled over and shut off engine. ther ewa sno fire. consumer had cooling fan replaced 4 weeks ago. vehicle towed to dealer who determined it was cooling system failure. *ak | |||
| EQUIPMENT - ELECTRICAL | |||
| 06/19/2003 | 21000 | 11 | 03/08/2003 |
| While driving and without warning the consumer had to drive a certain speed in order for the ajar indicator light or the alarm sound to come on, to let the consumer know the door or trunk was open. there was also no warning chime to let the driver know that occupants in the vehicle released the seat belts. *ak after the vehicle was placed in drive, it would take about two vehicle lengths before the gong sounds, the fuel sending unit was inoperative and caused the vehicle to stall, at the time the vehicle showed a half a tank, there was a loud popping that had come from the center of the vehicle, the vehicle jumped between gear(1st to 2nd gear and would jerk), the remote key wouldn't work, the left rear seat belt would not extend, the vehicle would crank but wouldn't start, the vehicle alarm was too sensitive, and the right rear door's full shade did not retract. *scc the fuse in the glove box was loose. *jb | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | |||
| 06/04/2009 | 80000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 bmw 525i. the contact stated that the headlights were abnormally pointed downward and was causing ineffective illumination of the roadway. the contact stated that the adjusters were fractured and the headlight could not be adjusted. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they confirmed the failure. the entire headlight casing was replaced. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 80,000. kmj | |||
| 06/04/2009 | 80000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 bmw 525i. the contact the hella headlights point downward and the lights are no longer affective. the contact adjusters break and the headlight cannot be adjusted. the contact stated the entire headlight casing replaced. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they confirmed the failure. the vin was available. the failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 80,000.rl | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP | |||
| 06/19/2003 | 21000 | 11 | 03/08/2003 |
| While driving and without warning the consumer had to drive a certain speed in order for the ajar indicator light or the alarm sound to come on, to let the consumer know the door or trunk was open. there was also no warning chime to let the driver know that occupants in the vehicle released the seat belts. *ak after the vehicle was placed in drive, it would take about two vehicle lengths before the gong sounds, the fuel sending unit was inoperative and caused the vehicle to stall, at the time the vehicle showed a half a tank, there was a loud popping that had come from the center of the vehicle, the vehicle jumped between gear(1st to 2nd gear and would jerk), the remote key wouldn't work, the left rear seat belt would not extend, the vehicle would crank but wouldn't start, the vehicle alarm was too sensitive, and the right rear door's full shade did not retract. *scc the fuse in the glove box was loose. *jb | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | |||
| 07/05/2002 | 1 | 12/01/2001 | |
| Gas gauge did not work. vehicle ran out of gas while indicator showed 1/8 of a tank. gas indicator light never came on to show that fuel was low. also, almost had an accident because vehicle stopped suddenly with no warning.*ak fuel gauge was replaced. *tt | |||
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | |||
| 07/16/2007 | 48000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 bmw 525i. the driver's seat controls make a squeaking noise when moving the seat. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was not repaired. the dealer stated that there was something in the seat track, which caused the noise. when the contact locks the vehicle, the alarm sounds, but the horn would not. the failure caused the battery to fail when this occurred overnight. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they replaced the sensor; however, the failure persisted. in addition, the keys do not lock or unlock the driver's side door. the contact was informed that he needed a new module, which has not yet arrived. the failure mileage was 48,000. | |||
| OTHER | |||
| 06/19/2003 | 21000 | 11 | 03/08/2003 |
| While driving and without warning the consumer had to drive a certain speed in order for the ajar indicator light or the alarm sound to come on, to let the consumer know the door or trunk was open. there was also no warning chime to let the driver know that occupants in the vehicle released the seat belts. *ak after the vehicle was placed in drive, it would take about two vehicle lengths before the gong sounds, the fuel sending unit was inoperative and caused the vehicle to stall, at the time the vehicle showed a half a tank, there was a loud popping that had come from the center of the vehicle, the vehicle jumped between gear(1st to 2nd gear and would jerk), the remote key wouldn't work, the left rear seat belt would not extend, the vehicle would crank but wouldn't start, the vehicle alarm was too sensitive, and the right rear door's full shade did not retract. *scc the fuse in the glove box was loose. *jb | |||
| POWER TRAIN | |||
| 06/19/2003 | 21000 | 11 | 03/08/2003 |
| While driving and without warning the consumer had to drive a certain speed in order for the ajar indicator light or the alarm sound to come on, to let the consumer know the door or trunk was open. there was also no warning chime to let the driver know that occupants in the vehicle released the seat belts. *ak after the vehicle was placed in drive, it would take about two vehicle lengths before the gong sounds, the fuel sending unit was inoperative and caused the vehicle to stall, at the time the vehicle showed a half a tank, there was a loud popping that had come from the center of the vehicle, the vehicle jumped between gear(1st to 2nd gear and would jerk), the remote key wouldn't work, the left rear seat belt would not extend, the vehicle would crank but wouldn't start, the vehicle alarm was too sensitive, and the right rear door's full shade did not retract. *scc the fuse in the glove box was loose. *jb | |||
| SEAT BELTS | |||
| 06/19/2003 | 21000 | 11 | 03/08/2003 |
| While driving and without warning the consumer had to drive a certain speed in order for the ajar indicator light or the alarm sound to come on, to let the consumer know the door or trunk was open. there was also no warning chime to let the driver know that occupants in the vehicle released the seat belts. *ak after the vehicle was placed in drive, it would take about two vehicle lengths before the gong sounds, the fuel sending unit was inoperative and caused the vehicle to stall, at the time the vehicle showed a half a tank, there was a loud popping that had come from the center of the vehicle, the vehicle jumped between gear(1st to 2nd gear and would jerk), the remote key wouldn't work, the left rear seat belt would not extend, the vehicle would crank but wouldn't start, the vehicle alarm was too sensitive, and the right rear door's full shade did not retract. *scc the fuse in the glove box was loose. *jb | |||
| 05/05/2003 | 0 | ||
| Took my 2002 bmw 525i to have its driver side rails replaced to bmw of peoria in illinois about 2 weeks ago. about 1 week later (around may 5) at a stop light a large allen type bolt fell and rolled to my feet. this bolt was to my lap seat belt which i was now holding in my hand! the bolt was never tightened properly and i had been driving like this for around 1 week assuming my seat belt would work when needed. bmw of peoria was informed of this the same day, it was fixed by the next day. i wrote to bmw-usa about this issue and the response was very low key. mostly that they apologize for the inconvenience and to talk with my service manager to get this issue fixed. i don't think they even read the letter which mentioned reminding bmw service of proper work. just writing in hopes that no one else runs into this life threatening situation. *nlm | |||
| SEAT BELTS - REAR - BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | |||
| 02/07/2006 | 90000 | 1 | 09/12/2004 |
| Passenger side rear safety belt receptacle is malfunctioning.*jb | |||
| SEATS | |||
| 07/16/2007 | 48000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 bmw 525i. the driver's seat controls make a squeaking noise when moving the seat. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was not repaired. the dealer stated that there was something in the seat track, which caused the noise. when the contact locks the vehicle, the alarm sounds, but the horn would not. the failure caused the battery to fail when this occurred overnight. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they replaced the sensor; however, the failure persisted. in addition, the keys do not lock or unlock the driver's side door. the contact was informed that he needed a new module, which has not yet arrived. the failure mileage was 48,000. | |||
| SEATS - FRONT ASSEMBLY - SEAT HEATER/COOLER | |||
| 12/01/2004 | 40000 | 1 | |
| While driving, the seat heater failed and consequently the consumer was burned. *jb | |||
| STRUCTURE | |||
| 11/22/2008 | 110000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 bmw 525i. the contact stated that due to the way the tire was mounted on the vehicle it was causing the tire to have a slow leak. this has ocurred intermittently for 2 years. the vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 110,000. the vin was unavailable. tb | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY | |||
| 02/28/2005 | 27206 | 1 | 08/10/2002 |
| The rear floor of my 2002 bmw(525i) has 2 inches of water, carpet soaked,mildew, the front carpet was soaked , drivers side(front) wetter than the passenger front .alexander bmw said they had no reports of this happening before, this must be a manufacture defect in the car. | |||
| 03/03/2004 | 24600 | 9 | 01/31/2002 |
| When parking the vehicle in a parking lot consumer noticed that the splash shield scrapped the concrete driveway when entering parking lot, and parking space block. this was causing the front bumper to bent, separating from the vehicle. the consumer notified the dealer and manufacturer about this problem. *ak *ts | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR | |||
| 06/19/2003 | 21000 | 11 | 03/08/2003 |
| While driving and without warning the consumer had to drive a certain speed in order for the ajar indicator light or the alarm sound to come on, to let the consumer know the door or trunk was open. there was also no warning chime to let the driver know that occupants in the vehicle released the seat belts. *ak after the vehicle was placed in drive, it would take about two vehicle lengths before the gong sounds, the fuel sending unit was inoperative and caused the vehicle to stall, at the time the vehicle showed a half a tank, there was a loud popping that had come from the center of the vehicle, the vehicle jumped between gear(1st to 2nd gear and would jerk), the remote key wouldn't work, the left rear seat belt would not extend, the vehicle would crank but wouldn't start, the vehicle alarm was too sensitive, and the right rear door's full shade did not retract. *scc the fuse in the glove box was loose. *jb | |||
| SUSPENSION - AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL (ASC) | |||
| 09/06/2004 | 30000 | 5 | |
| While going over a bump vehicle lost control and shook. consumer had to brake constantly to gain control. dealer was able to duplicate the problem. the bushings were found to have no fluid. however, the bushings were checked on previous visits ,and no defects were found.*ak | |||
| TIRES | |||
| 20000 | 1 | ||
| While driving front end vibrated. the dealership indicated that vehicle vibrated because the two front tires were cupping. the tires would have to be replaced to correct the problem.*ak | |||
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | |||
| 09/28/2011 | 187000 | ||
| I and numerous others have had problems with the instrument cluster pixel on the bmw 525i vehicles, which makes it extremely difficult to read whether you have a engine concerns or worse if the engine is overheating, etc. this could be potentially hazardous and the manufacturer is well aware of the problem, and they have even repaired a few bmws at no charge. however, when i notified the company of my complaint, they advised me that they would cover 25% of the parts and labor, and leave me to pay the remaining $452.00. as i mentioned earlier, this is a huge problem and the vehicles should be recalled. to see additional complaints from other bmw owners, please go to http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=419695. | |||
Car dealers selling
| State | City | Zip | Name | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA | HERMOSA BEACH | 90254 | SOUTH BAY BMW | 310 939 7300 |
| CA | LOS ANGELES | 90001 | NICK ALEXANDER IMPORTS | 3235831901 |
| FL | FORT LAUDERDALE | 33316 | LAUDERDALE IMPORT LTD. BMW |