2002 BMW M5 Consumer Reviews

The Real 4 Door Sports Car

Written by: silver02m5 on 09/23/2007

Vehicle

2002 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I bought it because there really is nothing else in its class. If you want a very fast and very comfortable big sedan with a 6 speed, this is your only choice. I owned an M3 before, and the M5 is much more comfortable/luxurious. The M5 does give up quite a bit of agility to the M3, but it makes up for that with the quiet and comfortable ride. Have a very thorough pre-purchase inspection done as there are some very expensive parts on this car. Look for a well-maintained car that was owned by an enthusiast. Reliability is very good for a car in this class, but you will be in for a surprise if you are not used to BMW maintenance/repair costs. They need all cooling parts replaced @ 5 years.

Favorite Features

Luxury /comfort (nice sound deadening, thick glass, comfortable seats, not rock-hard suspension, etc.), 6 speed manual, nimble for a car of this size, 19+ mpg in mixed driving, looks 10X better than the 540i.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability is pretty much middle-of-the-road (about like a GM, Ford, etc.) when compared to all other cars, but reliability is great when compared to other performance sedans (Maserati, Audi S6, Jaguar R, Mercedes AMG). Would be great if it were as reliable as a Honda, but then it would be a Honda.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Love this car...

Written by: will on 09/14/2006

Vehicle

2002 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

This is the most fun in four doors available. Service is expensive after factory maintenance ends. AC fan cost me $850, Clutch around $1200 but car is truly awesome. Seats are a bit tight for bigger guys.

Favorite Features

Power, power, power, it is a blast. Shifter is very smooth and positive, brakes are unbeatable.

Suggested Improvements

Wider seats, cup holders.

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Fun to Drive

Written by: Jim on 09/16/2005

Vehicle

2002 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I purchased the car with 22k miles on it. The previous owner had taken good care of it. The car handles well and has lots of power. Driving in rush hour traffic can be a pain with the 6- speed manual. Dealership has been execllent with service. This car is as powerful as the 1998 Corvette I owned, yet has seating for 5. Insurance is costly (even for a 59 year old with a good driving record). Gas mileage average is about 18 mpg around town, which is great for a car with this kind of power. Extremely quiet and tightly put together. Has a great looking understated appearence. Probably the best car I have ever owned.

Favorite Features

Power, looks, quality interior--A sports car that provides comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Need to have a spare tire, or come standard with run flats. Radio reception is not as good as my Ford. Poor cup holders need improvement. A seven speed automatic would be nice for use in traffic. Of course an extre 100 horseys would not hurt.

0 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great car, but fragile

Written by: Kim P on 08/07/2005

Vehicle

2002 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I bought the car as a CPO and the clutch went out one week later and I had to fight with the dealership to replace it under warranty! The clutch is a known weak link on the M5. Beware: it's the same as the clutch on the "regular" 5-series cars. I hope BMW upgrades the clutch on the 2007 manual M5. The performance is amazing and rivals my Corvette, but this car seats 5! I love the way the exhaust sounds on start up and under full acceleration! I'm going to have to upgrade the suspension to get it to handle like the Vette though.

Favorite Features

Looks, performance, 394-hp Sedan, 6- speed manual. The seats are very comfortable too. Smooth ride; it's easy to go very fast and not realize it.

Suggested Improvements

Real cupholders (but who needs them in this car anyway?), BETTER CLUTCH, less BS from BMW service advisors about what's covered under the maintanence and warranty programs.

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Best of both worlds

Written by: City Guy on 07/15/2005

Vehicle

2002 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

This car is the best of both worlds. Luxury and performance unlike most any other car. It fall under the category of "if you have the means..." Sounds great just pulling out of the garage.

Favorite Features

Acceleration that you never get tired of. Interior is quality. Looks like a 5 series on steriods.

Suggested Improvements

Better cup holders. More than one plug for accessories (phone and radar detector at least).

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

M5

Written by: the thailander on 11/23/2004

Vehicle

2002 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

A true sports car w/ 4 doors. I love almost everything about this car. Fast, nimble, and stealthly!

Favorite Features

Looks, wheels, engine, seats, every performance feature.

Suggested Improvements

1. Cup holders are a joke, 2. Trunk too small, 3. Foldable rear seats optional on a $75,000 car?!, 4. Small fuel tank, 5. Stereo system unbecoming of an expensive car, 6. Bushings wear out quickly.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

The Best I Have Ever Owned

Written by: Sptbike on 03/20/2004

Vehicle

2002 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Of all of the high line vehicles that I have had the pleasure of owning or driving, the M5 is the very best of the best. It is a highly versitile automobile... The proverbial wolf in sheeps clothing. It nicely transports 5 adults in stunning luxury, and at the same time will play competitively with any other vehicle (including sportbikes) on the road. It is absolutely amazing on tight country roads.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Best Sports Sedan Ever

Written by: Amazingmed on 02/24/2004

Vehicle

2002 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

The 2002 BMW M5 is perfect for the family person in need of 5 seats but who quitely longs for a 2 seat screamer like an 911 turbo. The only knock I have on the car is that it does things almost two effortlessly. The steering is a touch light and you are insulated to some degree from its raw power by its size. Simply the best of the best sedans.

Favorite Features

Life of luxury wrapped into a hot rod.

Suggested Improvements

A few more horses could not hurt. I would also like more road-feel in the steering department.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Just the best

Written by: indoctrin8ed on 11/16/2003

Vehicle

2002 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Does everything well; blisteringly fast, yet civilized and very comfortable. V8 toque with a poweband wide enough to let you start off in 6th gear if you want to. "Fun to drive" just doesn't get any better. Friendly to the traffic cops too.

Favorite Features

400 horsepower in a four door sedan. the BMW lover's favorite BMW.

Suggested Improvements

Better cupholders. Automatic all- window opening feature on remote needs to work to also do the reverse. Make the spedo accurte, not 4% over.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

I Couldn't Agree More...

Written by: Paul-MD on 11/01/2003

Vehicle

2002 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Next best previously owned car was a 91- 300Z Turbo; great car, but no comparison to the M5. The M5 Driving Experience in SC really helped to learn about controlling THE BEAST. Perfect choice for the family, 4-doors, luxury, safety, luggage (split-folddown seats) and daily drive. Better choice for me when I have a need for speed!!

Favorite Features

DSC (lifesaver), Power, performance, handling, braking, silky-smoothness, DSP-stereo, NAV system, stealth and OHHHH that SOUND OF THE V8 RUMBLE!! It really freaks people out, not coming from an American muscle care.

Suggested Improvements

Too Pricey. Drinks oil. Electronics- better integration of the phone & computer/stereo system--improve the antenna boost; Add a key-pad for fast dialing of the phone, without removal from the cradle. NOTHING ELSE!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post